With a New Year comes a fresh start. After 365 days of some good and bad decisions, we get to begin again with a clean slate. What do we do with a fresh start? We can keep doing the same things we’ve always done, or we can consciously try to make this New Year better and full of everything we want it to be. One way to accomplish a more exciting and interesting year is by saying, “yes,” more often. Now, I’m not talking about saying yes to every single thing that comes your way. I’m suggesting that we need to say, “yes,” to the things we want to do, the things that make us excited, and passionate, even if a little sacrifice is required along the way. I’m not trying to encourage any unhealthy people-pleasing activities. We only have one life to live, and we only have one shot at this brand new year. We should turn this year into everything we want it to be.
There are two things we must remember this year if we want to make this a Year of Yes.
Saying, “yes,” can feel scary.
When we are used to playing it safe, stepping out and trying something new is simply terrifying. It’s much easier to stick to what we know, but playing it safe is ultimately unsatisfying. When we feel the fear and do it anyway, we are telling fear that it cannot lead our lives. We lead our lives. If every ounce of your body wants to take that new job, but you’re scared of change – say, “yes,” anyway! It’s only impossible if you say, “no.”
This past year, I was given the opportunity to go abroad for over a week. It was last minute, and I don’t normally do anything last minute. But traveling is a passion of mine, so I said, “yes,” emphatically. It was the best decision I could have made. We can be scared, but we shouldn’t let the fear stop us from amazing potential.
Saying, “yes,” more frequently requires saying, “no,” sometimes.
We have a set amount of days in our year to work with, so that means our time is limited. We have to prioritize what we say, “yes,” to and what we say, “no,” to. Do all the things that bring you life, follow your passions, and make this world better. But know that sometimes you will have to say, “no,” to a couple of good things, in order to make more room for the amazing things – and that is more than okay.
As a writer and a musician, there have been some creative opportunities that have come my way that were good, but I only have a certain amount of time, and I want to make sure I have plenty of it to say, “yes,” to the amazing things. We have the right to say, “no,” when we need to.
This year is an open book with lots of blank space, so let’s say, “yes,” to some great things that can fill those pages. Maybe it is something as simple as taking the offer of help when it is extended. Maybe you say, “yes,” to a blind date or a girls’ trip. Or maybe it’s something huge and you move to a different state (or country!), or even change careers. No matter what it is, make this New Year, a year filled with your passions and your dreams.
Featured image via thephotographymuse on Flickr
