Time. It seems to pass so quickly. Like a thief that comes into the night and steals it from under us.

Is it because we are almost always living in the past or the future? Or is time really just an illusion?

Regardless of the answer, there is one thief I have noticed.

The yeses.

The yeses to people, to my to-do list, to obligations, to household chores. The yeses that keep me from being in the moment. The yeses that keep me filled with constant busyness.

I have found myself saying “no” more, as I’ve discovered the no is the yes to my soul. I’ve had to muster up the courage to turn down opportunities, commitments, meetings, and figure out what’s really essential.

Saying no, I’ve realized, is an expression of speaking my truth. It’s about standing up for myself when something doesn’t feel right, when something seems off, or maybe I just need to do a little nothing.

Haven’t you ever noticed how hours can pass by without even noticing, but if you are really doing nothing and being mindful of time, it’ll slow down. You’ll look at the clock and say, “Wow, it’s only been ten minutes.” It’s like the time you are waiting at the doctor’s office, sitting in traffic. These are the minutes we feel and experience – but why- because we are rushed to continue on with the hustle, bustle and busyness that our culture demands?

The thief of time is our yeses. It is how we give away the most precious thing we have in this life. And I need not remind how short and precious life really is. No matter how you are, you look back and say, “How have I been around all these years already?”

Time is precious. Cherish it, every single moment.

Make a habit of saying no.

And say YES to yourself, it’s a yes to your soul!