Say “Yes” More

Recently I was reminded how much I used to secretly enjoy watching “Say Yes to the Dress” before we got married. Partly I liked seeing the stunning dresses Kleinfeld’s carries, but the big part was watching the exciting moment when they commit from their heart to the dress of their dreams. Their emotions are so genuine and deeply profound at the moment that I started to think, what else should we always passionately be saying yes to in life? Hence, the following list of the top 5 to always say yes to:

• Career opportunities – I know it sounds completely crazy, but go with me on this journey. Change is never easy. It makes us uncomfortable and strikes panic deep down for some like myself. However, the best moments in careers come from taking a chance and embracing new opportunities. Look at your favorite entrepreneur. Would their product exist if they had remained comfortable and not taken a leap of faith? Would they be a household name now if they had remained safely in an old job position? I think in most cases the answer to both of those is likely no, so be willing to say yes to new opportunities and then strap in for the exciting ride ahead.

Living in the moment – Swamped with life lately, I put down my phone and embraced the few moments I got with my husband, kids and best girlfriend. While I won’t have the adorable recording of our youngest taking a few steps without support, I most certainly have the experience of being there right with him emblazoned in my heart. What’s more important in life, the likes and comments or the feeling of being with those that you love? I vote for the second time and time again. Put your phone down and try living in the moment like you used to (for those of us that still remember corded phones, pagers and coming home when the street lights came on). I promise you’ll find yourself wanting to do it more and more.

• New recipes – Sick of making all the same things, I turned to the internet on Father’s Day for help armed with only 2 main ingredients I knew I had on hand. The result you ask? The most AMAZING dinner I’ve ever cooked! Thanks for letting me jump in with a humble brag because trust me it doesn’t happen often. I took a chance and, thankfully, it worked out. We’ve all had our share of horrible cooking stories, but the only way to learn new dishes is to try new recipes. Shocking theory, right? Go ahead, grab your skillet and get wild.

• Differing opinions – I know that people prefer to be right, but if you’re always surrounded by those that have the same opinions then how on earth do you expect to learn about anything new? The simple answer is that you won’t and, honestly, that just makes for a boring life. I think this is why it is often said that opposites attract. There can be excitement in learning new ways of looking at the world. Isn’t that how those abstract hidden eye images became all the rage in the nineties? To this day I still can’t see them, but I’m happy to let someone else tell me what they can see.
• Giving back – I’m a sucker for giving back, but that’s not abnormal for those of us working in the nonprofit world. We are driven to give back for a reason deep down, but we also know the best secret of all. I’ll let Goldie Hawn explain it best, “giving back is as good for you as it is for those you are helping, because giving gives you purpose. When you have a purpose-driven life, you’re a happier person.” We each have time, talents or a few bucks that can help turn someone else’s day around so say yes to an opportunity to help another.