Say YES!

Isn't is interesting that the word "no" just happens to be one of babies first most common words? Its like our entire life is a means of learning how to say "yes." Its like some kind of bizarre backwards storytelling. As a parent, there are ways to tackle the constant "no" coming from a toddlers mouth, and I've realized it's not too far off from the same way we can manage our own daily-adulthood-decision-making.

1. Offer the appearance of options. 
2. Teach other responses.
3. Use "no" sparingly.
4. Stand your ground.

  Let's be clear in saying "yes" is best. It can be a simple "yes" when invited to go out for a quick coffee with a friend, a "yes" when offered a luxurious spa treatment for your birthday or a more monumental "yes" when a group of co-workers ask to throw a retirement bash on your behalf. Whatever the specific situation may be (and with good judgement, of course), I've learned that saying "yes" is absolutely, positively, the best.

I've had moments in life where saying "yes" was easy, as well as dark periods when speaking that 3-letter, 1-syllable word felt nearly impossible. I believe that saying "yes" is simultaneous to the act of receiving and that the outcome, in some measure, is based on your own sense of worthiness and how you engage in honest living. These days, I am more conscious of how I respond every time an invite, call, gift or opportunity is thrown my way, and I've come to the conclusion that saying "yes" will set you free (and in more ways than you'd expect).

I recently stumbled upon a write-up that solidified my preexisting thoughts on saying "yes." The title is, "5 Reasons to Say Yes (Even When No Seems Easier)"...When "no" seems easier ...Right?! Sometimes we're just too tired. Sometimes we just don't want to be bothered. Sometimes, sometimes, sometimes. There will always be an excuse to resist. Truth is, the good things in life come to those who take risks and say "yes."

I'm not saying that throwing away an invite or turning down a job offer isn't always the right decision for you at the time, but in the end, it is really a matter of learning to receive and accept wholeheartedly, especially when your gut is saying "yes", but your head is saying "no." Those are the most opportune occasions to try switching up the vocabulary. Sometimes it's a test and sometimes those circumstantial "yeses" are actually meant to be life's guideposts.

5 Reasons to Say Yes (Even When No Seems Easier):

1. Experience something new and different. Right? You only live once.
2. Find unexpected opportunities. Might just lead you to to your ultimate happy place.
3. Overcome fear and insecurity. They are only delusions. Free yourself.
4. Meet new people (and future friends!). Cause aren't we meant to be amongst other humans?
5. Venture outside comfort zones. Stepping outside your comfort zone can lead to big rewards.

 Here are some more words that speak loudly (from a different angle):

"Until we can receive with an open heart, we are never really giving with an open heart. When we attach judgement to receiving help, we knowingly or unknowingly attach judgement to giving help."  ~Brene Brown, The Gifts of Imperfection

Receiving is just as vital as giving. Saying "yes" should be (at minimal) balanced out with all those times you say "no."  Stop waiting, stop procrastinating, stop cowering, stop the autopilot, stop and think about how many times you've turned something down or sat stagnant. 

Start doing, start living, start benefiting, start surviving, and expect that you will fail and/or be disappointed at the drop of a hat. It is all part of life's journey, so accept, move forward and start with one big fat over-the-top "YES!" You will be happy you did.