Follow up:

You have the liberty of choosing what you want to fill your plate up with at a buffet although I must admit that I have been amused by a few who take a bite off everything! We all have our unique preferences and appetite that somehow manage to find the right choice of dishes from the spread. In that manner, we do tend to refuse some dishes. The right to choose the food that you eat at a buffet does in more ways than one appear similar to the choices that are made in life.

1. You need to identify the choices that are good for you but don’t necessarily come in attractive packages. You know that the boiled broccoli and asparagus will do more good for your health than the fried potato wedges although the latter looks more tempting. So, it is always good to pause and think before making up your mind on issues that don’t seem to look too good from the outside but may hold greater value on the inside. Trust me, you would not want to miss out on these ones!

Example: No one fancies a trip to the dentist but you know that it sure helps to keep those teeth in good shape. Postponing the appointment for the 34th time is not going to make you feel any better when those cavities start to hurt.

2. It is ok to say ‘no’ when you know that you won’t like a particular food. Its best to avoid stuff that you know you won’t like or benefit from. Sometimes we all fear that refusing someone (especially when the person is a loved one) would hurt him or her. I used to accept any request that flew my way because I felt that I had to keep everyone in my life happy. Was I always happy when I obliged? No. There have been instances where I had to regret secretly while the other person would hardly be aware of my feelings or empathize. In such circumstances, it makes one wonder if it really was worth all the pain and discomfort.

You have the right to happiness as much as anyone else does and if you keep thinking that your refusal will hurt the other person, it most likely would. On the other hand, approach the situation from a positive perspective. Think before you speak. Try the ’sandwich’ technique. That way the person will notice the positive vibrations from the exterior far more than the ‘no’ in the middle.

Example: “I sure would love to come and spend the week with your family but I have a very busy week ahead. I will do my best to make up for this soon. I hope you understand.

Saying ‘no’ to some things in life is okay. There has to be a balance in everything. The entire Universe is spread before you so that you can choose from it. Make use of the free will that you have been blessed with to obtain the best that you can become.