Skip to main content

Just say NO

Remember when you went through the DARE program in fifth grade? Do images of bright T-shirts, free donuts and awkward officers flood your mind?

One thing an individual can never forget about the DARE program is the phrase "Just Say NO!"

We probably should never forget what the acronym stands for either but I found myself asking a nearby colleague (that also grew up in the 90's) just seconds ago...oops. For those of you that are like me and forget pieces of information that don't affect your daily life or well, affect you right NOW...it stands for Drug Awareness and Resistance Education. Don't you feel a little smarter just having read the first quarter of this 101st blog?

I don't need to be reminded to say NO to drugs (usually). I could however use a reminder from time to time to say NO to other things...like people. Why is it so hard for some of us to say that tiny two-letter word? I was recently asked the following question: Would you rather have someone's acceptance or approval? My answer: Both.(Then I followed it with a "Duh")

After taking a moment to think the question through, I decided there is a difference between the two desired words. Turns out, I'd rather have acceptance, and if someone won't give it (their own limitations obviously being the issue!) I'd settle for their approval. I got to thinking about all of this yesterday when I did it...

I bit the bullet.
I grabbed the bull by the horns (and I don't mean leaving my shoes out in the living room)...
I said NO! In most cases I don't even say the word. I usually use what I call an "Actually..." statement. It often goes something like this: "Actually I have to..." or "Actually I was thinking..." Actually is safe, No is scary. One day at a time, I'm improving my Just Say No skills.

Thanks DARE.


Labels:

Comments

Rowdy said…
the most dangerous three letter word is 'yes'
June 7, 2009 at 11:24 PM
Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

A Quarter-Century

Today I turned 25. It seemed a little anti-climactic since I've been celebrating for the past 48 hours (life is just so hard). Being that my birthday usually falls on Labor day weekend I tend to do that. I started out Saturday with a typical San Diegan social event...beach followed by bar. Now that I'm OLD, I didn't get drunk and hung-over the next morning, instead I was what one might call balanced and had two margaritas (that were of course purchased for me, gotta love birthdays), an ice cream cone, and a good night's sleep. Holla. Sunday was the fam party which consisted of close friends, fam and OC-tastic BBQin. Since today is a Monday, and NOT Labor Day, it happens to be the first day of school. That may have been a bummer to some but to me all I can say is THANK GOD! A little structure never hurt anybody! Especially a yellow, ESFP, ADHD, Virgo! You'll have to excuse the overload on references...Color Code, Meyers Briggs Personality Test and of course the ...
1 comment
Read more

Here's why I shouldn't have a dog

This week I'm babysitting...a dog. Notice I didn't say dog sitting. The first time I watched her she was a puppy, an "untrained" puppy. That means she did her business all over my apartment, for an entire week. The positive reinforcement give-her-a-treat-when-rarely pooping-outside trick was not successful. Since I was teaching a two week Yoga and writing course at the time, with flexible hours, I figured the availability to come home at lunch, take her back to school with me etc would make for an easy week. False. As those of you who've followed my previous dating life have already concluded, I'm not too quick of a learner. And so, I committed to babysitting this dog again. I'm on Summer break, why wouldn't I have a dog with me...all day long? One that is no longer under 20 pounds especially. In the past 24 hours I've decided I should NEVER have a dog because of the following reasons: 1. The noise created by said dog chewing a bone makes me wa...
2 comments
Read more

This ship's about to sail

Here in Man Diego there are a lot of...you guessed it, MEN! I've encountered a few. Although I've made some strides in my effort to leave behind "Blanket Statements" (which ironically can be shortened to B.S.) I still hold onto some of the reasonable ones. We've talked before, well I've written and you've read rather, about dating and the inevitable game of text messaging. Thanks to At&T's unlimited plan I haven't gone completely broke yet. Texting is by far the #1 men's choice for communicating. Those fellas just love it. It's less effort than a call and seemingly more friendly than an email. My point is texting is where it's at. You better believe that if you're in your mid 20's anywhere remotely in the vicinity you will be utilizing this technological beast. I went on a date about 2 weeks ago with a "Nice" guy. Note: "Blog guy" existed somewhere in the middle of nice guy's stint. Remember m...
5 comments
Read more