About an hour before the this folder appeared on the forum, I received a call from a lady from church. She was inquiring about my availability to volunteer for a project I have helped with in the past. I more often than not find myself biting off more than I can chew, simply because I don't like to say "no" to these things without an "excuse."
This year, however, I have taken on quite a bit in the way of assisting the Girl Scout leader, and I have increased my hours at work. I simply will not have time to do the church project. I found myself saying (pleasantly, of course), "I'm sorry, Barbara, but I won't be able to do that this year." I did not feel obligated to give a litany of reasons.
It was surprisingly easy.