“When no Leads to Change”

Advocating for Seniors: Standing Strong Against Excuses and Resistance

If you tell me “no” there’s a good chance I may ask you why. And if your why is a variety of excuses or because you want to exert your power over the decision, I will push back. 

I’ve had to push back at work many times and it has always been for the good of residents or patients, or clinics for whom I put first. I was met with a negative response too many times to count at the retirement village. It was usually because it created more work for someone else, not because it went against rules, regulations, or codes of conduct. My constant advocacy for residents and families didn’t sit well with some staff or leadership. I pushed limits and boundaries, but always for the betterment of the seniors I served.

I still face negative responses in my pharma life as well. Recently, I was told “no” for an event, but I kept moving forward to find a way to make it happen. It was the right thing to do for the community and the commitment I made to a provider. After many emails and phone calls involving multiple parties and leadership, I got my green light. 

Responding with “no thank you” is a big one for the holidays too. There are times, places, people, and traditions that we can skip without explanation and hopefully spark change. 

Prioritize Self-Care:

We don’t have to go “Over the river and through the woods to grandma’s house” anymore. Nor attend a church that doesn’t follow the life of Christ. It doesn’t add up spending time and resources traveling across the state or country to see family who don’t leave their front yard to see you. Stop the nonsense of consumerism and spending money meant for rent, medicine, and groceries. Take a hard stance against traditions that only add stress, anxiety, and angst to the “joyful” holidays.

It’s okay to say “nah” when it’s about self-care, family preservation, mental health, and for the good of the whole. Pushing back leads to something more, it disrupts the status quo, which is needed for growth. 

The Power of 'No': Clarity, Purpose, & Bold Action

I’ve been told “no” by my editor on various topics, and at first, I didn’t like it. But the internal dialogue that ensued made me think harder about my goals, purpose, the real story, and to consider the possibility that it wasn’t the topic for me. It created greater clarity with my writing. 

Of course, the ability to respond with nope, or no way, or no thanks, or under no circumstances are needed in every society, especially in the home, community, workplace, and family. Consider everything we have today because of those who took a hard stance against slavery, lack of women’s rights, abuse, violence, patriarchy, lack of medicine, injustices, corruption, unsafe working conditions, etc., etc., and so on, and so forth!

There is a place for “no can do” at the table, however, what is the motivation, and how does it impact the whole picture? I am not perfect, but I am passionate about doing the right thing for another person, or the good of the organization, community, or family. A bold “under no circumstances” with the right motivation has changed the world. We are in a time when a solid “nae” is needed to stand up for what is right until common sense and what is best for humanity reigns. 

Let’s know when to use and/or not accept “not on your nelly” and step back, push back, and move forward.