Elaine Welteroth, the multi-hyphenate author and TV star, has always encouraged saying no.
Now that she’s a mom, it’s even more important.
But she doesnt sign on to every opportunity that comes her way.
The advice doubles as a straightforward counsel for designing a life you want.
Well, until it doesnt.
Life has a way of throwing curveballs, rendering the binary yes-no framework for making objective decisions tricky.
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Case in point: Last year, Welteroth took on another new role: becoming a mom.
Unlike her previous endeavors, though, she says this one wasnt in the plan.
I did not call this in, so I had to navigate through the murkiness.
Were all building our lives, and a lot of us dont recognize the agency that we have.
Well+Good:Have you always felt like its really important to be able to say no?
What is The Missionary Sex Position?
In some ways, I think weve traded gender roles, and in other ways weve abandoned those completely.
I want that for more families.
Its not a moms job to [compromise] herself for the sake of her familys wellness.
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We know that the odds are stacked against moms in this country in so many ways.
What does a hell yes look like to you in this new season of your life?
Is there anything in particular youre really excited about?
So Ive built this stronger relationship with my body that helps me navigate [choices].
W+G:Has your approach to mentoring changed in any way since becoming a mom?
Has the tenor of your advice you give changed?
W+G:Saying no can be difficult, and it often requires a lot of support.
EW: When youre paralyzed by fear, its so easy to make decisions based on the worst-case scenario.
The what-ifs can be so dizzying when youre at the precipice of a new chapter.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
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