The Power of Yes In an age where we are bombarded with messaging that encourages us to create safe spaces for ourselves through inaccessibility and detachment; interdependence has been villainized, while extreme independence applauded. We are being misled to believe that intentional self-care demands a sort of justifiable isolation, that often includes creating distanced hollows between us and others. Braggart social media posts about cutting people out of our lives, or eagerly awaiting spending nights alone streaming movies and binge-watching series, dominate my timelines. I often hear people express that saying no is a supremely liberating act of self-care. It is true that we can overextend ourselves to a point of exhaustion and personal neglect. Practicing healthy boundaries does add appreciation for our presence, help to protect our time, and support our mental health. However, saying no is not the only way to empower ourselves. All things in life are better with balance. Through true self-awareness comes the realization that our power is in creating experiences and developing strong relationships with those around us. What is there to gain, what is there to learn, and how are we enriched, when we are so protected that we cut off potential and limit our exposure to all the wonders that life has to offer? Some time ago, I decided that I would say yes in situations where I would have said no in the past. This practice requires me to pause before instinctively denying invitations. I stop, and ask myself, “Why not?” If after deliberation, the offer does not conflict with my personal ethics, my goals, or my personal safety, I accept. And let me tell you -- my life has been enriched because 34
Courtney Lee, Contributing Writer
of it. Human connection is one of the single most valuable commodities we have. The other is time. I have found that doing as much as I can, in the time that I have, with the people who extend their kindness to me; has allowed me to be in whimsical places, see fanciful things, and love magnificent humans, all around this world.
It is a sign of self-
From my yeses, I spent time in Netherlands, actualization to be as a soccer coach for resilient enough to a very talented group of teenagers who were stand on our own, representing the United but wise enough States at the International Friendship Games. I got to recognize drunk in a Belgium bar, there is even while dancing to Michael Jackson music coming greater strength from a jukebox, with two in living boldly old men who spoke no English, as they mourned and developing a the icon’s passing. I had community. Thanksgiving dinner with a stranger (again in a bar) as we both sought refuge from a Rocky Mountain snowstorm. I fell in love with a high school classmate twenty-five years later, after he finally worked up the courage to ask me out. I once moved to another state for no other reason than a television show telling me it was a nice place to live. And guess what? It was a nice place to live! There, I survived my first ice storm, something I
