The word "YES" is small, but it holds enormous potential. A simple three-letter word that can shift the trajectory of your life in ways you never imagined. After reading A Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes, I was struck by a revelation: I had been stuck in my own life, watching opportunities slip by, weighed down by fear and hesitation. Rhimes’ memoir challenged me to reflect on my own choices, and I realized I needed a change.
I asked myself, "What if I said YES?"
Did you know that saying YES releases dopamine in your brain, activating your reward system and boosting your confidence?
It’s no surprise that saying YES is so powerful. When we embrace new experiences, our brain forms new neural connections, making us smarter and more adaptable. But YES isn’t just about saying yes to opportunities—it’s about saying YES to yourself, your growth, and your potential.
The Year of YES: Embracing Confidence and Growth
Inspired by A Year of Yes, I committed myself: I would say YES to opportunities, challenges, and—most importantly—self-acceptance. I stopped minimizing my accomplishments. I stopped letting fear dictate my choices. I embraced my worth, and with that shift in mindset, everything changed. This is my truth of the power of YES.
Surviving a Toxic Relationship: Saying YES to Myself
There was a time when I found myself trapped in an toxic relationship. Slowly, the manipulation and control stripped away my identity. I was exhausted, broken, and didn’t even recognize myself anymore. But the turning point came when I said YES to myself. I had to let go of the pain and rediscover my inner strength. While I couldn’t change the past or the person who hurt me, I realized that I had the power to control how I responded. It wasn’t easy, but it was empowering.
I stopped asking, "Why did this happen to me?" and began asking, "What can I learn from this?" I realized that closure doesn’t always come from others—it comes from within. In letting go of the need for validation, I chose to heal on my terms and reclaim my power.
The lesson I learned? Happiness is a choice. Letting go of what you can’t change is a powerful act of self-preservation. It’s not the past that defines you; it’s how you rise from it.
Redefining My Path: Saying YES to Change
Ever since I was five, I dreamed of becoming a neurosurgeon and winning the Nobel Prize. I worked hard for that dream, but as I navigated the system, I encountered corruption and bureaucracy that shattered my vision. I was at a crossroads: stay on a path that no longer fulfilled me or pivot into something new. I said YES to adaptability and transitioned into medical communications and marketing. It wasn’t what I had originally planned, but it was where I found joy and fulfillment.
The lesson I learned? Failure isn’t the end; it’s a redirection. Saying YES to change opens the door to new possibilities.
A Breast Cancer Scare: Saying YES to Life
When I discovered lumps in my breast, my world came to a screeching halt. Suddenly, everything that once seemed urgent—emails, meetings, deadlines—felt insignificant. In that moment, I realized I had been living to work, rather than working to live. So, I made a choice: I took a cross-country road trip to reset and reconnect with life outside of work. It was liberating.
The lesson I learned? Work will always be there, but life doesn’t wait. Balance isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity. Stepping away from work can actually make you more productive and creative, as studies show that taking breaks improves problem-solving skills.
Starting My Own Business and Writing Children's Books: Saying YES to Dreams
Koa, a Rhodesian Ridgeback, inspired me to start my own business. I launched Koa’s Ruff Life, a dog barkery and boutique, and began writing children’s books to make learning fun. Entrepreneurship terrified me. The uncertainty, the risk, the unknown—it all felt overwhelming. But saying YES to my passion pushed me beyond my comfort zone and forced me to confront my fears head-on. Through this process, I learned the value of resilience, creativity, and the importance of taking risks in pursuit of something meaningful.
The lesson I learned? Passion is a powerful motivator. When you say YES to something you truly care about, you tap into an unstoppable drive to keep going, even when things get tough. Entrepreneurship isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about embracing the journey, trusting in your abilities, and believing that the risks you take will eventually lead to something rewarding. Taking that first step, despite the fear, is often the most important one.
The Ongoing Journey of YES
Looking back, I can confidently say that saying YES reshaped my life. Some YES’s were exhilarating, others terrifying, but each one was transformative. Saying YES isn’t just a mindset; it’s a lifestyle. Embracing challenges and new experiences rewires your brain, making you more adaptable and resilient.
So, let me leave you with this question: What opportunities are you missing by staying in your comfort zone? Saying YES doesn’t always have to be a grand, life-altering decision. Sometimes, it’s the small, intentional steps that lead to transformation.
What will YOU say YES to today? Let me know in the comments section!
Related Posts
