No.

Two little letters making up one incredibly short and powerful word that I haven't used often enough since I was, like, two.

In my mind, the word "no" is a complete sentence. For me, and the majority of my overachieving friends, we have a complete incompetence for knowing how to use the word. Today, though, I learned its power.

Why is it that those of us who are the most busy, continue to say "Yes" to things? There are so many cool jobs out there to do, that I would love to do... I am only human and there are only twenty-four hours in my day. As someone who is near and dear to my heart used to say, "Two horses; one ass." I just never learned that lesson before...

Anyway, today I was asked to do a job. A lucrative one at that; high profile; challenging, yet fun; something I think many interpreters would absolutely fall over dead to have the chance to do. I don't mean to brag about being asked. The point is that considering the job, most interpreters (myself included) would say "Yes!!"

"No." It was the only word of response I gave when asked if I would do it. The person who asked me was completely gobsmacked that I turned it down.

"C'mon; it'll be fun! Just think!" she said.

"No." Simple. No explanations or excuses. Just, no.

"But it's a couple of weeks away and you'll have plenty of time to get ready!"

"No." I must admit, it got easier each time I said it. I had a million reasons why I was saying no, and just as many to want to say yes, but I kept all of it to myself. She wanted me to do the job. Her desire for me to say I would was electric and palpable. Still, "No." I gave a polite, "Thank you for thinking of me, really. No."

I can't tell you how free I felt; how liberated; how in control!

Will I remember the exhileration of this the next time I am asked to do a job like this one, a job that I would love to do, that would be fun? Will I be able to stand my ground?

Sadly, the answer is probably...

No!