An Enlightened No is a Big YES!
We learn early in life the meaning associated with YES and NO. Much of it had to do with our emotional connection to reward or denial. Those two little words still trigger us today.
Reflect back to childhood. The reply NO was usually upsetting, even a grave disappointment. It left us defeated and powerless. "Mommy, can I have a cookie?" "NO, it is too close to dinner." "Dad, can I go play basketball?" "NO, you need to do your chores."
Use your whole body intelligence. If you get a resonating YES, then hallelujah. If it is anything else, employ one of your superpowers: the Enlightened No.
As adults we have a hard time seeing a NO as an opportunity. The job we didn't get or a soured relationship leaves us with the interpretation that we didn't get what we wanted, or there is something wrong with us. Every experience connects to the ones that follow. One day we look back and understand how that particular job was never really a good fit and the "No" brought us down the path to a better one.
If someone asked you "Want to grab a drink after work?" and you really want to go for a walk instead, use your Enlightened No. Create a YES for your walk, your health, your peace of mind.
Make choices that are congruent with what you want and align with your needs. Start using your inner Enlightened No and see what happens. I imagine you'll be smiling a whole lot more!