Setting the Tone: How a ‘Say No’ Playlist Transformed My Life
Learning to say “no” was like trying to teach a penguin to tap dance — awkward, hilarious, and occasionally involving slipping on a few emotional banana peels.
Picture this: I’m at a party, trying to balance a plate of questionable hors d’oeuvres in one hand while attempting to juggle conversations with five different people. All the while, my inner people-pleaser is hyperventilating in the background, terrified of uttering that tiny, two-letter word.
Friend: “Hey, could you help me move next weekend?”
Me (sweating profusely): “Uh, well, you know, I’m basically a human version of a spaghetti noodle when it comes to lifting things, so I’d just ruin your furniture.”
Friend: “Oh, don’t worry, it’s just a few boxes.”
Me: “Right, boxes. Well, I’ve got this rare condition called ‘boxophobia’ where I break into hives at the sight of cardboard.”
Friend: “Really?”
Me: “Oh yeah, it’s a silent epidemic, trust me.”
Cue laughter, but deep down, I knew I’d just added another event to my calendar of chaos.
It took a while, but I started to see the comedy in my people-pleasing misadventures. I even made a “No” playlist with empowering anthems to psych myself up before those tricky conversations. Creating a “Say No” playlist is a fun way to remind yourself to assert your boundaries. Here are some great songs to include:
- “No” by Meghan Trainor
- “I Will Survive” by Aretha Franklin
- “Respect” by Aretha Franklin
- “Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey
- “Uptown Funk” by Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars
- “I’m Still Standing” by Elton John
- “Stronger” by Kanye West
- “I Won’t Back Down” by Tom Petty
- “Fighter” by Christina Aguilera
- “Shake It Off” by Taylor Swift
- “Bitch” by Meredith Brooks
- “Hit the Road Jack” by Ray Charles
- “So What” by Pink
- “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” by Aerosmith (for those times you’re tempted but need to resist)
- “All About That Bass” by Meghan Trainor
- “Survivor” by Destiny’s Child
- “Break Free” by Ariana Grande
- “Bulletproof” by La Roux
- “Roar” by Katy Perry
- “Take a Bow” by Rihanna
Can you picture me dancing around my studio to these jams before leaving the house? It’s quite a comical visual I’m sure! How about you? What would your pumped-up “Say No” playlist look like? (Let me know in the comment section.)
These songs carry messages of empowerment, independence, and resilience, which can be a great motivator when you need to stand your ground and say “no.”
Saying “no” is a powerful act of self-preservation and boundary-setting. It’s the refusal to overextend oneself, the declaration that your time and energy are precious. In those two letters, you assert your right to choose your commitments wisely, prioritize self-care, and avoid being overwhelmed. Saying “no” isn’t selfish; it’s a vital skill for maintaining balance and focus in a world filled with endless demands. It’s a small word with immense impact, helping you stay true to yourself and your priorities.
For me, saying “no” wasn’t about rejecting people; it was about protecting my sanity, making space for what truly mattered, and realizing that even penguins had to waddle before they could dance.
