I used to find it hard to say the word ‘No’ to people. As in, ‘No. It’s not okay for you to keep talking on the phone when you should be serving me.’ As in, ‘No. I’m not going to clean your dishes/clothes/car for you.’ As in, ‘No. I don’t want to come out tonight. I’d rather stay home and read a book.’ (That just sounds weird before you’re 40 years old. Even for an introvert.) But since I reached my forties I’ve been liberated. Whoo-hoo! The ‘no’ word just gets easier and easier. The important thing now is to remember to say it kindly.

Finding the courage to ask for what you want  – rather than doing what is expected of you – is very much the domain of the Strength card. Continue reading →