Just Say Yes

We’ve heard, “Just Say No,” a thousand times. No, to things that can harm us. No, when being asked to volunteer when our plate is already full, as we’ve learned our limits and acknowledge that sometimes the word no is necessary and warranted.

Have you ever considered saying Yes

Yes is a powerful word. It’s bold, demanding, challenging, and can stretch us past our perceived limitations. Yes is a positive word that empowers us and can launch us forward to explore untapped talents, potential, and a zest for life. Yes can lead the ordinary to extraordinary.

Say No to fear and Yes to possibility

Years ago, I was asked to be in a drama (play) on stage. I’d never performed on stage, with the exception of singing. Even in school, I was the one painting sets and helping in the background, and the thought of acting terrified me. All the negative thoughts floated in my mind. I’d forget my lines, I’d mess up, others would depend on me, and I’d let them down, etc. When I was young, I let this fear keep me from performing. However, as an adult, I was needed. No one else was willing to step up to the challenge, and it was a critical piece to the overall presentation, so I said yes. I immediately regretted my decision based on fear, but I’d made a commitment, and I wouldn’t go back on my word.

Saying Yes changed my life

The morning came when it was time for me to get on the stage. The entire cast was just three of us. An attorney, a husband, and a wife…I played the wife, so there wasn’t much room for error, and I couldn’t hide behind a big cast. My stomach was upset, so I had a couple spoons of Pepto Bismol to settle my stomach, and then off I went. Little did I know, but that one word–Yes–would change my trajectory in life. I absolutely loved performing dramas.

Over the years, I’ve performed with others, as well as monologues, in front of hundreds of people. I also picked up another skill that I never knew I had: I started writing the scripts. The success of the dramas, and the wonderful feedback that I received, gave me the confidence to be where I am today. A simple yes led me to becoming a novelist. Had I said no, I seriously doubt that I’d ever taken on the massive undertaking of being a writer, and a life-long dream would have, more likely than not, never happened.

My challenge to you

Remember, when someone asks you to do something that’s out of your comfort zone, know that they most likely see something in you that you don’t see in yourself. They won’t ask you if they don’t think you could handle it. So, challenge yourself, be bold, let your fear catapult you to saying yes because it is in the yes that you can be extraordinary.

Hugs,

Karen

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