A few months ago I decided to enter a season of “Yes.”
Before packing my bags to go to England to study abroad, I made a promise to myself to be open to new opportunities, specifically ones that I would normally make excuses not to take.
Traveling anywhere new often gives one a sense of a fresh start (especially if you’re spending a significant amount of time in the place you’re traveling to). I knew that I wanted to capitalize on this “fresh start” feeling since I was still somewhat recovering from a self-diagnosis of burnout at the beginning of 2022.
So, on September 14, I started my Yes Season.
“Do you wanna go biking around central today?” Yes.
“Can I take you out on a date?” Yes.
“Are you down to get new tattoos?” Yes.
“Are you interested in going to a pub to watch the football game?” Yes.
“Do you want to join this gardening club?” Yes.
“Do you wanna sign up for a pole fit class?” Yes.
Whether the questions were self-directed questions or from new acquaintances and friends, I was open. If I had time and energy in my schedule, I allowed myself to be free to do anything and everything (with discernment and caution of course).
As I was meeting new people, trying out new activities, and challenging myself to explore a foreign country, I noticed a few things shifting. I began to feel more inspired, more curious, more confident, more self-assured, more motivated and, overall, more content.
Of course, my Yes Season wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows. There were things such as stress, tiredness, fear, and doubt that made an appearance from time to time. However — even in the midst of some things not going the way I hoped — I felt that I had made an amazing, life-changing decision with entering a Yes Season.
Towards the end of my time in London, I remember sitting at Happy Lamb Hot Pot with friends and them asking me how my overall experience in London was. I started by telling them about my Yes Season. I explained how I came into London with zero-to-no expectations (except bringing a cute English gentleman home), and how I was determined to say “yes” to new experiences, especially ones outside my comfort zone. I explained that because of my commitment to saying “yes,” I feel fulfilled and satisfied with my time abroad. And I truly meant it. I don’t regret a thing.
If it wasn’t for my Yes Season, I don’t think I would’ve left England satisfied and with a sense of accomplishment.
The Yes Season I embarked on can look different depending on where you are mentally and financially. I must admit: my Yes Season in London isn’t sustainable for my sanity or bank account. But that doesn’t mean I or you can’t incorporate a different version of a Yes Season into our everyday life.
If my Yes Season taught me anything, it’s that a LOT can change in just a few months if you’re open to possibilities. If you relax a bit and go with the flow — not rigidly attached to how you want things to play out, great things can happen to you and for you.
For me, I left London with genuine friendships, a heightened sense of self-confidence, new skills, more self-respect, and an irresistible itch for more travel and exploration. I didn’t go abroad looking for those things, but since I was open, they effortlessly entered my life.
Committing to a season of “Yes” can be a way to help you if you feel stuck or stagnant and want to introduce some newness into your life.
All you have to do is start saying yes; yes to opportunities, growth, and life.
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