Yes is More

For many years, we’ve heard about the importance of leaning to say “NO.”  Saying no allows us to set healthy boundaries, stay within the limit of what we’re able to do, and helps us avoid the feelings of being taken advantage of, or taken for granted.  All important, for sure. 

But have we taken the “no” too far? 

Perhaps we’ve become too proficient at saying no.   Do we even hear someone out completely before we utter the words?   Want to have dinner at this great new…?  No, I’m super busy these days.  Hey, there’s this show playing at the Marcus that’s supposed to be…?  No thank you.  Theatre just isn’t my thing.  I started a new fitness class that was really fun and I have a free pass to bring a friend, would you like to…?  I’ve been meaning to get back in the gym, but this just isn’t the time.  Thanks anyway. 

In many cases, ‘no’ may be good, but ‘yes’ is more.

By always saying no, we’ve all but eliminated opportunity in our life.  We’ve closed the door to new experiences.  And then, we wonder why we’re stuck in the ruts we are, and why life seems so life-less and mundane.  Maybe it’s time we swing the pendulum back the other way, and start saying “YES!” to new opportunities once again. 

Say ‘yes’ to travel.  It’s a chance to move beyond your own four walls and take in new scenery, as well as to change things up a bit, and get out of a rut.  Traveling outside of the country, when possible, is a great way to experience personal growth, and gain a new perspective on life. 

Say ‘yes’ to meeting new people.  In a world where we are so technologically connected we can speak to, and see, someone half-way around the globe from us, many people are saying that they’ve never felt so alone.  The truth is, while technology is fantastic and helps us in so many ways, nothing will ever replace face-to-face, handshake to handshake, or hug to hug.   The need for connection and touch is what makes us so uniquely human.

Say ‘yes’ to the awkward things that push you out of your comfort zone.  So what if you’ve never played an instrument before, or taken a yoga class, or painted, or cooked a fancy meal.  Try it!  You may like it.  You may even love it.  No one starts anything as a pro.  Great things take practice. 

And say ‘yes’ to new opportunities.  When someone asks you to do something, or go somewhere, fight the urge to immediately say no.  At least hear them out, and then make your decision.  Remember that opportunities breed opportunities. 

The filmmaker, comedian, writer, and actor, Danny Wallace said this, “Probably some of the best things that happened to you in life happened because you said yes to something. Otherwise, things just sort of stay the same.”  So true. 

 

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