Reclaim your Energy this NOvember (PART 2)

Welcome back! 
If you missed part 1, you can find it here to soak up the goodness within. I wanted to incite you to dive deeper into the transformative practice of saying NO and reclaiming your energy with grace and intention.

As the festive season approaches, the expectations and invitations start rolling in. It can feel like a whirlwind of obligations—work deadlines, holiday prep, social gatherings and family traditions. What if you approached this season differently? What if you gave yourself permission to pause, breathe, and choose what truly aligns with your energy?

When faced with invitations or requests, try the nourishing practice and ask yourself these three questions:

Does this align with my values and priorities?

Will this drain or replenish my energy?

Am I saying yes out of joy or obligation?

These questions can guide you to make choices that honor your time, energy, and well-being as we move into the busiest time of the year.

“The key is not to prioritise what’s on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities.”Stephen Covey

Let this wisdom remind you that your time is a precious resource, and how you choose to spend it shapes the quality of your life.

With a new month comes a new energy—one that invites introspection, balance, and renewal. Rather than just about saying no; NOvember is about creating space for what matters most. Here are a few truths to carry with you:

Saying no is a boundary, not a betrayal. It’s an act of self-love, not selfishness.

Each no is a yes to something else. By declining what drains you, you’re embracing what fuels your joy and growth.

No is a complete sentence. It requires no justification. It’s your right to set boundaries without guilt or over-explaining.

Your energy is sacred. Treat it like a treasure, spending it wisely and only on what aligns with your values.

The power of no is the power of presence. By saying no to distractions, you create space to be fully engaged with the people and moments that matter most.

Rest is productive. Saying no to over-scheduling allows you to recharge and show up as your best self.

Your worth is not defined by how much you do. There is no need to say yes in order to prove your value or earn love and appreciation.

Imagine entering the holiday season with your energy intact, your calendar intentional, and your heart full of joy. It’s possible, and it starts with a single, conscious no.

Before you dive into setting boundaries, let’s identify what might be draining you.

Here are four signs it is time for you to say no:
You feel resentment or dread.That sinking feeling toward a task or commitment is a clear indicator it’s time to let go.

You say yes out of guilt or fear. Agreeing to things just to avoid disappointing others often leads to burnout.

You feel overwhelmed or exhausted. If you struggle to remember the last time you had a moment for yourself, it is time to reassess.

You are distracted from your true priorities. Is your to-do list keeping you from what truly matters? If so, it’s time to realign.

Saying no can feel challenging at first, especially if you are used to people-pleasing.

Here are 5 ways to support and guide you to start setting boundaries with grace.

Pause Before Responding: When someone asks for your time or help, take a moment to reflect. This helps you respond from a place of clarity rather than obligation.

Keep It Simple and Kind: A straightforward response like, “That doesn’t work for me right now,” is enough. Avoid over-explaining—your boundary doesn’t require justification.

Focus on the Positives: Each no creates room for what lights you up—rest, joy, connection, or growth. Celebrate the space you are creating.

Let Go of Guilt: Remember that honouring your needs is an act of kindness to yourself and others. When you are well-rested and energised, you show up with more love and presence.

Offer Alternatives (If It Feels Right): Suggesting another way to help or a different time can feel empowering—but only if it aligns with your energy and capacity.

“You can’t pour from an empty cup. Take care of yourself first.” – Unknown

This simple truth underscores the importance of self-care. By preserving your energy, you are better equipped to show up fully for the people and commitments that truly matter.

There are 15 days left this November, I invite you to a simple yet powerful challenge:

Say no once a day.

Whether it’s declining an unnecessary obligation, setting a boundary with your time or simply giving yourself permission to rest, notice how each no feels.

Does it bring relief? Clarity? Empowerment?

For years, I struggled with saying no.

I feared disappointing others and believed my worth was tied to how much I could give.

Over time, I graciously learned that saying yes to everything only left me feeling exhausted and disconnected from my own values.

Learning to say no was and is transformative.

Each boundary I set felt like a small act of reclaiming my energy. Now, every no I choose to say comes from a place of alignment and self-respect.

Saying no is not always easy, but it is always, and I mean always worth it.

As you move through this month, let November be a time of renewal and realignment.
By saying no to what drains you, you are creating so much more space for what lights you up—the people, moments and all the experiences that bring joy and meaning to your life.

So, I ask you: What are you saying no to this November?

Let’s embrace this NOvember with clarity, intention, and a sense of freedom.
Together, we can step into the end of the year feeling grounded, grateful, and ready for all the wild, wonderful adventures ahead.