“Say only ‘yes’ if you mean ‘yes,’ and say only ‘no’ if you mean ‘no.’” Matthew 5:37
This photo is the result of me saying Yes. My friend said she was skydiving for her birthday and asked if I wanted to go with her. Before I could think, I blurted out “Yes!!” It was if I had to say it quickly, so I couldn’t overthink. To ensure that I would follow through on my Yes, I paid her upfront. After I said Yes, I didn’t tell anyone that I was going to do it, I was completely terrified after my Yes, but it was one of the most unforgettable experiences of my life. It was taking the leap.
In my last blog, I said that there is power in embracing the spiritual practice of saying No. When we embrace the sacredness of saying no, it makes space for our sacred Yes.
This experience was a sacred Yes.
“Every “yes” changes something in me. Every “yes” is a bit more transformative. Every “yes” sparks some new phase of revolution” Shonda Rimes - Year Of Yes - How to Dance It Out in the Sun and Be Your Own Person
Shonda Rhimes’ book serves as a reminder of the sacredness of Saying Yes. Here are some reflections.
Say Yes to Saying No - You can refer to my last blog “No” (smile) Sometimes saying No means saying Yes to yourself. When we embrace the sacredness of Saying No, we make room for the Sacred Yes. She reminds me of the importance of saying No to situations and relationships that don’t serve you opens up the door to saying Yes to the situations and relationships that do.
Say Yes to Friendships - Relationships ground me and friendship is one of God’s greatest gifts. As I grow older, I treasure my friendships and relationships even more. Living in multiple pandemics has made me more intentional and grateful for my friendships. This season has also been an opportunity to develop friendships and relationships with people in new and unexpected ways. Saying Yes means making myself vulnerable and opening up myself. My deepest and richest relationships have been nurtured when we open up to each other. Take the risk, shoot your shot and say Yes.
Say Yes to Giving Yourself Grace - We can take care of giving , supporting and helping others so much, yet not extend the same grace to ourselves. Saying Yes means releasing my perfectionist tendencies and embracing being perfectly imperfect. Saying Yes to throwing away the Superwoman cape and embracing asking for help.