I had a quick visit by a Harris’s Hawk the other day. I was writing an article for my HOA newsletter about Harris Hawks and my proofreading newsletter partner told me it’s Harris’s Hawks. It doesn’t seem grammatically correct, but I looked it up and that’s what it is.
I had a super busy week with an upcoming charity event that I’m responsible for creating the program plus all publicity. Then there’s the aforementioned HOA newsletter plus my photography reading and assignment.
I also had lots of social activities including traveling to a wedding this weekend, luncheons with speakers, my weekly zoom call and dinner out with friends.
So, to preserve my sanity and to do my work I started saying “No” to lots of social stuff. I realized I didn’t need to spend hours at luncheons listening to speakers. I didn’t have to sit for two hours on the zoom call. I did say yes to going out to dinner, since it was an early bday dinner. Our friends will be on vacation during my actual date of birth.
By saying “No” a few times, I got work done and I could breathe.
Here are some fun facts about Harris’s Hawks:
These social and intelligent raptors are known for their remarkable behaviors and unique characteristics.
Harris’s Hawks have dark brown plumage, with reddish-brown feathers on the wings and upper thighs. The upper tail coverts are almost black with a white rump and a white band on the tail. When viewed from underneath, the inner wings and underwing coverts are reddish-brown.
They are 18 to 23 inches long. They weight from 18 to 30 ounces.
Their wingspan is 40 to 47 inches.
Harris’s Hawks live in the United States and Mexico, but migrate to South America for the winter. Their migration is driven by the need for prey items, such as small mammals or reptiles, which cannot survive harsh northern winters.
Their diet consists of large insects, small mammals such as squirrels, desert cottontail, and mice. They may also prey on larger animals like great blue herons, jackrabbits, young wild turkeys, quail, or doves when opportunities arise.
In the wild, their lifespan is 10 to 12 years.
Harris’s Hawks possess excellent color vision, which is one of the best among animals. Their vision is so sharp that they can perceive details and colors, making them efficient hunters.
Young Harris’s Hawks typically remain with their parents for up to three years, forming strong family bonds and learning valuable hunting skills during this time.
When do you say no?
Cheers to you for giving yourself breathing room! Settings a good example for me! 🥰
I wish I didn’t feel guilt along with the breathing space! But it’s there.
Maybe you’re just building the muscle now…and it will get easier! 🥰
I think you’re correct. 👍🏼
It’s very wise to choose activities to involve yourself in and say no to those that become a drag. I only give priority to family functions and gatherings with very close friends.
You’re making good choices. Family and close friends are the priority.
Yes, one has only that much time in a day.
Exactly. I’ll be so relieved when I finish the newsletter and the program.
All the best my friend
Thank you! My newsletter is done and approved. One more thing off my list of to dos.
That’s great. Have a lovely weekend.
Thank you! We are going to a wedding of one of our children’s friends on the swim team. It’s close by and we are looking forward to seeing friends from our old home town.
That is lovely. Enjoy yourself
😊
Good for you putting yourself first. And yes, Harris’s Hawk looks really weird to me too!
Thanks. I have so much work to do that I had to give myself downtime, too. Harris’s Hawk is awkward.
I do not like being overburdened so I say no if it will be too much. For the most part I like saying yes to anything that is new to me and doesn’t involve heights or boats
Yes, it’s the feeling of being overburdened that makes me realize I need time to sit outside, go for walks, and read! I no longer like rushing around.
E either. Before I accept something I look.atvthevdays before and after. I consider the time. I said no to a Superbowl party partly because its an hour commute back from the person’s house. I don’t need that
The luncheon’s were almost an hour from our house, too. That was going to take too much time away from the things I committed to work on.
Yes. Commute time is a big issue for me. Especially if it results in getting home late
Yes, we don’t do late!
I’m saying this a lot lately, but NO is a complete sentence. We are allowed to use it anytime we feel it is needed. I find it empowering.
You’re exactly right. It’s empowering, but I also felt a bit of guilt the first time I said it this week.
Is not saying “yes” the same as saying “no”? If so, I am all in on scrubbing the list clean.
I have two projects to finish in the next few days and I’ll feel like a huge weight is removed. The list will be scrubbed clean.
When do I say NO? When people are involved, about half the time. When I am on my own doing things, I say YES most of the time. ‘Tis the fate of an introvert.
Yes. I’m also an introvert and I say yes to many things and regret it later.
Find your inner Nancy Reagan and Just Say NO! 😁
Ha!
Love that you created space by saying “no.” What a busy week it sounds like nonetheless. Interesting about Harris’s Hawks! Hope you enjoy your weekend!
Thanks! I managed to get some projects off of my plate saying no to big group activities. Hopefully the next few weeks will be quieter.
Yay on taking the time to breathe! That is so important but can be hard to do. I like my alone time and will say no to things even if they are fun if it means that I am going to miss out on some time just to be alone. I think the older I get the more I treasure the quiet. Though I do certainly enjoy being with family and friends. <3
I say yes way too easily. Then when it comes time for something social, I want to back out! I do enjoy family and friends, but not big groups.
Agree! I like small groups and one on one is the best. 🙂
Yes. We did go out to dinner with close friends who moved out here by us. We had so much fun.
🥰
I think it’s good for you to set priorities and realize that sometimes means saying “no.” Hope you had fun at the dinner and that the fundraising event goes well.🙂
Thanks! The main issue with our charity event is ticket sales. Before COVID the group was more than 200 women. Now we’re down to 30! We are putting on an event the same as before pre COVID. We don’t have the membership to support it and have to rely on outside ticket sales.
It took me too late in life to say no. I am very good at it now
I’m getting better. It took me awhile, too.
It’s good to say no now and then, to know your boundaries. Thanks for sharing the hawk information!
I’m glad you enjoyed my hawk facts. It was fun to include that in the newsletter. I have some weeks that are quiet and some that every event falls within a few days. I need to know my limits before saying yes.