5 things I'm learning from an experiment in saying, "No."

I'm in the middle of a week-long experiment to say, "No," to anything that is not already on my calendar. This experiment started as a result of an emotionally charged conversation I had with my husband last week when resentment came bubbling out of my heart, and I started reflecting on where it stemmed from.

My hypothesis was I was I was feeling frustrated and tired from being too busy with a fully booked calendar. I was over-giving in multiple areas of life and not feeling like I was receiving much in return. In an effort to be gentle and compassionate with myself (something I've been fostering for a couple of years in my life now), I decided to run an experiment around this hypothesis. I am on Day 6 of the Just Say No experiment. Here are 5 things I'm noticing.

1. The main person I need to say no to is myself.

2. I have an irresistible urge to offer help to others, even when they don't ask.

3. Me saying No can empower others to say Yes.

4. The first thoughts I have when I say No tend to be, "I'm lazy," and "I'm selfish."

5. I need a lot more practice at saying no, especially to myself.

It's a good thing I'm a curious person because my findings are leading to more questions.

Do you experience resentment from time to time? If so, what do you believe to be the cause of it? Do you have a hard time saying, "No" to others or yourself? I'd love to hear about your experiences in the comments.