What are you NOT saying yes to in this season?

As this season unfolds, I’ve been reflecting on what I really want to say yes to, and what I’m ready to let go of, not only as a leader navigating the demands of business and community, but as someone committed to fostering healthy, intentional environments in the office, at meetings, and in the communities we serve.

Leadership isn’t about filling every minute with activity; it’s about making thoughtful choices that create space for what matters most.

Here’s a list I’m embracing this season, and I hope it encourages you as you lead your teams and communities. Full transparency: this is what I want to do, not always what happens every day.

5 things I’m saying YES to right now:

• Tightly scheduled mornings: Prioritizing focused work when my mind is sharpest, so I can lead with clarity and energy throughout the day.
• Midday silent moments: Taking 5–10 minutes of quiet- no calls, no notifications- to reset before afternoon meetings and commitments.
• Intentional conversations: Choosing words and people that foster connection and trust in team meetings, client calls, and community gatherings.
• Doing what fuels me: Engaging in work and relationships that energize me and learning to say no to what drains me.
• Being vulnerable: Leading with honesty about the challenges, sacrifices, and planning it takes to maintain flow- and acknowledging that some days, flow isn’t there, and that’s okay.

3 things I’m NOT saying yes to:

• Over-apologizing: I’m done apologizing for managing multiple priorities, setting boundaries, or showing up authentically.
• Performing for approval: I don’t need to earn my seat at the table. It’s already mine, and yours is next to me.
• Letting guilt lead: Instead, I’m choosing to be guided by grace, growth, and grounded- ness.

 Here’s to leading through the busy days, the challenges, and the community work,  while still making space for what truly matters.

Together, we’ve got this,
Denise