"I give myself permission to set boundaries and say no when I need to.” - Rebecca Ann

Introduction:

Grieving is a deeply personal journey, yet somehow, it seems to invite a parade of unsolicited advice and expectations from others. People mean well, but their comments and questions can feel overwhelming, leaving you drained and, quite frankly, annoyed. This is where the Art of Saying No: Setting Boundaries After Loss becomes a vital part of your healing process. 

Let's talk about how saying no can actually be one of the most freeing and transformative steps you can take as you navigate life after loss.

Episode 14: The Art of Saying No - Setting Boundaries After Loss

Why Boundaries Matter After Loss

After a loss, your emotional and physical energy are precious resources. You're already carrying the heavy weight of grief, and the last thing you need is to overextended yourself for others.

Setting boundaries allows you to:

• Protect your time and energy.

• Focus on your healing without distractions.

• Prioritize what truly matters to you.

It's not about being rude or shutting people out - it's about making space for what you need. And sometimes, what you need is to simply say no.

My Journey to Learning the Art of Saying No

Let me share with you, I was terrible at this for a long time. I said yes to things I didn't want to do because I didn't want to hurt feelings or seem ungrateful. But here's the thing: every unnecessary yes left me feeling more exhausted. Eventually, I realized I wasn't doing anyone any favors, least of all myself.

For 15 months after my husband passed, I cocooned myself at home. The only people I interacted with were my immediate family, my step-kids, and the postman. Why? Because it felt easier to avoid being asked to do something than to have to muster the courage to say no. Sound familiar?

Looking back, I can see how much energy I saved by opting out of things I wasn't ready for. Now, three years on, I'm finally feeling ready to say yes to certain social settings. But the beauty of The Art of Saying No is that it taught me to only say yes when it feels right.

How to Master the Art of Saying No

If you're wondering where to start, here are a few tips to help you set boundaries:

• Be honest but kind. A simple "I'm not ready for that yet" is enough.

• Avoid over-explaining. You don't owe anyone a detailed reason. 

• Practice in low-stakes situations. Try saying no to something small first to build confidence. 

• Remember your why. Sayin no is about protecting your energy and prioritizing your healing.

The Benefits of Saying NO

When you embrace The Art of Saying No: Setting Boundaries After Loss, you'll find a sense of relief and empowerment. Saying no to things that don't sere your healing means saying yes to yourself. It creates space for the quiet moments, the necessary rest, and the personal growth you need to move forward.

This Weeks Actionable Step

Practice saying no to one thing this week that feels too overwhelming or draining. Your healing is a priority.

A Reminder for the Road

The next time someone asks you to do something you're not ready for, remember this: it's not selfish to say no - it's self care. Your grief, your rules. And that's the heart of The Art of Saying No: Setting Boundaries After Loss. 

You've got this.

Resources I Know You'll Love

Resource #1 | Redesign Your Life Membership Program - a transformative, supportive community designed specifically for women navigating life after loss. This is a private podcast, a space for growth, healing and transformation. You receive exclusive audio workshops and special episodes where we dive deeper into the 10 pillars of widowhood, including emotional wellbeing, financial stability, rediscovering identity, and more. Each workshop (6-7 episodes) is paced with actionable tools, compassionate guidance, and strategies to help you release what no longer serves you and redesign your life with hope and purpose.

Resource #2 | Widow Warrior Wear - Widow wear designed just for widows in this season of life. Our shop celebrates the strength and humor of widows with sassy slogans and empowering designs. Laugh, love, and wear your warrior spirit proudly as you journey through grief and re-design your life!

Resource #3 |Widow Wellness Kit- My Widow Wellness Kit is filled with handpicked products I've personally tried and tested as a widow navigating grief and healing. Each item has been chosen to help release stress, promote relaxation, and create moments of calm, offering practical tools I've found invaluable on my own journey - and now I'm sharing them with you.