Britney Spears is finished. Serena Williams is done. Naomi Osaka would prefer not. Prince Harry, despite his stiff upper lips tradition, won't let go of his tongue.These celebrities took great risks in the last month to say no. Spears made a shocking speech in opposition to her 13-year-old conservatorship. This legal arrangement has led to depression and prevented the mother of two from having another baby. Williams declined the Olympics without explaining her reasons. The tennis legend previously suggested that international regulations, which prohibit athletes from attending, might have influenced her decision. She travels every year with Olympia, her daughter. Osaka decided not to play at Wimbledon to spend more time with her family and friends. This decision came after Osaka had mentioned the emotional toll of attending press conferences as the reason she was unable to compete in the French Open. In his Apple TV+ series The Me You Can't See Prince Harry was feisty about giving up his royal duties after realizing that his mental health would be affected if he continued to be an active member of the British monarchy.This series of refusals goes beyond scandal or celebrity spectacle. You will find something universal if you look beyond the TV cameras and clicks. Many people have a better understanding of themselves and their priorities after a year of hard work. They are willing to say no and set boundaries that were previously impossible. The summer of saying no is the alternative to the post-pandemic fantasy.Last year has shown how little we have control over our lives. Research shows that humans require control or at least a feeling of it. It can lead to feeling helpless, stressed, anxious and depressed. It is possible to restore balance and regain freedom by saying no. Summer is the season that allows us to dream about liberation. Warmth and light encourage us to explore, which brings us closer to the horizon. Everything seems possible when you stare into the distance. Friends and family gather outdoors to share laughter, food, and fun. Connecting with others in the summer's long daylight hours brings you a boost of energy, unlike cloistered winter holidays.Do not be a shield against those who might take what you have reclaimed.For the next few months, you should only say yes when you truly mean it. Do not be a shield against those who might take what you have reclaimed. You may feel anger rising and exhaustion if you are trying to resist someone or something that is more than you can offer. The boss who expects that you show up to work even if you are sick. A friend who invites to a private dinner party with several unvaccinated friends. A relative who makes snide comments about your relationship status or when you will have children. There are many things you should reject.We worry about damaging our relationships and fear the changes that may follow. It's possible to say "no" without being cruel and show compassion by allowing yourself and others to be heard. This is the kind of compassionate gesture that recognizes our complexity. Tell the therapist that you are ready to move on. If your partner doesn't see you as who you are, it's time to part ways. But remember that everyone fails the people they love at one point or another in their lives. These disappointments, if not caused by physical or emotional abuse, are part of our human nature and can be inflicted on another person.If it is an unhealthy habit that you must stop, don't shame yourself. It's not accountability to berating yourself. It's motivating to honestly take stock of your choices, and make different decisions. Your best efforts to change will be undermined if you continue repeating the self-criticisms that you have heard so many times. You can stop worrying about your fate and instead incorporate short bursts for play. You can't fat-shame anyone, but you should try to understand why people gain weight and struggle to lose it.People who want to say no more often will probably face an ugly truth: America isn't easy to draw the line. Britney Spears, despite her complicated case, is an example. Spears stated in her speech that she was discouraged by her lawyer from speaking out after being hounded by the paparazzi until she reached an emotional breakdown. Spears remained silent for many years due to the pressure to smile even though she was suffering daily trauma and had to meet financial expectations in order to support her family and employees. The facade finally gave way. She's now willing to challenge a system that has kept her in captivity for over a decade.It's difficult for the average person to assert themselves when trying to navigate the tightrope walk of the American economy. It is difficult to refuse to work in abusive environments because few people have any real leverage at the workplace. Only 11 percent of workers are members of a union. This is a drastic drop from the 1980s, when 20 percent could bargain collectively. The federal government does not provide or require paid time off. This includes vacation, sick and parental leave. Many are stuck in miserable jobs because they lack universal health coverage. They won't be able to quit their jobs if they lose their health insurance.Some people don't want to risk their humanity and worth for work that doesn't respect them. Consider the workers who refuse to return to their jobs after the pandemic. They'd rather work for employers that pay decent wages and provide benefits. For those who are able to afford it, this is how a summer without work can look.This brings us to another grim reality. The voices of many Americans are hoarse as they continue to say no, regardless of whether they're protesting against racism, LGBTQ discrimination or immigration policy. Because of how society treats and degrades their identities, the stakes of being resolute can be much higher for some people. It may be difficult for an undocumented immigrant to refuse to work in a slaughterhouse in the COVID-19 epidemic.This inequity makes it even more important to say no for those with less to lose. You have the right to resist systems that create fear in others. This could mean shopping less on Amazon, supporting Asian Americans that are victims of violence, or opposing discriminatory laws against trans youth. To protect our mental health and well-being, we must set and maintain boundaries. This can include helping others who are not able to make the same choices.Sometimes there is no wrecking ball. Sometimes, it's a peaceful meditation. It doesn't matter how you use it. Let this summer be the year you learn to protect what is important and build a world where saying no is normal.
