Take a No in Style

Today we’re attempting to intercept a few souls from the gushing human river flow. “No, I’m not interested… No, I don’t believe in God… No, I don’t read books… No, I’m broke as a joke!” No, No, No! Once, I asked someone to spare a few moments for a quick conversation – “No, I don’t have time.” He carried on walking, “But have you ever questioned life?” – “No, I don’t have time.” As he faded into the distance I called out, “No worries, have a good day” – “No I don’t have time!” It’s ironic. In that moment I wanted to inject a message - some things in life are so critical (your happiness included) that it’s not about having time, it’s about making time. But dealing with “No’s” is a part of the game. We often become despondent, deflated and demotivated, and thus a mentor once told me – “Learn to take a No in style!” It was interesting. Later on I felt as though that was the key to life itself. 

In life, we don’t always get what we want. In life, people don’t reciprocate with us in the ways we’d expect. In life, our plans are often derailed and everything from the weather to world politics seems stacked against us. Sometimes the heart says yes, but the body says no. Other times, your closest family and friends refuse to support. How do we respond to the “No’s” of life? Firstly, we have to appreciate that the “No’s” are a necessary part of life – if we were gifted everything we ever wanted we’d likely be in big trouble. St Teresa of Avila said, “More tears were shed from prayers that were answered than ones that went unanswered.” Secondly, that “No” helps us to develop character, dig a little deeper, and become more introspective and sensitive – that refusal builds us up. Thirdly, the “No” is designed to redirect us to a bigger “Yes.” We have to tune into providence’s master plan – everytime one door closes, multiple others open up. 

Today I got about one hour of “No’s” in a row. It was pretty intense and I reminded myself – “learn to take a No in style.” Keep smiling, stay enthusiastic, do your best and be positive, knowing that at any moment everything could change. And it did, somehow or other. All’s well that ends well. Now I just need to reproduce that graceful resilience in the game of life. Learn to take a “No” in style.