No one talks about the cost of saying no

A friend asked if I had any interest in helping with the school’s garden. I said maybe, but only if it doesn’t cost me too much time and energy. That’s the trade I make with almost everything – guard the energy, spend it on my priorities, and let the rest go. It’s hard-won wisdom, but I still find I grieve the cost. Saying no does not fulfill the need of being wanted.