Oftentimes when something bad happens in our lives, we are tempted to shut down. Sometimes that “shut-down impulse” is necessary for our survival; we shut out the world to protect ourselves. However, it’s important to realize we won’t be able to heal, learn, or grow saying “No” to life’s opportunities and challenges.
There are a lot of different ways to say “No,” and to attempt to shut down or stop what’s happening in our lives.
Every day, we make excuses not to do things like, “Now’s not a good time,” “It’s not my thing,” or “I don’t need the stress.”
Saying “Yes” means knowing that you are bigger and badder than any circumstance that can come your way.
After the traumatic event that started my previously unplanned career in resilience, I built walls between me and the outside world. I didn’t trust other people; I didn’t even want to talk to them. I wish I knew then that walls keep out good things as well as the bad.
When we say “No,” we’re not just protecting ourselves; we’re missing out on all the risks and rewards that make life worth living. Saying “Yes” is a huge part of the healing process. Without walls, without shutting down, we’re open to so many wonderful things to love about life.
What are you missing out on, by saying “No” to life? What exciting new experiences, good friends, true loves, and chances at happiness are you willing to meet with a resounding “YES!”?
Today’s video is about choosing to overcome the s*** life puts us through, dusting ourselves off, and accepting rather than fighting the future by saying “Yes!” to all the things that life hands us. It can be difficult, but trust me: living a full life is always worth it.
Once you watch the video, I’d love to hear from you. I encourage you to share your personal experiences saying “Yes” or “No” to life in the comments section below. Is there a time you should’ve said “Yes” instead of “No,” or vice versa? What good has come about from your saying “Yes”?
Resolve not to let bad experiences get in the way of your future happiness. Say “Yes!” to life, whatever it brings. Sure, it’s easier said than done, but it beats the heck out of the alternative. What do you think? Let me hear from you in the comments section!
Remember that you are bigger than anything life can hand you. You got this.
Cheryl
Cheryl,
Your message on saying yes or no to life really resonates with me. I have been living in a 17 year marriage that has been full of painful challenges including my devastating realization/acceptance that my husband had been having affairs during our marriage. I was already functioning from an emotionally detached space for years due to having shame, fear, and anger about my ongoing circumstances and inability to become “unstuck” emotionally when the other women contacted me and confirmed my husband’s adultery. For years prior to finding out this painful news I had been saying NO to life. I built a wall around myself in an attempt to protect myself from what seemed like a constant assault on my emotional well-being. This was a drastic change from the confident, curious, and connected person that I had been in earlier years. I even looked weakened in my physical appearance over time. People close to me would say that they no longer see the “light” in me. I became a shell of a person, wearing a suit of armor and living my life as an uninspired parent, daughter, sister, employee, neighbor and all around human being. Unfortunately, the emotional and physical fortress that kept me semi-protected from pain, brought it’s own kind of injury in the form of isolation and lost opportunities to grow emotionally, spiritually, financially, intellectually, professionally, and socially. I am slowly on the mend and on a journey to say “YES, YES, YES” to LIFE. Your message today was just what I needed to hear. Thank you! Your words have encouraged me to let down some walls or at least crack the door open to a fuller life by sharing part of my story and cultivating growth and healing in my life.
Nicole, thank you for your courage and heart in so bravely sharing your story. You touched upon something so accurate – it’s fine if the journey to “YES” is a slow one. The speed with which you move is unimportant; what matters is that you’re oriented toward “yes,” and not toward “no!” It’ll all work itself out from there. Thank you for your generosity. Wishing you peace and progress on your journey.
Thank you for that great message of saying YES to life. I lived my whole life saying no to life’s challenges. I am blessed with a wonderful wife and four wonderful children but I keep holding back and allowing the past to control my present and future state of mind. It’s time for me to say yes and enjoy my life with a great family that I have been blessed with. Thank you very much. I really need that message today.
Hi Frank.I’m glad to hear that the message came at the right time. I’m interested to hear how much saying “yes” to your life will allow you to actually experience all that you’re blessed with. Wishing you all the best.
Hi Cherryl,
This resonated me today as I lost another person I knew to suicide last week. The ultimate saying NO to life. This was the 6th acquaintance or friend that has chosen to end it in the last 2 years. There is no pattern. Some were younger, some were older, some were single, some had small kids, some were moms and some were dads.
Your message is one of strength and hope that must continue for all people.
Hi Warwick. Wow. That is devastating loss. I’m so sorry to hear that. I thank you for your kind words, and I’ll add something if I may: I think we all have a message of strength and hope that can positively impact those around us. Let’s all of us choose to share ourselves rather than separate ourselves or hide out. We never know who it might impact. Thank you.
I love your messages Cheryl, thank you for what you do! I have said no for a long time to life not realizing the harm that does. Just recently I have started work on putting myself back in life even if it means being vulnerable. This video was very timely!
Hi Rosemary! Thank you for watching the video, and thank you for your kind words. Yes, putting yourself back into life can definitely make you vulnerable – but it’s where all the richness and sweetness of life reside. I acknowledge you for your courage and your heart.