Year of Yes – Add Value To Our Lives
(this blog post contains an affiliate links which means I may receive a commission if you click a link and make a purchase. please read my disclosure for details)
In 2016, I participated in a book club and we were asked to read Shonda Rhimes’ Year of Yes. At that time, I don’t think I really appreciated her journey. I didn’t allow myself the opportunity to understand the impact Year of Yes had on her happiness and self-esteem.
I’m not sure what it was about the book, but I didn’t have too many AHA moments. I attributed my indifference to the book tour. That’s the only logical choice. When Shonda was promoting her book, she would reference different stories in the book. As a result, I felt as though I had already read the book before I actually read the book. It was sort of anti-climatic.
Fast forward to 2018. I came across the book while visiting my local library; and, I thought I would read it again. I have to say that I’m glad I did. Even though I remembered most of the stories told, I had a totally different experience this time. I allowed myself to see her transformation. From a shy and introverted woman to a confident and bad ass woman.
This time, when I read the book, I took notes. I documented her process. I allowed myself to participate in her journey. To see how her decision to say yes, to face her fears, literally changed her entire life.
Before the challenge, she was admittedly an unhappy person. She wasn’t really present in her own life. But, after the year was over, she was enjoying life, new experiences and new friendships. But I think most of all, she was enjoying the journey of discovering herself and what she needed to live a happy/balanced life.
So I asked myself, how would my life change if I stepped outside of my comfort zone? Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m not planning to follow in Shonda’s footsteps and commit to a Year of Yes. Saying yes to everything that scares me. But, I do think that I need to be more spontaneous.
I’m a planner by nature. I don’t typically do well flying by the seat of my pants. I can live in that space for a short time; but, after that, I become uncomfortable and agitated.
I just celebrated my birthday the other day, so that’s the start of my new year. I going to start documenting my journey aka My Year of Spontaneity. Change isn’t something that I’ve embraced; but, as I get older, I realized it’s necessary for my own personal growth.
I’m not planning to ditch the planner in me; but, I’ll be open to trying things that just show up. Allowing myself to go with the flow more than I’ve done in the past.
It’ll be interesting to see where this choice leads.
Are you happy with your life? Do you like the person that you are? If not, what changes are you willing to make to become a version 2.0?
Next year, I want to encourage people to share their stories. Inspire others to take charge of their life. When I reach that point in my journey, I’ll ask for volunteers. If you’re interested, I provide details on the process. In the meantime, make a decision to step into your “badassery”.
