For some of us, including me, saying “no” can be challenging. We want to help and please, sometimes to our own detriment. I personally believe that most of us are way to busy these days and not honoring the time and space needed for ourselves to stay grounded and whole.

It’s important to be clear when enough is enough for you and honor those boundaries. And so, I thought I would share 50 ways that we can say no in a graceful and respectful way.

But first, I have a some tips that will help you say no successfully:

• Be Truthful – making up excuses will never feel in alignment with your integrity
• Be Firm – don’t be overly apologetic or speak hesitantly
• Be Clear – use language that can be understood easily to avoid miscommunication
• Be Respectful – understand the other person’s perspective without taking it personally
• Be Succinct – extra talk or details only gives the other person more opportunities to challenge you
• Be Proud – it takes courage to honor your boundaries

And now, on to the 50 ways that can help you say no gracefully:

1. No thanks, I won’t be able to make it.
2. Not this time.
3. Sorry, I wouldn’t be able to give it the attention it deserves.
4. It’s really kind of you to think of me, but I’m stretched pretty thin right now.
5. Unfortunately, it’s not a good time.
6. I have to focus on … now instead.
7. Sorry, I’m just not up for that right now.
8. I have some (or too many) of those already.
9. What if we did something else instead?
10. Maybe another time.
11. Sounds great, but I can’t commit.
12. I’m decluttering and not accepting more things right now.
13. Sorry! I’m having trouble remembering my family and have to say no.
14. No thanks, I have another commitment.
15. I can’t now, what about next week?
16. I’m not able to make that time.
17. Thanks, but no thanks.
18. Why don’t we …. instead?
19. It isn’t something that feels right for me, but I can put you in touch with …
20. It’s a busy month, let me check my calendar.
21. My husband would kill me if I agreed to one more thing.
22. I’ve got too much on my plate right now.
23. I’d love to, but I am already committed.
24. I’m not taking on anything else right now.
25. I wish I could make it work, but I can’t.
26. It’s just not possible at this time.
27. If only I could!
28. I’d love to, but can’t.
29. Darn! Not able to fit it in.
30. I’m slammed.
31. Perhaps next season when things clear up.
32. I’m at the end of my rope right now so have to take a rain check.
33. I’ll need to bow out this time
34. I’m going to have to exert my NO muscle on this one.
35. I’m taking some time for myself.
36. Thanks for thinking of me, but I can’t.
37. I’m not the right person for you on this one.
38. I’m learning to limit my commitments.
39. I’m not taking on new things at this time.
40. I’m doing less now in order to spend more time with my family.
41. No thank you, but it sounds lovely.
42. It sounds like you’re looking for something I’m not able to give right now.
43. Not now.
44. I’m trying to cut back.
45. I won’t be able to help this time.
46. If only I had a clone!
47. I’m not able to set aside the time needed.
48. I wish there were two of me!
49. I’m honored, but can’t.
50. It’s lovely, but I don’t have a place for it.

What do you think? If you have something you would like to add or a situation you would like an idea for you can share by commenting on this post. I would love to hear what you have to say.

And, if you would like the support of a caring and experienced Professional Coach with a situation in your life, you can contact me here.

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