The Year of Saying YES!

As with every year, there are two groups of people I come across: those who do make resolutions and those who don’t. I belong to the one that does make resolutions. And just like every year, one of mine is to try and lose weight. But more importantly, is my second resolution. My husband and I are trying to do a joint resolution that has worked for us in the past. We have decided to try and make this a “yes” year. Let me explain.

Ever watch Yes Man? It’s a silly movie based on a book of the same title in which the main character is *spoiler alert* hypnotized into saying yes to everything that comes along. Without being hypnotized we are going to try and do something similar. Last year meant a lot of changes for us. We had issues with taxes concerning our daughter’s adoption, multiple issues with passports not to mention a move to the other side of the planet. There was a lot of pressure to pay bills and do what was responsible rather than do what is fun. This is our M.O. We are constantly choosing the grown up choice. This isn’t always a bad thing, but it can get in the way of living life. For example, my mom and I were once talking about what we would do with an extra $10,000. My mom chose travel and I chose pay on my student loan (it wouldn’t have even paid it off). It didn’t even occur to me that there was another option.

I love new experiences but will almost always choose what is good for others (ie-my husband and kids) before I choose what is good for me. In fact, both my husband and I do this. I am often afraid that when I do something for me I am taking something away from them. This is why having a yes year is so important especially since, at least for the foreseeable future, life is going to be relatively predictable. The move is over, we have paid off our only car payment and the kids are settled into a routine. The student loan is still there, but hopefully will be gone soon and isn’t hurting us at all.

The last time we did the year of yes was after life had become at least a little normal following Little Man’s finalization (the last step in his legal adoption) and ended with saying yes to a sweet four week old baby girl needing a mommy and daddy. It was a great time filled with fun and excitement. We didn’t do anything extravagant; most of the time it was saying yes to parties or new restaurant. It wasn’t about that; it was about actively participating in life.

Having a grand old time.

This year, saying yes will be about embracing our new home and doing whatever we can to enjoy the adventure of it all. We started it on New Year’s Eve by saying yes to a party here on base. We hated it. We left before midnight when the staff took the best part of the event (the food) away. Before going home, we went to the convenience store off base to gather yummy Japanese treats. The hubby and I had more fun there in 20 minutes of goofing off than we did for two hours in a ballroom. Even though it seemed like the night was a bust, I ended up enjoying my sofa, snacks, pj’s  and husband far more than I did sitting at a table with strangers who were also bored. 

Chillin' with my man on NYE. Much better!

The next day we said yes to participating in a Japanese tradition called the Lucky Bag (a bag full of mystery items that local stores sell full of goodies at deep discounts). Each of the kids got one; Little Man ended up with Toy Story toys and Baby Girl got a Minnie back pack with a pillow and art supplies. It was fun to join in this unfamiliar tradition. The moral of the story? Saying yes doesn’t always pan out but it’s better to find out the party sucks than to opt out of trying something new.

Lucky Bags; my new favorite tradition

This brings me back to my first resolution (see how I did that? Thought I forgot about that one didn’t ‘ya?). I want to say yes to my health. I want to say yes to feeling good about my body and having energy without feeling like time working out is time taken away from my children. Look, I may end up weighing the same next December as I do now, although I hope not. I’m no fool. But saying yes isn’t always about the end result, it’s about the journey. I would rather try and fail then never try.  

So, whether you are the type to set a resolution or the type who doesn’t, I wish you nothing but the best in 2014. And I hope you try saying yes once in a while.