The Life-Changing Power of Saying Yes

 

Photo by Anonymous on Pixabay

 

Have you been practicing saying no this past month? This month’s focus in our 12 Steps to Self-Care is another single-syllable yet powerful word. It’s all about saying yes! While saying no protects our boundaries, yes opens us up to new experiences and can completely change our lives.

I had to learn how to say yes early in my adult life, and because of that, I’ve been fortunate to travel, meet new and interesting people, and go on many adventures.

By saying yes, I gained independence and confidence. I used to be in a toxic marriage and finally left when my son turned 16 months old. I didn’t want him to grow up in such a negative environment, so I found the courage to leave. I said yes to myself and to my son.

In my work as a nurse I found every yes was an opportunity to expand my knowledge. By helping with projects at almost every hospital I worked at, I found my skill as a leader developed as well.

Saying yes has elevated every part of my life. It’s given me lifelong friendships and memories. I once dated a rock climber who suggested I also learn how to climb. I said yes. I joined his rock climbing group, and he taught me. While the relationship didn’t last more than a few months, I found a new hobby and still am close friends with members of that very same group.

I could write a book about all the experiences I’ve had by saying yes. My friends call me “No Moss” because I’m always rolling onto the next adventure. Saying yes has even taken me to India!

Recently, I said yes to joining a ladies' mountain biking group. We said yes to riding as a group on a 25-mile ride! It was probably one of the most difficult rides I’ve ever gone on, but it was just as rewarding and I’d say yes again in a heartbeat. Despite my bruised legs, I had fun, and that sense of accomplishment made every bump and mile worth it.

Saying yes opens doorways that you didn’t know existed.

Here’s what I’ve found happens when you practice mindfully saying yes:

  1. You become a more interesting person

  2. You experience the kindness of strangers

  3. Your confidence grows

  4. You learn that failure is OK

  5. You don’t let failure keep you down

  6. You discover new-found creativity

  7. You become a healthier person

  8. Asking for things comes easier

Maybe saying yes doesn’t give you all the answers or make the world make sense, but you find that you have the power to navigate tricky situations. Building a life around the practice of intentionally saying yes has truly made things work out for me, and I’m lucky that they do.

This month, I encourage you to say yes to something new. Saying yes to something big or small is the first step to allowing yourself to seek new opportunities. You never know what will grow from it.

 

Cindy Parsons,

RN, BSN, MS-HCA, SEM

With warmth and healing energy,

Cindy Parsons and the EMS Team

Holistic Nurse
Energy Medicine Practitioner
Instructor—Energy Medicine Specialists
(Read more about Cindy here).

 
EMS Admin