In the heart of an enchanted forest lived Oscar, an owl much loved by all the animals. His kindness and wisdom made him the ideal friend, always ready to help anyone in need. If Lily the squirrel needed to collect nuts, Oscar was there. If Thomas the fox had problems with his burrow, Oscar helped him solve them. At any time, in rain or shine, the friendly owl was ready to lend a hand.
However, over time, Oscar began to feel tired. His feathers did not shine as they used to, and his eyes reflected an exhaustion that grew day by day. Every time he tried to rest, someone came with a new request. Although his heart wanted to help, his body asked for a break.
One day, while he was resting on a branch after a night of helping everyone, Marga, the old tortoise of the forest, approached him.
“Dear Oscar, you seem very tired,” she said to him in a soft and wise voice.
Oscar sighed, relieved to be able to share his concern.
“It’s true, Marga. All my friends need something, and I feel bad if I say no to them. But lately, I don’t have time for myself, and every day I feel more exhausted.”
Marga smiled tenderly.
“Helping others is admirable, Oscar, but sometimes we forget that we must also take care of ourselves. If we don’t, our shine fades and we can’t give our best. Saying “no” is sometimes necessary.”
Oscar listened attentively. He hadn’t thought that taking care of himself was just as important as helping others. He appreciated Marga’s advice, although it was hard for him to imagine saying “no.”
That same afternoon, Lily the squirrel came running towards him.
“Oscar, I need help collecting nuts!” she exclaimed excitedly.
Oscar took a deep breath and, with a kind smile, replied:
“I can’t today, Lily.” I’m resting to regain my strength. But if you want, I can help you tomorrow.
Lily nodded in surprise. Although she didn’t understand it at first, over time she saw that Oscar looked happier and more energetic. Little by little, everyone in the forest noticed the change in the owl, who now chose when and how to help.
A few days later, it was Thomas the fox who came to ask for help. Oscar, remembering Marga’s words, smiled and said:
—Tom, I can’t help you this time. But maybe you can figure it out yourself. I know you’re clever.
Tom felt a little disappointed, but when he tried, he discovered that he had more skills than he thought. Oscar had found the balance: he helped when he could and, at the same time, he took time to rest and enjoy his own moments.
In the end, the animals in the forest understood and respected Oscar’s new limits. They celebrated his courage in learning to say «no» and take care of himself. Everyone recognized that a happy and healthy friend was much more valuable.
So, Oscar went back to being the cheerful and kind owl he always was, teaching his friends the importance of self-care and boundaries. From then on, every time one of his friends needed help, they made sure to ask if it was available, respecting their well-being.
And Oscar lived happily, always remembering Marga’s words: “Sometimes, saying ‘no’ is the best way to take care of our health and help our friends discover their own abilities.”