Too Tired To Say No? Here’s How To Stop
Take a moment for yourself—try saying no to one request and feel the difference!
Hey there, how you doing? I hope you’re alright, well and warm.
This is an earlier edition of Refreshment than normal, given how the week to come is all “ho ho ho” and Christmas dinners. If you’re new here, Refreshment is a timeout from the daily grind. Let’s get on with the show.
In Trays, we share suggestions for entertainment from beyond the norm.
Christmas can be a stressful time for many of us—plus it’s cold—so what better way to escape it all than to be transported to a totally different world? Rose Island will do you just that, whisking you away to a fascinating bit of history that you may not know about.
Based on a true story, Rose Island takes us back to 1968, when, after coming across an ad about an oil platform, Italian engineer Giorgio Rosa is inspired to build something similar and—turn it into a country! Yep! From May 1968 to February 1969, Rose Island was a brand new nation, off the coast of Italy.
Quite a small country, admittedly—being only 400 square metres (or two tennis courts placed side by side). I don’t want to spoil just how Giorgio goes about turning his little platform into something greater, or how his immediate neighbour (aka Italy) responds.
Beyond the absurdity of it all, this film speaks to all of us who’ve ever dreamt of escaping the chaos of modern life—and just living off-grid somewhere undisturbed. You know, the ‘I’ll go live on a desert island’ type of thoughts. For all its funny moments, Rose Island is rooted in serious themes, as well, making it a well-rounded watch.
If you enjoy learning about history, love comedies, or just want something engaging without being too heavy, hit play on Rose Island.
Here’s the trailer: Rose Island Trailer
In Brick Language, we make space for what matters.
We’ve all been there, right? The feeling of being stretched too thin, with requests coming at us from every direction. But somehow, when we should be saying no, because we’re stressed, we actually don’t. Instead, we say things like: “I don’t want to disappoint anyone,” “It would be rude to say no,” “What if they think I’m ungrateful?” “If I say no, they’ll be upset with me.” These thoughts go round in our heads, convincing us that saying yes is the only option—even when we’re completely overwhelmed, even exhausted.
Another thing that can stop us from saying no, is our natural instinct to want to help someone out. After all, helping others is a good thing, right? “Just one more task, it won’t take long.” But here’s the catch: by not saying no when you should be, you’re putting yourself last. You’re indirectly telling yourself—and everyone else—that your needs, health, and well-being aren’t as important. You’re helping everyone out—except you.
Sure, you don’t want to be thought of as bad, for saying no. But is being stressed out really worth the fear of upsetting someone? Not being at your best does more harm than good. And honestly, what’s the worst that could happen if you said no, for a change? Your family who drops a sudden errand on you, a boss who schedules a last-minute shift without advanced warning, etc, will just have to find another option instead. Saying no isn’t about ignoring people’s pleas, it’s about protecting yourself.
This week, I challenge you to turn down a request that’s being made of you. It doesn’t have to be a major task—it could be something small, like turning down an extra shift or skipping a meal you don’t want to go to. Just say, “No, I can’t,” or “Thanks for the offer, but no.” Whatever it is, however awkward it might feel, remind yourself that you’re doing this for you—for your health, peace of mind, and self-respect. You deserve to put yourself first.
In It’s Curtains, we say a fond farewell to the many wonders that have helped bring us together.
It’s hard to believe, but it’s time to say goodbye to a place that held so much warmth and memory for many—that of, Borders, the bookstore. Though it’s been gone for a few years now, it deserves a bit of attention. It wasn’t like a regular bookshop. It was more than just a place to pick up the latest novel. It was somewhere that wasn’t quite home or work. It was a place to meet friends that wasn’t a pub, and somewhere to grab a coffee that wasn’t a café.
For me, the Tottenham Court Road branch in London was a magical place. Spread over four floors, you could spend an entire afternoon there, flipping magazines on the ground floor, browsing records on the top floor, with books galore in between, and cakes and coffee for the stomach rumbling.
Borders didn’t turn you away, if you turned up just for the coffee, the cosy sofas, or to read for a bit. It wasn’t snooty like traditional bookstores can be, where you have to be there ‘for the books’ and nothing else. Even though it was often packed with people, there was always a quiet, peaceful atmosphere, kinda like a buzzing public library. The wooden shelves gave it a comforting, natural feel, while the natter of friends over latte gave it a feeling of community. It was the perfect place to take a moment for yourself, rain or shine.
So, we say thank you and goodbye to Borders, this home away from home. Though it’s gone, it’s a reminder of the power of a good bookshop.
And finally, we address an awkward situation.
So you’ve had a few drinks with your mates and suddenly—the conversation dies. Oh no. It was animated a second ago, but now it’s all confused looks. Unless someone restarts the conversation quick, awkwardness is going to set in real bad. If this circumstance ever happens to you, just say this sentence, and all will be well again.
Will you give a try the next time you’re stuck? Would love to know how it goes.
Thank you for reading today’s Refreshment.
If you haven’t already, please take a moment to tell your mates about us and have ‘em come onboard. Because remember: together, the merrier.