How precise! How crisp!

The art of gracefully saying NO to non-essential things can unlock incredible power to say YES to what truly matters.

Back in 2010, I found myself overwhelmed by overcommitment. Despite being busy, I wasn’t growing, and a sense of stagnation set in. My path had become predictable because I was doing things the same way for years, not paying attention to changes around me, and delaying my own growth. That’s when I chose to pause, reflect, and reevaluate. It was easy to stay in my comfort zone, but real stability came from holding firm to my decision to change direction. Going with the flow was tempting, but I chose to navigate the course myself, and that made all the difference. By stepping back to assess, I gained the clarity and focus I needed to move forward more intentionally.

Why? Think of using a magnifying glass. If you hold it too close, the object becomes blurry. But if you pull it back, suddenly everything is clear again.

As you prepare for the empty-nesting stage, life is no different. Your priorities and expectations are like the tiny details under that magnifying glass, and sometimes, it’s essential to step back and refocus before saying YES to new commitments. The transition into this new phase can bring countless opportunities, but by intentionally choosing where to focus your time and energy, you can create a more fulfilling path ahead.

I invite you to write your moment of saying NO that allowed you to keep the main thing THE main thing?