LEARNING TO SAY NO by Krista Katrovas

 This poem was birthed from my core…

This poem was birthed from where I cherish the seat of my own power, to say, No, when needed.

Learning to Say, No.

I celebrate my ability to say, NO.

I celebrate myself

When I say, NO.

NO, to anyone

Who calls me names that hurt my heart.

NO, to anyone,

Who disrespects my need to honor myself.

NO, to anyone who abuses,

My kindness, my sensitivity, my generosity,

My wobbly knees

Learning to Say, No,

When I practice Self Love.

I celebrate myself,

Leaving the girl behind

Who was shamed when she said, NO.

The girl who was not taught,

But then later learned on her own,

That saying No,

Is also connected

As a partner in dance,

Gliding in perfect balance,

With YES!
~
(To read Krista's article on her experience
 with learning to say "no" to one of her abusers, click here)

Krista Katrovas (E-RYT) has dedicated herself to the practice, study and teaching of yoga since discovering it in 1999 after dancing rigorously as a dance major in college. Krista has had scores of articles on Yoga, Wellness, and Spirituality published in nationally regulated magazines. She has a regular column at Elephant Journal here. She has taught Yoga in Prague every July since 2009 and has been sought to teach in Kuwait, Canada, Virginia, California, Kentucky, and Florida. She calls Kalamazoo, Michigan home, where she teaches Yoga, Meditation, offers Spiritual guidance, and practices Shamanism. She has cats, though also loves dogs, all animals. Her power animal is the Snowy Owl. Visit her yoga website here.

~If you are interested in seeing your poetry appear in this blog, or submitting a poem by a woman that has inspired you, please click here for submission guidelines. I greatly look forward to hearing from you!~