When was the last time you said “no”? In a world that encourages constant busyness and productivity, it can be difficult to prioritize our own needs and set boundaries. However, embracing the word “no” can be a powerful tool in creating a life that aligns with our values and brings us true happiness.
Saying “no” is an act of self-care. It’s a way of honoring your own time and energy, and acknowledging that you deserve to focus on the things that truly matter to you. When you say “no” to something that doesn’t align with your values or goals, you create space for the things that do.
No is also a word of empowerment. It allows you to take control of your own life and make decisions that are best for you, rather than constantly trying to please others. Saying “no” can be a way of setting boundaries and asserting your needs, which is essential for cultivating healthy relationships and maintaining your own well-being.
There is beauty in boundaries and limitations. When we say “no” to certain things, we create the space for the things that truly bring us joy and fulfillment. It’s about recognizing that we have a finite amount of time and energy, and choosing to invest it in the things that matter most to us.
Saying “no” is an act of kindness, both to others and to ourselves. It allows us to be honest and authentic about our capabilities and limitations, and it can prevent us from overcommitting and becoming overwhelmed. By saying “no,” we can ensure that we are giving our best to the things that we choose to say “yes” to.
When we say “no,” we are also practicing self-love. We are acknowledging our own worth and prioritizing our own needs and well-being. Saying “no” can be a way of honoring and respecting ourselves, and giving ourselves the time and space we need to grow and thrive.
No is a word of wisdom. It’s about recognizing the power of our choices and accepting that we cannot do it all. It’s about understanding that we have limits, and that it’s okay to ask for help or say “no” when we need to. By embracing the word “no,” we can save ourselves from unnecessary stress and exhaustion.
Saying “no” is a reminder that we have the power to shape our own lives. We are not passive victims of circumstance, but active participants in our own journeys. By saying “no” to what doesn’t align with our values and goals, we can create a life that is uniquely ours.
In a world that often tells us to be everything to everyone, embracing the word “no” is a radical act of self-acceptance. It’s about recognizing that we are enough just as we are, and that we don’t need to constantly prove our worth or please others. Saying “no” can be a way of embracing our own beauty and allowing ourselves to shine.
Setting Boundaries and Prioritizing Self-Care
In a world that often romanticizes the endless pursuit of productivity and saying “yes” to every opportunity, setting boundaries and prioritizing self-care may seem counterintuitive. However, it is a beautiful and necessary practice that slows down the hectic pace of life and allows you to truly become yourself.
When you take the time to say “no” to things that do not align with your values or that drain your energy, you are taking a stand for your own well-being. It is important to know that science agrees, with research suggesting that setting boundaries and practicing self-care can lead to improved mental and physical health.
The Importance of Setting Boundaries
Setting boundaries is about understanding your own needs and limitations, and communicating them to others. It is about recognizing that your time and energy are valuable and should be used in a way that aligns with your priorities and values.
- Setting boundaries allows you to create space for self-reflection and personal growth. By saying “no” to commitments that don’t serve you, you are giving yourself the opportunity to focus on what truly matters to you.
- Setting boundaries helps you avoid burnout and overwhelm. It allows you to manage your time and energy effectively, ensuring that you have enough resources to dedicate to the things that bring you joy and fulfillment.
- Setting boundaries enables you to establish healthy relationships. When you clearly communicate your needs and limitations, you create a space for open and honest communication with others, leading to more fulfilling and supportive connections.
The Power of Self-Care
Self-care is a practice that suggests you are worthy of love, kindness, and attention, both from yourself and from others. It is about embracing the fact that you deserve to prioritize your own well-being, even if it means saying “no” to someone else’s requests or expectations.
- Self-care provides an opportunity for self-discovery. When you take the time to understand your own needs, desires, and values, you can make choices that align with your authentic self. It allows you to connect with your innermost thoughts and emotions.
- Self-care empowers you to set healthy boundaries. By prioritizing self-care, you are sending a message to others that you value yourself and your well-being. This encourages them to respect your boundaries and supports the development of healthier relationships.
- Self-care encourages self-compassion and self-acceptance. It allows you to embrace your flaws and imperfections, recognizing that they are a natural part of being human. Through self-care, you can learn to love and accept yourself completely.
In a world that often suggests that being busy and productive is the ideal way of life, it’s important to remember that true beauty and self-worth can’t be found in constant pursuit. The bottom line is that you need to take care of yourself first before you can fully show up for others. It’s not selfish; it’s self-sustaining.
Final Thoughts
Setting boundaries and prioritizing self-care is a practice that allows you to live a more balanced and fulfilling life. By embracing the power of “no,” you are making space for what truly matters to you, and you are honoring your own needs and well-being. Remember that it’s okay to say “no” and to take the time to care for yourself. In doing so, you are embracing the beautiful word of “no” and inviting more peace, joy, and authenticity into your life.
Embracing Your Authenticity and Individuality
Embracing your own uniqueness is a powerful way to bring joy and beauty into your life. In a world that often tells us we need to conform and fit in, it takes courage to stand up and say, “No, this is who I am.”
Embracing your authenticity means understanding that you are not defined by anyone else’s expectations or opinions. It means accepting yourself as you are, with all your flaws and imperfections. You are the only person who knows what it feels like to be you, and that is something truly beautiful.
Society often puts pressure on us to look a certain way, to be a certain size, or to fit a certain mold. But who says we have to conform to these ideals? Embracing your individuality means embracing the things that make you unique, whether it’s your sense of style, your hobbies, or your unconventional way of thinking.
When you embrace your authenticity, you create space for self-care and personal growth. You give yourself permission to prioritize your own needs and desires, rather than constantly trying to please others. Embracing who you truly are can be a transformative practice that brings both inner and outer beauty.
Embracing your individuality also means embracing the natural beauty that comes with it. Your hair, your skin, your body – all of these things are uniquely yours. Instead of trying to fit into society’s narrow definition of beauty, embrace what makes you different. Celebrate your natural beauty and let it shine.
Embracing your authenticity and individuality isn’t always easy. It can be tempting to compare ourselves to others and wish we were more like them. But when you embrace who you are, you bring a kind of joy and freedom into your life that can’t be found through imitation.
So, the next time someone suggests that you should be someone you’re not, remind yourself that your authenticity is what makes you beautiful. Embrace your unique qualities and let them light up the world. Because when you truly embrace who you are, you not only become a happier and healthier person, but you also give permission for others to do the same.
Fostering Independence and Personal Growth
When you learn to say no, you are developing a sense of independence and personal growth. It allows you to prioritize your own needs and desires, rather than constantly putting others first.
1. Saying no empowers you to set boundaries and establish a healthy sense of self-care. It shows that you value your own time and well-being, and that you are not willing to sacrifice your own needs for the benefit of others.
2. By saying no, you can avoid taking on too many commitments and overwhelming yourself. It allows you to focus on the tasks and activities that are truly important to you, and prevent burnout.
3. When you say no to things that don’t align with your values or goals, you are actively shaping your life in a way that is uniquely yours. You become the architect of your own destiny, rather than just going along with what others expect from you.
4. Saying no can also foster independence in others. By setting boundaries and saying no when necessary, you encourage those around you to do the same. This can lead to healthier and more balanced relationships, where each person’s needs and desires are respected.
5. No is a powerful word that can save you from unnecessary stress and overwhelm. It allows you to prioritize the things that truly matter to you, and dedicate your time and energy to them.
6. When you say no, you are taking control of your life and making intentional choices. You are no longer a passive bystander, but an active participant in shaping your own future.
7. Saying no can also save you from people-pleasing and constantly seeking external validation. It shifts the focus inward and encourages you to trust your own instincts and judgment.
8. No is a beautiful word because it reminds you that you have a choice. You have the power to decide what you want and what you don’t want in your life. It puts you in the driver’s seat of your own destiny.
9. Finally, saying no can be an act of self-love and self-care. It shows that you value yourself and your own well-being enough to say no when necessary. It is a powerful affirmation of your worth and a reminder that you deserve to be happy and fulfilled.
Avoiding Overcommitment and Burnout
A lot of people struggle with saying no because they don’t want to let others down or because they feel guilty for putting themselves first. But learning to say no is crucial for avoiding overcommitment and burnout. When you constantly say yes to every request that comes your way, you end up spreading yourself too thin and sacrificing your own well-being.
Knowing how to set boundaries and manage your time is essential in maintaining a healthy work-life balance. It’s important to recognize that you have a limited amount of time and energy, and it’s okay to prioritize your own needs and say no to things that don’t align with your values or goals.
There’s a beauty in knowing your limits and standing up for yourself. When you say no, you’re setting a boundary and creating space for what truly matters to you. It doesn’t make you selfish or mean that you don’t care about others; it means that you’re taking care of yourself and being mindful of your own well-being.
For example, Genny Fuentes, a successful entrepreneur, says no to opportunities that don’t align with her long-term goals. She believes that saying no to the wrong things opens up doors to the right things. By saying no to distractions and focusing on what’s important, she is able to lead a more fulfilling life.
Embracing the power of saying no can also lead to more joy and happiness. By avoiding overcommitment and saying no to things that drain your energy, you have more time to focus on activities that bring you genuine pleasure. You can prioritize self-care and save your energy for the things that truly matter to you.
Saying no is also an act of kindness towards yourself. Just like you would say no to someone who asks you to do something harmful or not in your best interest, you should say no to tasks or commitments that are not aligned with your own well-being. It’s important to remember that taking care of yourself is not selfish; it’s necessary for your physical, mental, and emotional health.
So, next time you’re faced with a request that doesn’t align with your values or goals, remember that saying no is a beautiful word. It allows you to embrace your uniqueness and prioritize what’s truly important to you. By saying no, you create more time and space for the things that bring you joy and satisfaction. Embrace the power of no and watch how it transforms your life for the better.
| Final Thoughts |
| “The more you embrace your own uniqueness and stand in your own truth, the less you’ll have to rely on others’ validation and approval.” – Anonymous |
Respecting Your Own Needs and Desires
When it comes to saying “no,” many people struggle because they fear it will lead to disappointment or conflict. However, embracing the power of “no” can actually be a beautiful act of self-respect and self-care. It allows you to prioritize your own needs and desires, creating a healthy boundary between what you can and can’t accept.
Setting Boundaries
Respecting your own needs and desires means knowing where to draw the line. By saying “no” when necessary, you establish boundaries that protect your time, energy, and mental well-being. Just as a moon needs space to orbit the earth, you need space to thrive and grow.
When you say “no” to commitments or situations that don’t align with your values or goals, you create room for the things that truly matter to you. This practice can save you from overextending yourself and feeling overwhelmed. It allows you to focus on what truly brings you joy and fulfillment.
Being Kind to Yourself
Saying “no” is an act of kindness towards yourself. It’s a recognition that you have needs and limits, just like everyone else. By prioritizing your own well-being, you set an example of self-respect and self-care that others can learn from.
When you say “no,” you give yourself permission to be imperfect and take care of yourself. It’s not about being selfish; it’s about acknowledging that you matter too. By practicing self-kindness, you create a space for self-growth and self-acceptance.
Embracing the Beauty of Saying “No”
In a world where “yes” is often seen as the ideal answer, saying “no” can be a revolutionary act. It challenges the notion that we should always be accommodating and people-pleasing. By saying “no” when necessary, you create a new standard for yourself and those around you.
Saying “no” doesn’t mean you are shutting people down or rejecting their presence. It simply means you are respecting your own needs and desires. It allows you to be present in your own life and give your best self to the things that truly matter. Just like a flower that blooms in its own time, you have the power to create beauty by choosing when and where to invest your time and energy.
- Saying “no” to toxic relationships that drain your energy and devalue your worth.
- Saying “no” to overcommitting yourself and neglecting your own self-care.
- Saying “no” to unnecessary stress and obligations that take away from your own happiness.
By saying “no,” you are embracing your own power and taking control of your life. You are saying “yes” to yourself and all that brings you happiness and fulfillment. So, next time you find yourself faced with a decision, remember that saying “no” can be a beautiful, empowering choice.
Building Strong Relationships Based on Mutual Respect
In building strong relationships, mutual respect is key. It is the foundation upon which healthy and meaningful connections are formed. When two people genuinely accept and value each other, there’s a natural flow of positive energy that suggests a deep understanding and appreciation for one another.
Thoughts are powerful, and when we surround ourselves with people who encourage and support us, it brings joy and a sense of fulfillment. Just like the moon standing out in the night sky, relationships built on mutual respect shine brightly.
It’s not always easy to say no, especially when it might cause someone else pain. However, saying no is a valuable skill that we must learn. It is a form of self-care and self-respect. By knowing our boundaries and communicating them effectively, we can maintain healthy relationships.
Respecting Yourself
Respecting yourself means standing up for what you believe in and not compromising your values. It means taking the time for self-care and allowing yourself to slow down and recharge. When you prioritize your own well-being, you become a better version of yourself and can show up in relationships with authenticity and kindness.
Respecting Others
Respecting others requires empathy, understanding, and an appreciation for their unique perspectives and experiences. It means being open to different ideas and being willing to listen and learn from others. When you treat others with respect, you create a safe space for open and honest communication.
Building strong relationships based on mutual respect saves us from unnecessary conflicts and misunderstandings. It allows us to focus on what truly matters – the beauty of connectiON and the joy it brings.
So the next time someone asks you for something that doesn’t align with your values or priorities, remember that saying no is not just acceptable, it’s absolutely necessary. In respecting yourself and others, you create a foundation for deep and meaningful connections that will stand the test of time.
Final Thoughts:
Beauty isn’t just about the face or the hair. It’s about kindness and how we treat ourselves and others. Building strong relationships based on mutual respect is one of the most beautiful and natural things we can do. It adds depth and meaning to our lives, and it creates a support system that allows us to navigate through both the ups and downs. So let’s embrace the power of saying no, in order to say yes to the best versions of ourselves and the relationships we hold dear.
– Genny Fuentes
Enhancing Your Decision-Making Skills
In the fast-paced world we live in, making decisions can sometimes be overwhelming. But don’t worry, because there’s a solution to that. A healthy practice of saying “no” can actually enhance your decision-making skills, and here’s why:
- It gives you space to think: When you say “no” to something, you create a space to reflect and consider all your options. This allows you to make a more informed decision.
- It slows down the pace: Saying “no” to certain commitments or activities can help you slow down and give yourself the time you need to make choices that align with your priorities.
- It saves you from unnecessary stress: By saying “no” to things that don’t bring you joy or serve your well-being, you save yourself from the stress that comes with overcommitment and overwhelm.
- It enables self-care: Saying “no” is an act of self-care. It allows you to prioritize your own needs and well-being, which ultimately leads to a more fulfilling and healthy life.
- It helps you embrace imperfection: Saying “no” means accepting that you don’t have to be everything to everyone. Embracing imperfection allows you to focus on what truly matters to you.
- It brings clarity: Saying “no” helps you define your boundaries and values. It clarifies what you truly want and need, making decision-making easier and more aligned with your authentic self.
- It saves time: Saying “no” to unnecessary commitments frees up your time for things that truly matter to you. It allows you to invest your time in activities and relationships that bring you joy and fulfillment.
- It fosters self-confidence: Saying “no” when you need to empowers you to stand up for yourself and your priorities. It builds self-confidence and strengthens your sense of self-worth.
- It creates a more authentic life: By saying “no” to things that don’t align with your values and goals, you create a life that is more authentic and true to who you are.
So, the next time you’re faced with a decision, remember that saying “no” can be a beautiful word. It’s not about being selfish or uncaring, but rather about respecting yourself and your own needs. Embrace the power of “no” and enhance your decision-making skills.
Empowering Yourself and Taking Control
When it comes to empowering yourself and taking control of your life, saying no is a powerful tool that can lead to incredible personal growth. Here are 3 empowering ways to embrace the beauty of saying no:
- Set Boundaries: By saying no, you assert your right to set boundaries and prioritize your needs. This allows you to create a space where you can focus on what truly matters to you.
- Embrace Self-Care: Saying no enables you to prioritize self-care and put yourself first. It’s the practice of saving your time and energy for the things that bring you joy and create a sense of peace.
- Embrace Your Authentic Self: By saying no, you’re being true to yourself and staying aligned with your values. It allows you to stand up for what you believe in and have the courage to lead a life that is uniquely yours.
Remember, saying no isn’t about being rude or selfish. It’s about taking control of your life and becoming the best version of yourself. So, embrace the power of saying no and let it bring beauty and empowerment to your journey.
Embracing the Power of Saying No and Setting Healthy Boundaries
Saying no is not just about protecting yourself from pain and overcommitment, it is also an essential part of establishing healthy boundaries. In a world that often glorifies being busy and constantly saying yes, learning to say no can be a revolutionary act of self-care.
When you say no, you are setting a clear boundary and prioritizing your own needs. It is an affirmation that your time, energy, and well-being are just as important as anyone else’s. By saying no to things that don’t align with your values or bring you joy, you are creating space for what truly matters to you.
Embracing the power of saying no allows you to maintain a healthy balance in your life. It prevents burnout and overwhelm by ensuring that you don’t take on more than you can handle. By setting limits and saying no when necessary, you save yourself from unnecessary stress and create a more sustainable way of living.
Saying no can be difficult, especially when you’re a people-pleaser or afraid of disappointing others. But remember, saying no doesn’t make you a bad person; it simply means you’re taking care of yourself.
It’s natural to want to help others and be there for them, but you also have to consider your own well-being. Saying no allows you to prioritize self-care and avoid spreading yourself too thin. It’s about finding the balance between being there for others and taking care of yourself.
There’s beauty in being able to set boundaries and say no. It shows that you value yourself and your needs. It demonstrates self-respect and self-love. When you embrace the power of saying no, you become more in tune with what truly brings you joy and fulfillment.
Here are 3 lovely examples of how saying no can be a powerful act of self-care:
- Saying no to a toxic relationship that drains your energy and diminishes your self-worth.
- Saying no to taking on additional responsibilities at work when you’re already feeling overwhelmed.
- Saying no to social activities that don’t align with your values or don’t bring you joy.
When you say no, you’re not just saying yes to yourself, but you’re also saying yes to a healthier and happier life. By establishing healthy boundaries and embracing the power of saying no, you create a space for more meaningful connections and experiences.
So, embrace the beauty of saying no, and remember that it’s not about rejecting others or being selfish. It’s about taking care of yourself, setting healthy boundaries, and living a life that is uniquely yours.
How to Be Your Kind of Beautiful
Your beauty is not defined by someone else’s standards or expectations. Being your own kind of beautiful means embracing your uniqueness and owning your individuality. Here are some tips to help you be your best and most authentic self:
1. Accept Yourself, Flaws and All
The first step to being your kind of beautiful is accepting yourself as you are. Embrace your imperfections and understand that they are what make you unique. There’s no need to compare yourself to others or strive for perfection – you are already beautiful in your own way.
2. Take Care of Yourself
Self-care is an essential part of being your kind of beautiful. Take the time to prioritize your well-being and do things that bring you joy. Whether it’s practicing mindfulness, pampering yourself with a spa day, or simply taking a walk in nature, self-care helps you feel your best from the inside out.
| Example of Self-Care Activities: | Example of Self-Care Activities: |
|---|---|
| Reading a book | Doing yoga or meditation |
| Having a bubble bath | Taking a day off work |
| Going for a hike | Listening to your favorite music |
3. Surround Yourself with Positivity
The people and environment you surround yourself with can greatly impact how you feel about yourself. Surround yourself with those who uplift and support you. Create a positive space where you can be your authentic self and thrive.
4. Practice Kindness and Love
Being kind and loving towards yourself and others is a beautiful quality. Treat yourself with compassion and speak kindly to yourself. Show love and empathy towards others, and remember that kindness creates a positive ripple effect that can change lives.
In conclusion, being your kind of beautiful is about embracing and owning your unique qualities. It is about accepting yourself and practicing self-care while surrounding yourself with positivity. Let go of societal standards and define beauty on your own terms.
Embracing Your Unique Features and Flaws
About self-care, it’s important to remember that being true to yourself means embracing your unique features and flaws. After all, no one is perfect, and that’s what makes you beautiful and special.
It’s not always easy to accept our flaws, but in doing so, we can find joy and beauty in the most unexpected places. Here are 9 reasons why embracing your unique features and flaws can be a beautiful thing:
1. It Saves You Time and Energy
Instead of constantly trying to be someone else or striving for an unattainable ideal, embracing your unique features and flaws allows you to save time and energy. You can focus on what truly matters and enjoy life to the fullest.
2. It Slows Down the Pace
In a world where everything moves at a rapid pace, embracing your unique features and flaws helps you slow down and appreciate the beauty around you. It gives you the opportunity to savor the little things in life and find joy in simple pleasures.
3. It Brings Out Your Natural Beauty
When you embrace your unique features and flaws, you allow your natural beauty to shine through. You don’t need to conform to society’s narrow standards of beauty because true beauty comes from within.
Embracing your unique features and flaws is not always easy, especially when society constantly bombards us with images of perfection. But by practicing self-acceptance and surrounding yourself with people who love and appreciate you for who you are, you can learn to embrace your unique beauty and stand tall in a world that may sometimes try to bring you down.
So remember:
- Embrace your unique features and flaws
- Save time and energy by being yourself
- Slow down and find joy in the little things
- Let your natural beauty shine
- Surround yourself with people who uplift and appreciate you
Because at the end of the day, it’s the unique qualities that make you truly beautiful.
Investing in Self-Care and Self-Improvement
When we prioritize self-care, we are acknowledging that we are worthy of love and attention. It’s about standing up for ourselves and saying no to things that don’t serve us, because we understand that we deserve the best. Just like taking care of our physical appearance, such as our hair and skin, self-care involves caring for our mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
Self-care isn’t just about pampering ourselves with lovely baths and indulgent treats (although those can be part of it too!). It’s about embracing the kind of self-care that goes beyond the surface and looks inward. It’s about taking the time to explore our own thoughts and feelings, and making decisions that align with our values and lead to personal growth.
While it’s important to be kind to others, we often forget to extend that same kindness to ourselves. Self-care is a reminder that we deserve love and compassion, just like anyone else. It’s about slowing down and giving ourselves permission to rest and recharge, even when we feel like there’s too much to do.
Practicing Self-Care
There are many ways to practice self-care, and what works for one person might not work for another. It’s important to find the self-care practices that resonate with you and bring you joy. Here are some examples:
- Taking time for yourself: Whether it’s reading a book, going for a walk, or practicing meditation, finding moments of peace and solitude can have a profound impact on your well-being.
- Embracing your hobbies: Engaging in activities that you enjoy and are passionate about can bring a sense of fulfillment and rejuvenation.
- Taking care of your physical health: Eating nutritious food, getting regular exercise, and getting enough sleep are all important components of self-care.
- Setting boundaries: Learning to say no when you need to and setting healthy boundaries with others is an essential part of self-care.
- Seeking support: Asking for help and seeking support from loved ones or professionals when needed is a sign of strength, not weakness.
The Beauty of Self-Care
Self-care is more than just a practice – it’s a mindset. It’s about recognizing that you are worthy of love and attention, and that taking care of yourself is not selfish, but necessary. When you invest in self-care and self-improvement, you are investing in your own happiness and well-being.
Self-care also allows you to show up as your best self in all areas of your life. When you prioritize your well-being, you have more energy and capacity to give to others. It’s like the saying goes, “You can’t pour from an empty cup.” By taking care of yourself, you are better able to care for others.
So, whether it’s taking a break and relaxing with a good book, practicing mindfulness, or indulging in a hobby you love, make self-care a priority in your life. Embrace the beauty of self-care and watch as it brings more joy, peace, and fulfillment into your life.
FAQ
Why is saying “no” a beautiful word?
Saying “no” is a beautiful word because it allows us to set boundaries, prioritize our own needs and well-being, and have control over our own lives.
How can saying “no” help with personal growth?
Saying “no” helps with personal growth by teaching us to value ourselves, respect our own limits, and assert our own needs and desires. It allows us to focus on what truly matters to us and pursue our own goals and dreams.
Why is it important to learn to say “no”?
Learning to say “no” is important because it helps to maintain balance in our lives. It prevents us from being overwhelmed, overcommitted, and overworked. It allows us to say yes to the things that truly align with our values and bring us joy.
What does it mean when someone says “The moon is beautiful, isn’t it”?
When someone says “The moon is beautiful, isn’t it”, they are expressing awe and appreciation for the moon’s beauty. It is a rhetorical question meant to emphasize the speaker’s admiration and to invite agreement or acknowledgement from the listener.
How can we respond to someone who says “The moon is beautiful, isn’t it”?
We can respond to someone who says “The moon is beautiful, isn’t it” by acknowledging their statement and expressing our own appreciation for the moon’s beauty. We can say something like “Yes, it’s absolutely stunning. I love how it illuminates the night sky.”
What are some reasons why saying no can be powerful?
Saying no can be powerful because it allows us to set boundaries, prioritize our own needs, and avoid overcommitment. It also helps to build self-confidence and assertiveness.