Have you ever wondered what your life would be like if you said yes to everything?
Recently I watched the TedTalk ‘My Year of Saying Yes‘ by Shonda Rhimes.
Shonda, an incredibly intelligent woman when you hear all that she has accomplished and created, speaks of how one simple decision changed her life.
She decided to say yes where she previously had not.
I was moved when she talked about how it had transformed her life, and in particular her relationship with her children. But I was also baffled, how could something so simple change this woman’s already seemingly amazing life?
It made me wonder if I could apply this to my life; if I had missed opportunities for happiness because I hadn’t uttered that three letter word?
Because I might have said ‘No‘ or ‘Maybe another time‘ or ‘That’s just not for me‘.
Because I took the easy way out. Because I was busy. Because I was afraid. Because I didn’t want to be seen as different.
I decided to come up with a set of rules, promises if you like that I am going to apply to my life to enhance the yes factor; help me focus on my beliefs; be clear on what is important to me and open myself up to new possibilities.
I Nicky, do solemnly swear to…
💋 Say yes to embracing authenticity, uniqueness and being your own kind of beautiful.
💋 Say yes to being responsible and owning your shit.
💋 Say yes to listening to your body, your mind, your soul. Especially your soul.
💋 Say yes to growth, expansion, learning.
💋 Say yes when you need to. Only when you need to.
💋 Say yes to putting yourself first.
💋 Say yes to laughter, happiness and feeling fabulous.
💋 Say yes to questioning, going against the grain, forging your own path.
💋 Say yes to challenges, new experiences, choosing what’s best for you.
💋 Say yes to things that make your soul sing, your heart swell and put a smile on your face.
💋 Say yes often. Maybe even ‘Hell yes!‘
No longer will ‘No‘ be the favoured answer. My new three letter friend will lie seductively on the tip of my tongue. It may take some getting used to, but I feel optimistic and excited at the prospect of being someone who regularly says ‘Yes, yes, yes!‘
So, what might you say yes to?
The Shimmer Within Her 
Great post. I finally feel ready to say ‘yes’ to new opportunities in my career, and am applying for jobs. I’ve said no to a few things that I knew weren’t right for me, which also took courage.
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Great courage! Well done for listening to your soul, it is not easy. You are growing so strong – remember the universe has your back 💛
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Thank you, that’s what I keep telling myself! 😊
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What a great post 😊You might enjoy my review on Rhime’s book Say Yes
https://reallifeofanmsw.com/2016/09/18/year-of-yes
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I’m heading over there right now. Thanks 💛
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Love this! It’s fabulous. Nicky, I might have to join you in pledging the Yes degree. I’ve missed way too many opportunities by backing down and saying no. Here’s to stepping out of our comfort zone and embracing life. xo 😊
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Definitely Miriam. Make your own ‘yes’ list – I’d love to read it 💛
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Maybe I will!
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Love this! I need to be better at learning to say “No” to others & “Yes” to myself! Not that helping others isn’t important to me, because as you know it’s my passion, however; because of this I often neglect myself, and how helpful to others can I be if I’m not in tip top shape? Great post!
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I feel you. It’s so easy to forget to look after ourselves – just do 1 thing today for yourself, just because. 💛
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I say YES to positive change!
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Yes!!! 💛
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I like the rules you have stated here. I do hope to say yes to more things in life like being adventurous, following a desire to learn skills like piano and painting, saying yes to facing my fears, yes to opportunities to speak up, yes to leading others…
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Sounds like the start of a great list you’ve got gong on there Liz. Continue….💛
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Thank you so much, Nicky. It’s easier said than done, but I’ll try.
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And that’s all we can do 💛
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i said yes and thought it was” embracing authenticity, uniqueness and being my own kind of beautiful.”
i said yes and thought it was ” being responsible and owning my shit.”
not knowing i’m owning someonelse’s shit, it was so painful even when the person knew but didn’t feel remorse, so painful, but i have learnt my lessons, i will say yes but with deep “authenticity, uniqueness and being my own kind of beautiful.”
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And life is full of lessons to be learnt. I applaud anyone who is celebrating their uniqueness, authenticity and showing the world their own kind of beautiful. You go girl!
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I love the idea of this because that’s how I try to live my life too. Say yes instead of no. Break down your boundaries. See where it takes you.
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Yes – you never know where you may end up 💛
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