What if you said "no"?

The withdrawal of 24-year-old artistic gymnast Simone Biles from the all-around team final at last year's Tokyo Olympics caused quite a stir. Perhaps you followed some of the news coverage of her decision. During an interview, Simone explained her mental struggle by saying, "Since I have no idea where I am in the air, I also have NO idea how I'm going to land. Or what I'm going to land on. Head/hands/feet/back…"

Because of these concerns, she set a boundary, a limit, to protect herself and her teammates, too. We're not talking about an easy decision here—at the end of the day, Olympic medals were at stake. She had spent a lifetime training for this moment.

After all was said and done, what did you think of her decision? I personally am very happy this young gymnast received so much encouragement from all sides for her courageous choice. She herself said, "I didn't expect this."

Maybe there's also something in your life that you should say "no" to, something you should back away from. Perhaps it doesn't even belong in your life anymore, but you're afraid of what others might say if you set a boundary.

"'And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?'" (Mark 8:36-37, NLT)

Like Simone Biles, perhaps right now you're feeling uncontrolled somewhere up in the air, unsure of how or where you'll land. If so, then it's high time to set a boundary! I encourage you to take an important step back today. Consider the potential your decision has to impact you and those around you in a positive way.

YOU are worth it! :-)

You are a miracle!

Déborah