If you want to say no, that’s a good enough reason to say no. If you want to leave, that’s a good enough reason to leave.

And yes, the word “no” is a word powerful people use. That’s true. And you may look at yourself and feel that you are not powerful. You may think you are not in a position to say no.

But here’s the thing about power.

Power doesn’t just sort of accumulate, like money in the bank. Power is either used or it doesn’t exist. And using whatever power you have makes you more powerful.

Power (and powerlessness) are cycles. Power perpetuates itself through action, and powerlessness perpetuates itself through inaction.

So in order to claim your power, you have to use your power. And sometimes, the first step to claiming your own power is to say no.