STUDY BOOK The power of language and actions, the basis for

COACHING: El poder del lenguaje y las acciones

A set of statements pertaining to this area of personal authority is explained below. The text cites only six, although several more could be added.

o The statement of denial: the "No"

Saying "No" is one of the most important statements an individual can make. Through it he or she asserts both his or her autonomy and his or her legitimacy as a person; it is the declaration in which we pledge our dignity, we defend the right not to accept the state of affairs we face and the demands that others may make of us. This is an inalienable right that no one can take away from us. Every time we feel we should say "No" and we do not say it, our dignity is compromised. Every time we say "No" and it is overlooked, we will consider that we were not respected. This is a statement that defines the respect we have for ourselves and that others will have for us. It is a statement that plays a decisive role in shaping our relationships with our partners, our friendships, our work relationships, our relationship with our children, etc. According to how we exercise the right to declare "No", we define one or another way of being in life, we also define one or another way of living. The statement "No" can take different forms. It is not always manifested by saying "No", sometimes we recognise it when someone says "Enough", "That's enough", etc. Yes' seems not to be as powerful as 'No'. After all, life is an open space for "Yes". As long as we do not say "No", it is usually assumed that we are in the "Yes". In saying it, we accept the commitment we made when we said "Yes" or its equivalent "I accept". When this happens we put at stake the value and respect of our word. Few things affect a person's identity more seriously than saying "Yes" and not acting consistently with that statement. One area where this is decisive is in the area of promises. o The declaration of acceptance: the "Yes".

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