Giving the gift of 'No' for the Holidays

So many articles tell us women, and moms specifically that the only way not to be overwhelmed by demands on our time is to learn to say no. I used to think that I was good at this. I mean I have only ever been to one block club meeting and I will never have a good thank-you note record. Which, I have met with a certain level of acceptance.

I have also been enlightened to the fact that a ‘no’ to one thing is quite often a ‘yes’ to some thing else. Meaning that no being in the block club means that my Thursdays open and instead of pondering the moral fiber of each less than considerate dog owner, so I may focus on some other aspect of my life. It is what my economics professor called ‘opportunity cost’: its not just the hour of my life spent on dog poopy but also the hour lost that could have been spent on something else.

I prioritize, I decline, I trust that some else will organize the holiday cookie exchange this year and even if they do not do it well, Life. Will. Go. On.

I have not mastered the art of saying no. Skipping on the pooped lawn discussions are easy,