Welcome to Van Ryan Therapies

In our society the default answer to almost every question is often “Yes.” Advertising is often always geared towards getting us to say “Yes - I do need that.” We phrase our questions towards ultimately looking for a yes: 

“Would you like more coffee?”

 “Would you be interested in joining me for dinner?” 

“Would you help me move next week?” 

“Would you mind if I asked you a personal question?” 

“Do you love me?”

 With such a powerful default answer ingrained in us it can be very difficult to say anything else. This can often leave us feeling trapped, guilty, or beyond frustrated as a result. With such an expected and requested default answer “NO” has become one of the most powerful words we can use in life. If we can manage the guilt that often comes with it! With all this pressure though, overcoming this momentum for “Yes” can be incredibly difficult for all of us sometimes.

While it is still very important to make sure we are clear what we want to say yes to it is equally important, if not more so, to be clear when to say no. The reoccurring issue here is to be clear about what is important to us. Yes and no are equally viable and relevant answers in the appropriate circumstances - but may yield dramatically different results.

Saying yes when we really mean NO, can lead to resentment, frustration, confusion, and levels of personal dissatisfaction. So if understanding and applying the right answer is so important - how do we figure it out?

The most important step in figuring out which answer is right is to start off by understanding what is important to us. This can quite simply be done with a simple reflective process. Take a moment to slow down and sink into your body. Allow yourself to notice sensations in your body without seeking to change them. Relax and connect with your inner voice of knowledge. Now ask yourself a few simple questions about issues in your life. Notice how your body reacts. Is it energized? Does your body feel drained or depleted? One of those reactions will occur with Yes and the other with No in response to the question. Typically the response that energises us the most is the answer that is most relevant and thus the most important to us. All you need to do is notice the response and you will have the true answer.

So now that we have our Yes/No list of life - how do we apply it? That seems easier said than done sometimes. The reality is it all boils down to the simple issue of honesty. Are you ready, willing and able to be honest first with yourself and then with others? This can be the hardest step as well as the most liberating.

Try out the “NO” answer on something small at first. Maybe something as simple as “Would you like more coffee?” or some such similar question. Notice the contentment and satisfaction you feel in giving the honest answer or even just using the word! See where we can begin to apply that answer in ways that feel comfortable and empowering. Notice how your body reacts and feels more alive. Experiment with new questions and new opportunities.

Once you get comfortable with these easier answers then comes the hard part. How do you say no to something we already said yes to? While perhaps this is a bit more uncomfortable it is still the same technique of honesty. When speaking with honesty it is also important to speak with patience, compassion and understanding. Remember that what we are essentially doing is changing the message we have previously communicated. Do not allow guilt or shame to color the communication though. Speak clearly about your decision and the realization to change the answer.

People won't always like it or us when we give them a "NO" answer. After all we are trained in society to always be saying yes, even to things we don't want or want to do. As an equal human being in this world you are under no obligation to anybody to: help them move house, go to that birthday party, lend them money or even go on a date with them. We sacrifice our own happiness for the benefit of someone else's. If most people are doing this, is it any wonder so many people are unhappy? It begins with NO!