The key to improv is to not only say yes, but to say “yes, and” which allows you to add to the situation. Turns out, it is a good way to go through life, too. It can also be scary — especially for a confirmed introvert like myself; I need a higher-than-average amount of alone time to recharge my batteries. (Sometimes, social interaction is not just uncomfortable, it throws me into a fight or flight mode). Luckily “yes, and” doesn’t have to mean social events all the time; it is part of my “year of yes” but not all of it.
The Year of Yes is about me saying “Yes” to experiences and activities or “Yes, And” to ideas. It is about challenging myself and it is also about getting offline, being present, being open, being flexible, and being positive.
I first wrote about it back in March of last year. I knew then that I wasn’t quite ready, but I felt like I could be ready by June; however, 2015 had other plans for me. So, I’m going to give it another shot.
Here’s the limits I put in initially — I think they are all still valid:
- illegal activities (no, I will not join you on that heist, not even dressed in Firefly garb)
- conquering my fears (e.g. heights; this is not the right venue for those challenges)
- financially prohibitive activities (I probably cannot afford a flight to New Zealand, for example, but I wouldn’t rule out Seattle or Vegas; I do have a valid passport.)
- conflicts with prearranged plans or responsibilities (I won’t ditch work, bail on kiddo, or juggle already-scheduled commitments, but if there is room in my calendar or if room can be made, I will do it. (I figure this will allow me to schedule in some “alone time” to deal with introvert overload.)
- dangerous activities or those I know are outside my current ability (i.e. there is no way I am ready to run a marathon this year and I am not going to try stunt driving, scuba diving, zip lines, or bungee jumping)
What am I hoping for? I am hoping to spend time with people and do things I might not think to do myself. Good examples of things I did last year that fall under #yearofyes
- I took on the challenge of writing a play (I still have to finish that, but I got a good start!)
- I attended a goth night hosted by a friend who DJs
- I went to a lecture on Celtic Spirituality (I did this on my own but it was suggested to me by a friend)
- I went to the Saanich Fair and ate ridiculous amounts of carnival food while looking at animals and plants and creative endeavors
- I took the Introduction to Core Shamanism course (and found some very helpful tools)
- I took on the 2015 Reading Challenge and read books I normally wouldn’t pick up.
- I joined a group of people I didn’t really know to play board games on Halloween night.
And stuff I am already doing this year
- I started dating again
- I took a Spanish Cooking class
- I got a large tattoo done in public at an event
- I took on a new role in labour activism
But it is not just about the big things; it’s the little things. It’s saying yes to dancing. Saying yes to whipped cream on my latte. Saying yes to coffee meetings and dinners with friends. Saying yes to a positive outlook — and saying no to my inner critic.
So, please, if you think of things you’d like me to do with you, just ask — chances are I’ll say yes.