In this episode, I talk about why it is important to say no (particularly at this time of year, when the holidays are upon us, as well as finals/end of the semester if you are in the academic or teaching world). I talk about Brene Brown's phrase, "clear is kind, unclear is unkind" and how we think that saying yes when we mean no (or just don't have time) is kind when really the opposite is true. If you know you are going to say no later, just say no now, it is better for you AND the person you are saying no to! I also mention the idea of future you (from both Glennon Doyle and Dr. Laurie Santos from the Happiness Lab), that when you are saying yes, think of future you as the same as current you- that is, not way smarter, faster at working, with a ton more energy- and if you wouldn't say yes to the thing today, don't say yes to it next week or next year! Action item: go through your schedule for the week and if there is something you know you can't do, say no now rather than waiting for later! Finally, I am going on sabbatical next spring, so this will be my last episode until Fall 2024 when I have students again!