In this episode of WORDS MATTER, Deanna Ley, The Catalytic Coach, explores five simple words that carry massive weight: “NO is a complete sentence.” Often credited to Anne Lamott and echoed by countless women over the years, this quote holds the power to shift your boundaries, your energy, and your peace.
Deanna shares her own journey from people-pleasing and overcommitting to finding a deeper connection with herself—one NO at a time. If you’ve ever said YES when you meant NO, this episode is your invitation to pause and re-evaluate. Not out of guilt. But out of presence, power, and self-trust.
What Listeners Will Learn:
• Why every dishonest YES is a quiet NO to yourself
• How people-pleasing starts early—and how to break the cycle
• The difference between saying NO to build walls vs. saying NO to build self-respect
• Why honoring your capacity is a radical form of self-care
• How to start building self-trust through small, honest choices
• A weekly challenge to practice one grounded NO
Memorable Quotes:
• “NO is a complete sentence.”
• “Every YES that isn't honest is a quiet NO to yourself.”
• “Saying YES when you actually mean NO isn’t kindness – it’s conditioning.”
• “You don’t have to wrap your NO in guilt, apologies, or justifications.”
• “Your YESes mean more when they are grounded in YOU.”
• “NO is not a rejection. It’s a declaration.”
This episode is an empowering reminder that protecting your peace doesn’t require permission or explanation. It requires presence, practice, and a deep belief that your time and energy are worth protecting.
Your WORDS MATTER, because YOU MATTER.
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Text Deanna! She'd love to hear from you!
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Let’s Keep the Conversation Going!
Follow Deanna on social media for frequent insights and inspiration, and share your favorite takeaways from this episode on social media. Tag her! She’d love to hear your thoughts.
Facebook: https://Facebook.com/TheCatalyticCoach
Instagram: https://Instagram.com/TheCatalyticCoach
Subscribe to the WORDS MATTER by Deanna Ley podcast so you never miss an episode at:
https://wordsmatterwithdeannaley.buzzsprout.com
For more inspiration, coaching, and tools to ignite your Possible, visit:
https://DeannaLey.com
For ladies who want to join Deanna's CORE4 Community, visit:
http://CORE4community.com
Ready to take the next step? Explore Deanna’s coaching programs and resources designed to help you RISE and IGNITE YOUR POSSIBLE at:
http://TheCatalyticCoach.com
Contact Deanna to have her speak to your group at:
https://DeannaLey.com/Contact
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