​Yes is a Verb

Happy New Year! Another year ahead of us to explore, create, experience, and decide how we will live the days forward.

One thing we know for sure in the following year is that some things coming our way we will not be able to control, but we can decide how to respond to them. My grandson Finn, who is now six, went through a stage for a couple of years when every answer to any question was No. Would you like to go to the park? No. Would you like to eat this? No. Would you like to play with this or do that? No. Thank goodness he’s growing out of his No phase. During last month’s Thanksgiving family gathering, I noticed a change in his response to questions from No to Yes. 

Aside from the fact that he is growing up, the difference is his awareness of his surroundings and connection with others. Although he doesn’t yet comprehend that starting school, making a best friend, admiring his teachers and forming friendships in class is the beginning of the vastness of his life evolving, and saying Yes becomes easier. 

This week my dear friend Gandolfa, who has my ear when she is in my chair, at 92 is full of wisdom, made a comment worth repeating; “I want to know the vastness of you.” She also sent me this quote:  “The vastness inside you refers to the idea that within each individual lies a seemingly limitless potential, a depth of experiences, emotions, and possibilities that is often far greater than what is readily apparent on the surface; it signifies the immense capacity for growth, change, and understanding that resides within every person, like an expansive universe within themselves.” 
We discussed that vastness for each one of us only expands if we say Yes to life. One becomes rich, not just through money or possessions, (although money does provide more choices) but by the number of experiences in which we grow rich with love, relationships, experiences, knowledge, spiritual insight, mindfulness and an openness to what we can’t even imagine will come our way. But we are willing to say Yes and take a chance.  
In many cases, No is needed to stop a situation or action from happening. No is an important directive and decision. At times, No is an important mandate when caring for ourselves and our wellbeing. 

Yes is an affirmative response that may require action to move forward. In saying Yes, you may be taking chances. One of the best parts of being alive, is not knowing what is around the corner of life but remaining open to a new direction and different result.  Yes is a verb. 

Say Yes and open the doors to let the fresh air in and the sunshine pour into the tight corners of your mind. Become curious of the vastness still pausing inside of you waiting to explore and discover the potential of the expansive universe within you. And of course, bring others with you and decide to play more, and worry less this coming year. Laugh and have fun and celebrate the new year. Say yes to your life. It is never too late to dream bigger. 
Happy New Year!

With love,
Hilda