When to say no

To others

Although it may be unintentional, the opinions of others can be dream stealers. If you have a dream and are convinced of its value in your life, then ignore those that say you cannot do it. Pursue your dream with all your heart, because that is where passion and life can be found.

To temptation

Have you ever noticed how temptation doesn't hang around very long when you firmly say no? Temptation, like the vampire that it can be, needs an invitation to stay around.

To yourself

Everyone I have ever known, including myself, is excellent at the mind bending trick call rationalization. We can twist our thoughts around so much that we convince ourselves of just about anything. But check out the word rationalize. In this case what it really means is to convince yourself of rational lies.

To stress and anxiety

Here is a riddle for you. What do a VCR, DVD and a human being all have in common. The answer is all three have a pause button. I'm convinced we use ours much less than we use the ones on our electronics.

Instead of reacting to the stress in your life, hit the pause button long enough to consider how you would like to respond instead of react.