The Distracted Dreamer
Get ready to confidently and unapologetically go after dreams! Welcome to The Distracted Dreamer Podcast.
Today is the day you’re going to pull your dreams off the shelf and bring them to the forefront of your life. You are never too tired, too busy, too old, too young, too anything to pursue your dreams.
Imagine… the joy and excitement of doing what lights you up. Your dreams are yours. No one gets to take them from you and no one gets to chase them - except you. Your dreams are there to guide you, to inspire you and to show you that yes, there is something more in store for you.
You see, the size of your dreams don’t matter - it could be running a marathon, reading a book series, perfecting that family recipe, traveling the world, or learning to dance.
I’m Carlene Bauwens, entrepreneur, Life Coach and now host of The Distracted Dreamer podcast. I’m here to show you how to kick distraction to the curb and grab hold of your dreams. Your happiness matters. You have a big, beautiful, amazing life to live. And you've only got one of them. Welcome to the Distracted Dreamer Podcast.
The Distracted Dreamer
#30: How to Say No with Confidence (Without Guilt or Apology) and Protect Your Time, Energy, and Dreams
Saying no is hard.
Maybe you’ve felt it too—that tug-of-war between wanting to help and secretly knowing you’re already stretched way too thin. I’ve been there more times than I can count.
If you’ve ever struggled to say no because you didn’t want to disappoint someone—you’re not alone.
In fact, I’ve had so many of you reach out asking “How the heck do I say no without feeling guilty or ruining relationships?” That’s exactly what we’re talking about today.
I’m giving you the exact 3-step script to say no without over-explaining, without apologizing, and without ghosting anyone.
Plus, I’ll walk you through five reflection questions I personally use to check in with myself before I say yes—or no.
If you're ready to stop overcommitting and start protecting your time, energy, and dreams, then grab your favorite beverage and open your notes app or journal and join the conversation.
00:00 Introduction: The Power of Saying No
01:16 The Struggle and Consequences of Saying No
02:36 Reclaiming Your Power: Learning to Say No
03:49 The Cost of Overcommitting
09:47 Reflection Questions: When to Say No
13:59 Red Flags: Recognizing When to Say No
14:40 Embracing Disappointment and Guilt
18:05 3-Step Script: How to Say No with Confidence
22:12 Key Truths About a Confident No
23:18 Conclusion and Legal Disclaimer
Links from Episode:
Jefferson Fisher - The Next Conversation: Argue Less Talk More
Check out all my coaching and course offerings - Coachcarlene.com
MORE FROM ME
Follow me on Instagram: @coach_carlene
SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW
If you loved this episode, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts! Your support helps me reach more dreamers who need these insights. 🎙️ Thanks for tuning in to the Distracted Dreamer Podcast! See you next week!
FOLLOW NOW
Also, if you haven't done so already, follow the podcast. I'm adding episodes every week, and if you're not folllowing, there's a good chance you'll miss out. Follow now!