The Narratives – Mohamed Miah

If I had to give up one word, it would be “okay.” It’s a word I use far too often, and it tends to lead me into situations where I’m saying “yes” when I really should be setting boundaries. Whether it’s giving more time to help others, offering advice, or donating to charity, I often find myself agreeing to things without thinking about the toll it takes on me. It’s almost like “okay” is my default setting, and it sometimes takes me down a path where I’m overextending myself—usually to my own detriment.

The thing is, I’ve always been someone who loves helping others. It’s part of my nature, and I genuinely want to be there for people when they need support. But this can mean I end up saying “okay” when I should really be saying, “Not this time,” or “I need to look after myself first.” The problem is that once I say “okay,” I’m all in. I’ll give my time, energy, and effort—even when I don’t really have much to spare. And that can lead to burnout, frustration, or even resentment.

But here’s the catch: as much as I know I should cut back on my “okay’s,” I probably won’t. Why? Because deep down, I don’t want to change that part of myself. Yes, it might get me into tricky situations, and yes, I may push myself too far at times, but it’s also what makes me who I am. Being helpful, generous, and available is part of my identity, even if it means I bite off more than I can chew. In the end, I’m not sure I’d ever want to give up the word “okay”—it’s tied too closely to my sense of purpose, and there’s something comforting in that, even when it’s tough.

So while I may think about giving up “okay,” I know that it’s unlikely I’ll ever really stop. It’s more than just a word; it’s a reflection of how I live my life—always ready to lend a hand, even when it might be at my own expense. Would I change it? Probably not. Because at the end of the day, being “too helpful” is something I can live with.