BUSINESS & LEADERSHIP
SAYING YES By Jane Marks
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ver the past few years, saying no has created more mental health stability, helped us set boundaries, and given us control over our life and well-being. However, did you know that saying yes at the right time is also an essential part of self-care? Intentionally saying yes can open up possibilities that you may have never imagined. Saying yes, for many of us, means stepping outside of our comfort zone and pursuing new opportunities. When we say yes, we often accept challenges that spur personal growth. Opportunity does not always wait for perfect timing, so let’s remember the power that lies in saying yes:
• Saying yes invites collaboration, partnership and discussions in areas of new growth. It creates opportunities for positive—and even difficult—conversations that most of us stay away from. I can’t tell you how many times I have invited my dance students to join me in a performance only for them to discover their own confidence and joy. I share this because the secret discovery is that it’s okay to try and succeed, learn, and even fail. • Saying yes often teaches us to be risk-tolerant. How many times have we experienced regret and robbed ourselves of an opportunity that might have been life-changing? By saying yes, we’re more likely to try new things—and view our successes and failures as learning opportunities. • Saying yes means that you may discover new passions and explore things that interest you.
tallahassee woman | 32 | august • september 2022
• Saying yes attracts positivity. It allows us not only to accept compliments and harness the confidence that people have in us, but also to give that gift to those around us. • By saying yes, we often create meaning by our “yes” actions: serving, creating, beautifying, and caregiving. • Saying yes and living life on our terms promotes healthy choices—leading us to be more intentional with our sleep, diet, and exercise. Finally, saying yes can make for more enjoyable Mondays. On Sunday nights, so many of us feel that sinking feeling of, “Ugh, tomorrow is Monday.” If Mondays are a real struggle for you, take time to say yes this week. Try something different, shake things up, and be inspired by “yes.
