Something Inspiring Happens When You Say ‘Yes’ Instead of ‘No’
I had quite an eye opening experience this week. I woke up on Wednesday to start my day at my normal time. First on the agenda, 1 Million Cups. This is my once a week time to connect with others not just in HR but any and all industries, roles, professions, etc. I always leave feeling inspired, energetic, and renewed. Even if all I do is listen to the speaker and talk to no one, at least I got out of bed and did something! This particular Wednesday, all I wanted to do was stay in bed. For the past several months, I have been on a journey of life transformation and the rollercoaster of emotions is a daily and exhausting occurrence. I was hoping it would blizzard or something (It’s July) so something beyond my control could make the decision for me, I could stay in bed, and I wouldn’t have to feel guilt or shame for making a wrong decision (my brain works in mysterious ways in the early hours). I simply felt I didn’t have the energy to do it. I wanted to give in to the demons of darkness & depression but, I broke this heavy “to do” into small steps because a blizzard was not going to happen! I knew I couldn’t lay in bed all day anyway so may as well get it started. First, all I had to do was literally stand up. I can do that. Next, jump in the shower. I can do that too. But that was it! That was all I was going to do. While I sleepily walked to the bathroom in the dark, I thought to myself “ok, I’ll shower but I’m not doing my hair because I’m not going anywhere and that’s too much work.” I took my shower, got my coffee, fed the cats and all of a sudden I was really ‘awake’ and thought “I’ve come this far, I may as well take another step.” So I dried my hair, put on presentable clothes and drove downtown.
As I walked into 1MC, I instantly was called over by two colleagues to chat. One who mentioned a new professional networking opportunity she thought I’d enjoy, the other who wanted to schedule coffee with me to talk about a completely different professional opportunity. Wow! I already felt better and more hopeful about the direction my life transition was going in. I listened to the speaker and on the way out, I ran into another dear friend. As we spoke, she extended an invite to join her to an HR event the following day out of town. I hesitated because I still sometimes default to my “I don’t want to do anything” feeling (It’s so much easier….) and I can get a little irrationally fearful of committing to things on the spot. But I pushed through the negative thoughts, anxiety and said “YES!” While standing there, another colleague found me and extended an invite for a 4th learning opportunity. “I thought of you when I saw this and wanted to give you an invite”. Again, wow! I wasn’t expecting this at all.
The next day, I went to the HR luncheon with my friend and thought I wouldn’t know anyone but this will be good to meet new people. I walked in and instantly saw three people I knew all with smiling “hellos”! The event started – the topic being about possibilities, finding the good in every day, and lifting the shade off your eyes to see the potential in each and every day. I related to every word that was said, how perspective is everything and we all, at times, forget about our wild & crazy dreams and settle for what is when we have the ability to change our perspective. It was the reassurance I needed that I was on the right path, that I wasn’t alone, and that I was exactly where I was supposed to be. The additional benefit of gaining perspective and support through connection within this group was like an extra shot of espresso in my coffee. I learned something valuable, I reconnected with old friends and met some new ones, I laughed at myself, I discussed wild and crazy dreams and did a 180 turn on my confidence, energy, & emotions since the day before; and all of this was 1 decision away from happening! If I would have given into the darkness that inevitably comes along with life transitions on that Wednesday morning, I might still be in bed feeling terrible, stuck, unmotivated, and helpless.
Life is going to happen no matter what. However, it was made very clear to me the impact of 1 simple decision. Had I said ‘no’ instead of ‘yes’, I would have missed out on several opportunities, meeting new people with a shared connection, and more importantly the inspiration & motivation to keep pushing forward on my new path. I feel empowered in the fact that I am the reason that today, I see the sun as big & beautiful as its meant to be seen.