Being a Yes
It’s amazing how easily I can say “No” to requests. Perhaps out of fear of being drained by energy vampires or as an automatic strategy to keep me in my safe zone, for whatever the reason, my ability to say “No” and not consider things has began to put limits on my experiences. That is, until Sierra and I had a little talk.
My Biggest Teacher
Although Sierra is only three years old, she is one of my biggest Teachers. The other day she looked me in the eye and asked if I was playing “Being a Yes Today?” Not knowing quite how to answer, I listened as my wife explained how easy it is to automatically be a “No” and that she and my daughter had invented a game where there was a “Yes” to every request.
Within an hour I had my first chance to “play”. My daughter asked me if I wanted to color with her. Now I had about 15 things to get done and my automatic response was to say “No”. But, I remembered the game.
Being a Yes
“YES”, I said, “I have 2 whole minutes to color with you”. Five minutes later I had colored an entire page and had fresh energy to complete my other tasks. I continued to play with this concept, thinking I may be able to be a yes to all requests in some way. I explained the rules with a coaching client and said, “Ask me anything”.
She proceeded by asking if I would come to her work and give a free training. Now that was a big request; however I love to give and I thought what if I was able to meet my needs and hers at the same time. “Yes, I’d love to; I’m open to presenting to your group for free if we can schedule two other paid engagements”.
What if you could start saying “Yes” to life, to people, and to yourself?
Monday Mindfulness
Where in your life do you automatically say “No”? See if you can be a “Yes” to life this week.
Monday Morning Minute Update
Welcome to the new MMM format. The Working Awareness Network has been a project for the last two years. We know have 3 live groups in Portland Oregon, 1 online group in Denver Colorado,a nd a new online group starting in Michigan. Please have a look around.
Wishing you all a Happy Monday.
October 23rd, 2006 at 5:31 am
Recently read a great book called The Yes Man by Danny Wallace - about a guy who spends a year trying to say Yes to opportunities that come his way. Great fun to read.
Amazon link http://www.amazon.co.uk/Yes-Man-Danny-Wallace/dp/0091896746/sr=8-1/qid=1161606584/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/026-1147178-9078009?ie=UTF8
Like your new look format for the Monday Morning Minute.
Best Regards,
Alan Noake
October 23rd, 2006 at 8:24 am
When I read the title of this MMM I was leery. I am ALWAYS a “Yes” and get overwhelmed and overburdened as a result. I LOVED the idea that I could still say “Yes,” but set limits on what “Yes” means. Now there is a way that I can say “Yes” and still accomplish all that I have to do.
Thank you!!! ~Lisa
October 23rd, 2006 at 8:26 am
Good Morning Jason-
In light of my fear of children, I am always so inspired by your amazing learning’s from Sierra. How noble of you to see her amazing gifts each day and learn from them. Thanks for your uplifting message each week.
With empowerment,
Paula