Saying "Yes" More

One of my goals for 2015 was to say "yes" more. Normally, I am guilty of being a no-man (this is a "Yes Man" reference). When I can't say no, I look for excuses to wiggle my way out of scary situations. This has led me nowhere but regret and disappointment. But lately, I have changed this negative habit and welcomed a whole new way of living.

"In the end, we only regret the chances we didn't take."

Recognizing that this was an area of my life I needed to fix, I decided to make the change. Every day, in every situation, "yes" is at the forefront of my mind. The question is no longer -how can I escape?but - how can I experience? 

"I imagine that yes is the only living thing." - E.E. Cummings

If you are feeling the same way, then become a yes-man with me. Be the person who takes chances, who can push through fear to make memories that will last a lifetime. Just a week ago, one of my closest friends said to me, "Zoe, you're really following your goal of saying yes more." I don't even remember telling her about it, but she has seen a change in me recently. That afternoon, she had called me to ask if I would come meet her at the beach to watch the sun set with a few other friends. I changed out of my PJs into some nice clothes, brushed my teeth, and jumped in my car. I took over 700 pictures that night, and had SO much fun. We walked out on a lake and slid around on the smooth ice that had been created by the warm temperatures of that week. I laughed so hard my cheeks hurt. Would I have said yes a few months before? No, I wouldn't have. This decision has made my life so much better. It's such a simple and easy change to make. Do you want to join me?

If so, here's how to begin:

Write it down (optional lol)

Take a chance to jot down some things that scare you. Be honest with yourself. Grab your journal and a cup of cocoa and think. Ask yourself some questions. What have I said no to lately that I regret? How can I expand my horizons? What qualities do I admire in others and why? How can I get closer to the person I want to become?

Just do it

Going all Nike here, but honestly. You don't have to say "yes" to everything, but when confronted with an opportunity that would benefit you, go ahead! You alone can change your life. You are in control! YOU! 

"Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all." -Helen Keller

This decision was inspired by one of my favorite movies, "Yes Man". Check out this trailer if you've never seen it. 

top photo via unsplash.com