8 Things to Say 'Yes' to Today
We’ve all said the word ‘yes’ for one reason or another in our lives. Because we genuinely wanted to, because we thought that’s what we should do, and because it’s the “right thing to do.” We agree upon a dinner date or a work task or plans because we’re trying to please someone else, but what about us? Are we saying ‘yes’ because it truly makes us happy, or are we focusing too much on outside forces? Whatever the case may be, have you ever stopped and wondered what you could be missing out on if you just told yourself ‘yes’ more often? Well, I have, and here we are!
The past couple of years has really put certain things in perspective for me – as I’m sure it has for many – and what it truly means to live a healthy lifestyle. Of course, I’m only one person, and perception can mean many things because we’re all structured differently, and that’s the best part. I don’t claim to be an expert because I’m still figuring it out myself, but from what I’ve gathered after pondering this topic, I’ve come up with eight reasons to say ‘yes’ to yourself, and I want to share them with you. I hope the following empowers you and gives you the chance to focus on yourself and say ‘yes’ to the important things.
1. Creating memories – this might seem obvious, but it might not be as easy for some of us. Humans are prone to adaptability, and if we’ve learned anything from the last two-and-some-odd-years, life is short, life is fast, and life can knock us on our bums when we least expect it. Some of us have bounced back into the “daily norm” like nothing, but it may take a little time for others. Creating memories with loved ones seemed like a no-brainer once upon a time, but now, the world looks a little different.
For me in particular, there have been times when I wanted to cancel plans and hide under a cozy blanket with my old friend Netflix, but I pushed myself out of my comfort zone and did the damn thing. For the most part, I was so happy I decided to get out and make a memory I would’ve never had. I said ‘yes’ because, deep down, I knew it was exactly what I needed, whether or not I knew it at the time.
2. Going on a spontaneous trip – have you ever looked around and wished you were somewhere else? Maybe the day-to-day structure of life is becoming bleak and mundane, and I’m here to say, get out and see stuff!
A “spontaneous trip” can mean anything – quitting your job to go on a month-long trip to Bali (because who hasn’t thought of this one before?), saving up and planning a special trip a year from now, or maybe just a trip to IKEA to mindlessly walk around; whatever it means to you and your situation, go for it! The point is, it’s getting you moving and doing something different.
Since I work remotely, just packing up and working at a coffee shop revives my brain and puts a fire under me I didn’t know was there. Saying ‘yes’ to a new setting, whether for an hour or a month, might give you a new perspective you desperately need.
3. Making time for YOU – so often, we give up our precious time to everyone else: our workplace, kids, significant others, or even negativity that we shouldn’t hold on to. We sometimes forget to take care of our mental, physical and emotional health, and we often run ragged and burn out; I’m here to tell you to stop what you’re doing and think about yourself.
Lately, I’ve taken the time to sit down and read a book that’s been on my list for months, walk my dogs at the park with a good playlist, or try a new workout; this works for me, and I feel so refreshed afterward. I also challenge you to balance your professional and personal life and revel in the changes. I understand this is situational, but taking small steps like using your well-deserved PTO or feeling okay about taking a mental health day just to recharge is a great start.
4. Stopping to smell the roses – this idiom aligns with the above, but I thought it was essential to differentiate the two for several reasons. Yes, taking time for yourself is critical, but it’s also important to relish in what you have and all the blessings around you. I might sound like a walking “live, laugh, love” decor piece, but it’s so true! So often, we get hung up on the negativity of situations, or life in general, which masks all the good things life offers. When I was in college, I received my first tattoo, which I often forget about and do not regret. I decided on “La vita é Bella,” which means “life is beautiful” in Italian.
I by no means come from an Italian family, but I thought the saying and the language were beautiful and complimented each other well, and that’s still enough for me. While I’m not trying to re-live the golden years, I am trying to state a point. Sometimes when I’ve felt particularly crummy or down, I remember exactly how I felt when I made that choice in my life and how important that saying was, and still is, to me. Life is TRULY beautiful; all you have to do is look for it. Sappiness ensued and commenced.
5. Checking in on family and/or friends – I don’t know about you, but sometimes, it’s impossible to keep up with those who aren’t directly in front of me. Call me forgetful, but I think many of us are in the same boat. Lately, I’ve been thinking about these relationships and how important they are to me.
Because we’ve got a heavy dose of how uncertain life truly is, it’s important to make time for those you care for and those that care about you because we don’t always know what goes on in their day-to-day lives. Sometimes, our loved ones feel like a burden if they unload their hardships, so making the first step and saying something as simple as “thinking of you” or “hey, how are ya?” is enough and appreciated for those light or dark times in our lives.
6. Keep an open mind – growing up, we’ve been almost programmed with society's do’s and don’ts and how to act like a sensible human being. As we mature and grow into our own person, we often pick up habits, qualities, thought processes, beliefs, and beyond that shape us into who we are or want to be. To grow, we must never stop learning and never stop being curious because one person can’t possibly know everything. Saying ‘yes’ to different objectives or outlooks isn’t always easy, so it’s worth it to try to see the bigger picture or someone else’s viewpoint.
If we had the same thoughts, views, and beliefs at every given moment of our lives, the world would be pretty dull. As we know, it’s a fact some people aren’t open to this idea, but more than ever, we need to be. Knowing the difference between right and wrong should be clear most of the time, and as humans, we should hold on to that, but keeping an open mind to new perspectives and new practices that arise during our lifetime is very crucial to evolve as the human race and to continue to grow. I challenge you to read a book, an article, or even go out of your way to have a conversation with someone you don’t usually converse with. I promise you, you’ll come out more curious and enlightened just merely for the experience.
7. Asking for help – understanding you need help can seem like one of the easiest items on this list to agree to, but it can seem impossible once you’re in the situation. Knowing you need someone else is overwhelming but absolutely needed in this life. We as human beings aren’t meant to do life on our own at all times, so knowing when to reach out and ask for help might be as terrifying as it is freeing.
As beautiful as this life is, it can also knock us square on the floor if we’re not careful. I’ve struggled to be confident yet vulnerable enough to reach out, whether it be to a friend, co-worker, etc. Once I became comfortable, life became a tish easier, knowing I had that power on my side.
8. Taking a break from technology – as a society, we’re practically glued to technology and what it has to offer. Technological advances are a blessing and a curse, and for us elder millennials and younger, we’ve essentially grown up with it in the palm of our hands. The temptation to know what someone else is doing or what the generalized population thinks is a slippery slope to follow, but it is our reality.
Having an infinite wealth of knowledge and access is incredible, but at times, is completely overwhelming and can be harmful. Knowing when your mental health needs a technological break is key to unwinding, focusing on the little things, and maybe taking a walk in nature without feeling the urge to take a selfie.
