How Saying ‘Yes’ to Myself Transformed My Life: A Journey of Self-Discovery, Creativity, and Balance
Exactly one year ago, I left my highly visible job at a large nonprofit to do something completely outside of my comfort zone. I decided to invest in myself and start my year of yes.
I loved my work with young leaders. It brought purpose that I didn’t know existed within me. The program model I created was recognized as a national best practice and I flourished from it. But it came with years of high stress and poor life balance. Outwardly I seemed energized and enthusiastic, but inside I was completely drained. I had done it to myself. I was fixated on building my program and I somehow lost myself along the way.
After 5 years of a serious grind, my husband sat me down for a powerful conversation. He wanted me to understand my value and start my own business. He had such faith in my ability to make something that was an extension of myself. I have an amazing husband.
So on August 31st 2015 I left my then office for the last time and immediately starting to think about the year ahead. What did this new freedom mean? How was it going to shape my daily experience? Could I actually do this? Would anyone want to work with me?
My first, and best, decision was that no matter what I did I was going to listen to my instincts and revisit the things I’d always wanted to do but “never had time.” I had to create a lifestyle for myself that would infuse creativity, connection and meaning as often as possible.
It was going to be My Year of Yes.
Yes, to everything I’ve wanted to do and hadn’t created the space for it. Yes, to valuing experiences outside of work. Yes to listening to my body and not pushing it harder than it should. Yes, to exploring creativity. And yes, to owning the value of my own gifts.
Some of the best “yes” moments from the past year were:
- Taking woodworking class. I’ve dreamt about building furniture for many years. My late uncle was a master woodworker and spending time at his ranch (which is now my mother’s) inspires and fuels me. I’ve built 2 tables, a chair and a whole set of children’s toys. So rewarding!
- Reading more. I’ve read 15 books in the past year compared to the 2 I read the previous. Reading brings such growth.
- Launching a passion project. I wanted to create something that was an extension of my beliefs, but it was a challenge to build that while working with clients. I finally put my foot down in May and started the groundwork for “Life Lens,” my speaker/workshop series that connects people through shared experiences. I can’t wait to share it with everyone this fall!
- Going on a solo retreat. I went on two retreats by myself in the past year. I never knew how much I yearned for alone time. My two weeks in Idaho were, quite possibly, the best experience of my life.
- Sending letters. I think letter writing is in my DNA. My family has found it to be one the best ways to communicate love. This year I wrote almost 100 letters to thank people who have gone above and beyond to support me.
- Reconnecting with friends. Along with getting back in touch with old friends, one of my favorite experiences was when one of my best friends was on maternity leave. We had “maternity Fridays” together and spent a few hours catching up each week.
- Only wearing shoes that are comfortable. I made a deal with myself that I was not allowed to buy any more shoes that hurt my feet. I feel so much better physically and know that a comfy flat is just as professional as a high heel.
- Owning my value. I’m a big proponent of helping others recognize what makes them unique. But I wasn’t taking my own medicine. With my new company, I had to own my value in order to understand where I can make a difference. It’s been a hard turning point that I continue to work on.
- Being authentic every day. I no longer have to worry about “saying the right thing” that reflects my company’s brand. I am my company’s brand! And knowing that people want to be a part of it makes me more confident with just being me wherever I show up. It’s so freeing!
- Having dinner with my hubby. I went years without sitting down at my own dinner table at night. There was always some event I was either running or had to attend. We’ve both committed to making dinner at home and sitting at the table with as much as possible. We do it at least 4 nights a week now and it’s a beautiful shift.
- Joining the water ballet. I had secretly stalked my friend who was in it the year before and when she encouraged me to join I literally jumped in! It was a big stretch for me but totally worth the fun that came with it.
The more I said yes to the things that fed my spirit, the more joy was reflected in my daily being. And the more that joy was shown through my work, the easier it was to bring on clients. This year has been the most joyful of my life.
Cheers to another incredible year filled with growth, authenticity and love!
