just say no

For those of you who are unfamiliar with my problem, I am a chronic over planner. Last weekend, I went to visit an aunt and had 5 things (reading, bills, knitting, letters, and something else) to do with me on the train ride. I need entertainment. I like to have contingency plans, should my first plan not strike my fancy. I do not need constant movement; I just like to know I have the opportunity.

My problem with over planning has a strange side-effect. I do not like to say no to anything. If it is suggested, is something I would do on my own, and involves someone I enjoy spending time with, I'm basically up for it. When I have to say no, I feel like I am letting people down. I feel like I'll miss fun.

I am trying to figure out when saying no is a good idea. I decided to take only one 5 hour train ride to visit someone this weekend instead of the two I had planned. I decided being on the school leadership team was probably not the smartest thing for me to do at this point. And, I try to leave my classroom within an hour of the students leaving every once in a while.

But, I cannot help but feel like I'm letting someone I care about down when I don't do something. There are only so many hours in the day for me to work with...I have to figure out when saying yes is just going to send me into overdrive and when saying no is going to provide me with some a little slice of mental health.