Say it with me – Just Say No! Just Say No! Just Say No!

….to Just Say No.

So…you’re telling me D.A.R.E. was a crock of poo?

Well, yes…and no.

Over the past few weeks since I’ve started this blog, I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about the different ways that I can consciously impact the direction in which my life is headed. I’ve made lists, I’ve prayed for spontaneous inspiration in Justin Timberlake songs (WHAT.), I’ve even taken to the TREADMILL to run it out (shit just got serious, y’all).

And what I came to realize is that the one thing that can positively change my life is the one thing I’m actually already doing – saying, YES! YES! YES! (cue diner scene from When Harry Met Sally).

Yay me!

The lesson here is fairly simple – say yes more often than no. And not just in the sense of saying yes in response to a question or proposition from someone else. That’s easy.

No, it’s about saying YES to life. To experience. To things that are unfamiliar and, let’s face it, really crazy scary. To not always worrying about what’s on the other side. And to opening yourself up to something that may – gasp – turn out to be lifechanging.

If you know me, you know that I’m not exactly the most thoughtful person. Not in the sense that I don’t think of others – au contraire! – but that I don’t often think of the consequences of decisions I’ve made before I’ve made them.

Now, I’ve got a pretty good gut, so most of the time, I’m making the right decision regardless of my complete lack of concern about the consequences. Sure, it’s gotten me into trouble a few times, but that’s pretty rare.

What that has done for me is propel my life into a series of spontaneous, scary, life-changing experiences and even relationships that make me feel richer than any two-bit millionaire.

Example: That time I booked a last-minute solo trip to Paris to clear my head?

I had just broken up with someone I really cared about. We had even planned to embark on a romantic getaway to Napa the next week. So when the breakup happened, I had the choice to either sit at home and mourn the loss of a relationship, or say fuck it (sorry mom), change my ticket and do my own little Eat, Pray, Love adventure in a city I know like the back of my hand.

Of course, spontaneous trips to Paris aren’t always feasible. But saying yes to the little things every day IS. Unless there is something completely unmoveable in your way, you must, must, must say yes.

I took a look through recent text conversations in my phone, and was amazed by the amounts of “Yes’s” and “OKs.”

Megan, want to go to Jamboree in the Hills in July?

(OK!)

Megan, want to plan our trip to Turkey soon?

(OK!)

Megan, want to go to go day drinking on Saturday and then go jump on trampolines at SkyZone?

(OK!)

Megan, want to try that new Indian place down the str –

(Let me stop you right there. No).

I have limits, people, and curry is one of them.

Open up and let this crazy universe of ours swallow you up and do it’s thang. Because you know what, you may not be here tomorrow (womp womp).

No matter what we’re faced with in life, lean into it (as a friend posted on their Facebook wall yesterday – thanks Adam!). Lean into the challenge, the fear, the unknown. Lean in and whisper – yes.

Well, except for drugs. Just say no to drugs.