Say “yes” to a new life chapter

By: Annie Sragner, Arts & Life Editor

In a culture that values schedules and deadlines over spontaneity, we seldom grant ourselves the freedom to indulge in life’s little adventures. Many consider adventure to be a special occasion that one has to carve into his or her schedule. It’s often something that we’ll eventually get around to, but it’s just not the right time yet.

When persistent to­-do lists feel a mile long, it can be difficult to fully immerse oneself in the present moment and not drift away toward thoughts of the future. Frequent “wha-t­if” scenarios can hiccup to the front of the mind and steal our ability to devote full attention to the opportunities that come our way. If we’re not aware of when an opportunity is calling us, we miss the chance to see the possibilities that accompany it.

This is why it’s important to say “yes” to the opportunities that feel right, even if they feel like an unexpected change from the original plan.

Plot twists are what make the story of one’s life interesting because it wouldn’t be an exciting story if we knew exactly how the storyline unfolds.

A friend of mine has a great life motto that I admire: whenever she is presented with an opportunity, even if it’s something mundane, she will resist the immediate urge to say “no.”

Instead of hesitating and contemplating all of the countless reasons to decline, she will often say “yes” unless she has a legitimate obligation holding her back.

There’s a certain level of discomfort with this mindset because it requires sacrifice of your control over the situation.

People love being in the driver’s seat of their journey, but adventure is about admitting that we’re actually in the passenger’s seat and the destination is unknown.

As long as safety is prioritized and gut instincts are followed, making decisions that align with authentic desires is the best way to create a satisfying journey.

It’s easy to get caught up in the meaning of each plot development, but doing this stops us from both watching the story that’s occurring right now, and seeing how our experience ties into the collective human story.

When looking to the past brings longing nostalgia, and looking to the future creates anxious nerves, slow down and focus on the memories you’re creating in this moment.

It’s never too late to start a new chapter when the story starts to feel a little stale.

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