2018 CIPA EVVY Award Winner for Self-Help Category

Book Cover is Bright, Bold and Emboldening

Learn to say no, so you can say yes!

to taking better care of ourselves, physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.

Doranne Long says:

“I think this is one of the best covers I’ve ever seen.  And a few thoughts, as I read the book:

Counselor Barbra Russell, with this easy-to-use book, helps us recognize when we are Approval Addicts, or People Pleasers.  She gives us tools, and encouragement, to guide us forward.  As a physical therapist, and author of Your Body Book Guide to Better Body Motion with Less Pain.  I am acutely aware, both personally and professionally, it takes many small steps to change a pattern, but it is do-able!

Barbra provides lovely tools and her note of encouragement, at the beginning and at the end of the book, gives us hope”

I just finished the book, Yes I Said No by Barbra Russell.  I highly recommend this book to everyone who focuses on bettering themselves.  Often times boundaries seem to be a tool to push others out.  Their reaction causes us to think less of ourselves.  That's untrue, setting healthy boundaries is about a healthier you.  An increased self-esteem you.  You are your greatest asset!  This book has great principles to set in place to protect that asset.

My biggest take-away from the book is taking responsibility of my role in my brokenness.  Due to my low self esteem I made very poor decisions.  I said yes when I should have said no.  I didn't know I could use my voice with such authority to say no.  Knowing I possess the power within, I will no longer underestimate my value.  I will use the tools from the book to declare to toxic relationships, unwanted situations and things that would hinder my purpose, "Yes!  I Said No!"  

Book Review

Reviewed by Vernita Naylor for Readers' Favorite

When someone asks you to lend a helping hand at a time that is impossible for your schedule, can you say no? If you are heading out to relax at your favorite spot and your spouse asks you to instead change your plans to accommodate their needs, do you say no, or not this time? Yes! I Said No! How to Set Healthy Boundaries and Increase Your Self-Esteem by Barbra E. Russell contains fourteen explosive, profound and power-packed chapters about the various ways to set boundaries. Barbra E. Russell has a Masters Degree in Counseling, is a licensed counselor, and has been practicing for over twenty years. Barbra E. Russell is an expert in teaching others the art of saying “No.” In Yes! I Said No! How to Set Healthy Boundaries and Increase Your Self-Esteem, you will be taught several tips and best practices on how what was once an always “Yes” answer can, in fact, become a healthy “No.”

Amazon customer (Meg) review:

I’ve read multiple boundaries books through the years and although each one was helpful, none of them were packed with as much practical application as this book, “Yes, I Said No!”. I read it from cover to cover on a business flight between Nashville and Denver and began putting it into practice immediately. Over the next few months, everyone noticed a difference in my life and I realized I was happier and more content than I had ever been. Now I know my emotional cues that let me know when I need to set a boundary! It is so empowering! As my confidence has grown, many new opportunities keep opening up for me, taking me to higher levels in my career. All of my relationships are getting healthier. I am in awe of all the good things that are coming into my life as I have stopped trying to please everyone and learning when to say “No!”

Amazon review by Joyce:

This book has been very helpful for me. I always had the fear of saying no. I felt guilty. I was afraid of hurting others feeling, but when I had the opportunity to say no when I needed to it felt good.

There is a section in the book that I really like,
Page 65, 3rd paragraph - "Learn to know who you are, love who you are, and never let others distract you from your purpose and goals. You've got a job to do while you're here on earth, and you need to Grow Thick, Armor-Plated Skin so you can do it.
Good reading and very inspiring.

Amazon review by Karen:

 A great "how to" book with practical, do-able advice! Very informative, but also very engaging. My interest was captured from the very first and did not wane until I finished reading in one sitting. Who has not dealt with the challenges of an overloaded schedule, or demands from family and friends; ending up feeling frustrated? Big changes in behavior can feel daunting, but with the step-by-step instruction, the reader is left feeling, "I can do this!" Containing bulleted lists and an easy-reading format "Yes! I Said No!" becomes a handy reference to navigate these very liberating changes on a personal level. I'm sure the most effective way to utilize this book is through Barbra's own "Highly Effective Woman" conferences providing interaction with the author and elaboration on the material presented. However, utilizing the book for seminars and small groups would also be an engaging study.

Amazon review by Angela:

 I'd refer this book to anyone who is looking for a quick read on how to take back their personal power by saying NO and putting boundaries in place. You can read it within a couple days, and implement it immediately. Personally, I meet people who never say NO and you see the cost to their personal health and well being. Then they get resentful or avoidant. If you suffer from "waiving the resentment red flag" as Barbara suggests or wimp out when you need to hold your own, this quick book will give you ideas on how to say no. It provides tools and answers to the yes man or woman dilemma.

Amazon review by Jendayi:

An excellent read, determined by my finishing it in one sitting! Practical how-to advice that when put into practice, will help the reader become healthier and challenge them to create a new normal. I enjoyed the flow of this book and have already seen positive outcomes from setting some of the boundaries as suggested. Buy it! You will not be disappointed. 

Per Jill Amann:  I read your book and I read your book and I read your book!  It is so basic and so simply put that you think, ‘I can do this.”  Very well written; I have highlighted many passages of the book and now want to get additional copies for others. 

Note from Karen Angell

 You Barbra, have the admirable writing style of Ernest Hemingway.  While teaching English at the community college, I often pointed out the Hemingway style as brief, clear and to the point.  What an advantage this is in our time when so much is being written.  Keep soaring!   Your book is changing my life for the better.  There is a powerful woman inside me and she is about to come forth. 

From Amazon Review:

I have read several self help books but none has helped me like this one. It is short, to the point, and written in simple every day words making it easy to read, understand and to apply to your life. You come away saying, "This is me and I can change my life! I have Hope"

5 out of 5 stars simple way to take control of your life

ByCharles A. Rayon September 14, 2017

For the individual who feels overwhelmed by life, who finds things spiraling out of control, the cure is simple; learn to say NO. Yes! I Said No! by Barbra E. Russell is a very short book—as short, in fact, as the word ‘no,’ that can help you learn to set appropriate boundaries and increase your sense of self-worth and self-esteem. The author, a licensed professional counselor, outlines a series of simple steps that can be followed that will allow you to regain control of your own life, without necessarily alienating those around you.
Unlike many books on the subject of self-improvement and time management, there are no complicated procedures or exercises here. Instead, the author offers a few simple exercises that involve self-exploration, and learning how to say ‘no’ without being unnecessarily negative.
You can finish this book in under an hour, and it will be an hour well spent. I received a free copy of the book, and highly recommend it.