The Power of Yes! by Kathi Middleton

I am convinced that in order for one to truly receive the “Power of Yes”,

they must first assert the “Confident No”. 

Spending the final month of each year to reflect on the apparent and disguised lessons has become a beautiful ritual to acknowledge and celebrate my personal growth.  It was in this still and meditative place last December, that the idea for “29 Days of Yes” was conceived.  In spite of vowing to my closest friends and family that I would not take on any new commitments until I completed my doctorate, I said “Yes” to this occasion.  Behind this Yes, was a confident No, to barriers and fears.  Not only did I say Yes, I wanted to invite 28 other phenomenal women along for the journey.  For the month of February, we would blog about our insights on Shonda Rhimes’ new book, “Year of Yes: How to Dance It Out, Stand In the Sun and Be Your Own Person." 

You may or may not be a fan of Shonda Rhimes’ TGIT (Thank God It’s Thursday) lineup which includes the hit show Scandal.  Either way, this mother of three, Ivy League graduate, and critically acclaimed writer and producer shares a powerful and compelling story of how saying “Yes” for a year transformed her life.  In the book, Shonda shares intimate, captivating and witty stories about releasing unreasonable expectations of motherhood, toxic relationships and embracing her own true self.  Despite her endless stories of Yes, I wasn’t sure what I was going to blog about.   Then this weekend happened.. and I experienced the Power of Yes in three purposeful, irrefutable and divine ways.

Friday, the Firm Yes!  Most of us can say Yes, to a grateful thank you or even the remote possibility of a blessing in response to our good deed.  However, many of us find it difficult to say Yes to a constant No.  Here it was just a few hours since I had received my hasty no to a seemingly sensible request.  Now this person was standing in front of me in need, and before I could contemplate any pretense for saying No, God put it on my heart to say Yes.  I would love to say that the lesson ended there, but the next day I felt disgruntle with the lack of gratitude for my kindness.  Then I clearly heard God say, “Remember who you are saying Yes to, and that no good deed is in vain.”  

Saturday, the Fearless Yes!  When my cousin asked to hang out Saturday evening, I was prepared to quickly respond that I could not possibly go out. See I had plans to stay at home and write my blog entry for “29 Days of Yes”.  “That made sense right?”  For the life of me I could not convince myself that it made any sense at all.  Before I knew it, I had dismissed all of my thoughts of No and accepted the possibilities of Yes.  We had a great night, sharing laughs, listening to great music and lounge hoppin! It never ceases to amaze me of how much fun is on the other side of fear, I mean Yes!

Sunday, the Faithful Yes!  Bedside Baptist was not an option!  I would worship the Lord and head home to rest… As I pulled into the parking lot, I received a text from a dear friend to save them a seat at church.  I replied to make sure they knew that I wasn’t at the location that was close to their house, but the one that was many miles away!  Then I had an aha moment, “this friend wanted some girlfriend time!”  During service, my thoughts of saying no to an anticipated brunch invitation were overshadowed by a recent memory of when this very friend had met me for a “much needed” lunch at the drop a dime.  At the conclusion of service, without delay, I invited her to brunch and she said “Yes”.  What a great time we had, new brunch spot and great shopping! 

I am convinced that in order for us to truly receive the “power of yes”, we must first assert the “confident no”.  This is a no to self-centeredness, limiting choices and rigid plans!  Trust yourself, honor your truth and hold firmly to the Power of Yes.   Check back each day of February for a new inspirational story about "Saying Yes".   If you would like to share your own personal experience sign up to blog here http://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090e4eaaa92baa8-29days, there are a few slots left.