"عندما تقول نعم للآخرين تأكد من أنك لا تقول لا لنفسك"

You know how it feels when you keep saying 'yes' to everyone around you? It can be like juggling so many balls in the air that you forget to look after yourself. The core idea here is about setting boundaries. It's about recognizing that while helping others is great, it shouldn't come at the cost of your own well-being. You have to make sure that by agreeing to someone else’s request, you’re not neglecting your own needs and priorities.

Think about this: why do we often say 'yes' to others? Is it because we genuinely want to help, or are we afraid of letting people down? Sometimes it's both, but the key is balance. This quote is a gentle reminder that your own needs are just as important as everyone else's. You shouldn't feel guilty for putting yourself first every once in a while.

Let's take a step back in history—this sentiment isn’t new. It echoes ancient wisdom. Even in ancient Greece, philosophers like Epictetus spoke about knowing your limits and taking care of your own soul before trying to help others. This idea has stood the test of time because it’s rooted in common sense and self-preservation.

Let’s put this into a real-life context. Imagine Sarah, a graphic designer. She’s talented and everyone knows it. Her friends, family, and even acquaintances constantly ask for her help with projects, logos, and whatnot. Sarah loves helping out, so she says 'yes' to everyone. But soon, she’s swamped. Her own work deadlines are looming, she’s missing out on sleep, and she’s stressed out. Eventually, she realizes that by always saying 'yes' to others, she’s been saying 'no' to herself—her health, her peace of mind, and her own professional growth.

So, what's the takeaway from all this? Start by evaluating your own needs and priorities. If you’re constantly drained and tired, you're not going to be much help to anyone in the long run. Learn the art of saying 'no' politely but firmly. It’s not about shutting people out, but about creating space for yourself.

Imagine you're at a coffee shop with a friend who is always overcommitted. She's always running late, looks exhausted, and is perpetually stressed. You can see she’s struggling. You’d probably tell her to slow down, take a breath, and think about what’s truly important. Maybe she needs to start saying 'no' more often to others so she can say 'yes' to herself.

It's a little ironic, isn't it? The more you take care of yourself, the more you'll have to offer others. Think of it like the oxygen mask rule on airplanes. You have to secure your own mask first before helping others. It’s not selfish—it’s practical.

So next time someone asks for a favor, take a moment. Weigh it up. Ask yourself if you have the time, the energy, and the mental space to help out without compromising your own needs. If the answer is no, it's okay to say 'no'. You matter too. And that's not just okay—that's essential.