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<\/a>\nN is for NO!<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n
What was one of the first words an infant learns to say and master? My contention is it\u2019s the word, \u201cNO!\u201d Of course, I\u2019m speculating here. We love to be proud of our babies when we hear them first say \u201cmama\u201d or \u201cdada\u201d. Actually I think one of my son\u2019s first words was \u201cturtul\u201d(turtle). Though each of these is very cute and loving, nothing compares to when they master the word, \u201cNo\u201d and they learn that it is a word of power. That\u2019s it for you as a parent; you are destined to hear it over and over again for the next few years. That\u2019s probably because it is a word you use exclusively to tell them wrong from right. The only other power word I can remember that was used by a baby might have been the word, \u201cmore!\u201d Neither word was used in a questioning way. It was always a demand.<\/p>\n When I was in third grade a new student entered my class mid-year. He was from Israel. All I can remember of his first day coming to class with his mother was this argument between mother and child. I understood none of the Hebrew, however, in between those Hebrew words yelled by the boy to his mom was, \u201cNO!, NO!, NO!\u201d Clearly the word \u201cNo\u201d transcends a multitude of languages. Fyi – That boy became one of my best friends growing up.<\/p>\n As we age, some of us tend to relinquish the use of our \u201cNos\u201d In some instances, it is due to common courtesy or kindness. Someone asks you, \u201cWould you help me with this problem?\u201d Where inside you may want to say, \u201cNo, not really, I just sat down,\u201d outwardly you say, \u201cSure, what can I do to help?\u201d The power of empathy, compassion, and just making others happy, overpowers that \u201cNo\u201d instinct from your youth. And let\u2019s not leave out those that don\u2019t relinquish their \u201cNos\u201d. They remain steadfast in believing that others don\u2019t matter. \u201cNo, I won\u2019t help you. I\u2019m only in it for myself.\u201d These are the power brokers, the politicians, the money grabbers, etc. These are the ones that usually only see one side of the coin. I\u2019m sure you\u2019ve come across some of them. I leave you with at least one exception to my reasoning for responding And, No, I\u2019m not going to write any more on this topic. But feel free to comment back to me. I\u2019ve got other writing that I need to do.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" N is for NO! What was one of the first words an infant learns to say and master? My contention is it\u2019s the word, \u201cNO!\u201d Of course, I\u2019m speculating here. We love to be proud of our babies when … Continue reading <\/a><\/p>\n
\nAnd then there are those that lose their capacity to use their \u201cNo\u201d due to fear, cultural bias, embarrassment, or the feeling of being powerless. Being forced to do something they really don\u2019t want to do, whether it is being sexually assaulted, committing crimes, joining bad groups, etc. That one powerful word, that we learned so early in life becomes trapped in a cage that cannot be opened.<\/p>\n
\nBut \u201cNo\u201d still can be that powerful, meaningful word that we grew up with when used judicially and appropriately. \u201cNo, I don\u2019t feel that\u2019s safe.\u201d \u201cNo, that\u2019s not appropriate.\u201d \u201cNo, I won\u2019t do that to someone else.\u201d \u201cI said, No. Now get away from me.\u201d
\nAnd in those instances and others, the correct response should be, \u201cYes, I accept what you say and will do as you ask.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nYes\u201d to \u201cNo\u201d as I have suggested. I\u2019m sure some may disagree with me and that there are probably more exceptions. My exception involves giving aid and comfort. When someone confides in you or you are aware that they intend harm to themselves or others, and they say to you, \u201cNo, leave me alone.\u201d I believe that your \u201cNo\u201d trumps there\u2019s, \u201cNo, I can\u2019t do that.\u201d is the correct response.<\/p>\n