Sometimes the world whispers a message so persistently—from our work, our relationships, even street signs—that it becomes impossible to ignore. Lately, that message has arrived with operatic flair, bold and unapologetic: the power of saying No. As a therapist and creative coach, I’ve seen how this single word can transform lives, restore boundaries, and awaken courage.

“To have empathy for the self, we must be able to say Yes — to our needs and desires. We also need to learn how to say No to our own self-harming or destructive behaviours.”