When Saying No Feels Like You’re Being a Bitch (But You’re Really Just Taking Care of Yourself)

Hello, dear readers!
Welcome to another edition of Resilient Roads: Tales of Health and Healing. I’m so grateful to share this space with you — a space for the real stuff. The messy decisions. The gut feelings. And the kind of growth that doesn’t always look “nice” on the outside, but feels right in your bones.
Let’s talk about something uncomfortable: saying no.
It should be easy, right? But for some of us — especially those of us who’ve spent years people-pleasing, keeping the peace, and giving others the benefit of the doubt — it can feel downright agonizing. It can feel selfish. It can feel mean. It can trigger that old familiar voice: You’re such a bitch.
That voice showed up for me again recently.
When Your Intuition Says No (and You Actually Listen)
A woman booked a free call, downloaded my free guides, grabbed my food journal, and followed me on a couple of my social platforms. I checked out her profile and found out she’s a certified nutrition coach. Ugh. This isn't the first time — and it’s exactly why I have a clear no-coach policy.
Not because I don’t want coaches to get better. Not because I think they’re bad people. But because I’ve learned — the hard way — that this boundary is necessary. I’ve had a “spiritual” coach buy my course, go through the entire thing, insult my work, tell me I don’t know what I’m doing, and then demand a refund. I’ve seen other coaches take my exact words and use them as their own. One even left a bad review because I messaged her directly to understand her intent. She got defensive real quick. That’s always a clue. (And yep — the review is still up on my Facebook page if you're curious.)
It’s frustrating — and it’s not okay.
I did reach out a couple of times to gain clarity about her intentions, but her answers were vague and she got defensive. My spidey senses were going off, and I even lost sleep over it — which, for me, is always a clue. And even though it felt uncomfortable, I trusted that inner voice. Because protecting your work and your energy isn’t being mean — it’s being wise. So I canceled the call and wished her well.
When “Being Nice” Just Keeps You Stuck
And then, of course, that old voice kicked in:
Robin, you’re being mean. Robin, you’re a bitch. Robin, don’t turn people away.
But my gut — my intuition — said NO. And if I’ve learned anything, it’s that my intuition is a hell of a lot smarter than years of conditioning. I have to shut down the mean girl chatter and do what’s best for me.
Because here’s the truth:
People-pleasing is just a survival mechanism. It’s how we avoid conflict, stay “good,” and try not to rock the boat. But the only person it protects is everyone else. And the only person it hurts is you.
And this goes way beyond business. This is the same muscle you have to build when managing diverticulitis — or any chronic condition.
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When you eat something that triggers a flare because you don’t want to be “difficult” at a social gathering.
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When you ignore the signs your body is giving you because you don’t want to slow down.
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When you put everyone else’s needs first and wonder why you’re running on fumes.
Trusting yourself isn’t always easy. But it’s necessary.
So if you’re in that place where you’re doubting yourself — where you’re afraid to speak up or take action because it might upset someone — ask yourself:
Are you choosing peace, or are you choosing people-pleasing?
Are you making the “nice” choice that keeps you small and sick… or the aligned choice that honors your healing?
Because sometimes, putting yourself first will piss people off. And sometimes, you just have to let them be pissed.
That’s not cruelty.
That’s self-respect.
What About You?
Have you ever said “yes” when you knew it should’ve been a no?
Ignored your gut and regretted it later?
Hit reply or drop a comment and tell me — how are you navigating that inner tug-of-war between being “nice” and standing your ground?
Here’s to doing what’s right for you — even when it’s uncomfortable.
Keep showing up for yourself. That’s the real work.
Namaste,
Robin 🫶🏻
P.S. If this post hits home for you — if you're tired of second-guessing yourself, over-explaining your "no," or feeling guilty for honoring your needs — I’d love to invite you to a special live session I’m hosting:
✨ Trusting Yourself & Setting Boundaries – A Live Mind Body Session
🗓 Date & Time: Friday, April 25th at 6:30PM EDT
💸 $20 for non-members — includes my 30-Day Affirmations Journal (fillable, $17 value)
🌿 Free for members
We’ll start with a grounding meditation to reconnect with your body’s wisdom, then move into a real, supportive conversation around boundaries, guilt, and trusting what you know deep down.
👉 Click here to register for this live session
🎥 Flare-Up or Just Gas? Know the Signs! 🚨
Not every cramp or pain is a diverticulitis flare—sometimes, it’s just gas or constipation putting pressure on your colon.
But ignoring these symptoms? That’s how flares start.
▶️ Watch the quick video below:
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| @diverticulitisrescue on Tiktok Robin | Diverticulitis Rescue |
📲 Prefer Instagram?
👉 Click here to watch on Instagram
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