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The Year of Yes

I recently read Shonda Rhimes book The Year of Yes. I loved it for so many reasons because it reminded me of me years ago when I was frightened of life and commitments.

I would say ‘no’ to everything. And it took years to realise I was saying no to myself and no to life.

Till one day I say ‘yes’ to me, I made the decision to leave Sydney and go find the right life for me and then there was no holding me back. I became the ‘yes’ girl (kind of like Jim Carrey in Yes Man) but without the old lady upstairs!

I said yes, to moving to Italy, to going out with cutie Italian hotties, to becoming a photographer, to having lunch with strangers, to improbable friendships, to picking a destination at the train station and going their spontaneously, to not knowing what tomorrow held.

I said yes to jobs that freaked me out, struggling with photography but kept on going, to learning about art and history, to meeting friends of friends for coffee or lunch. I said yes to Italy and travelled her from top to bottom, I said yes to writing it down in a book (Italian Joy) and I said yes to falling in love with the most beautiful man I know.

I said yes to life and that big old guy upstairs returned my Yes with love, friendship, tribe, happiness, excitement, travel and creativity. He decided to reward me for my bravery, my courage of going wayyyy out of my comfort zone and each time I became a little more open to life when I uttered the word Yes.

The last couple of years I got bogged down in stuff, in new learnings, a little too much routine and I started to become the ‘no’ girl again. I could hear it before it even came out of my mouth.

So yesterday I made a vow, that 2018 will become my Yes year. A year of adventure, love and happiness and I know the universe returns if you dare to open your heart and mind so dear folks anyone out there that wants to join me on the year of yes???

Ultimately the more we say no to others the more we say no to ourselves. What are you saying no to?

See you on the year of Yes??

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Related Post: What Are You Starting?

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Ann S. Rich
Ann S. Rich
5 years ago

I love this image of you so much! Happy Day! xoxo

Lesley Hughes
Lesley Hughes
5 years ago

Carla you are looking fabulous. You seem to have found the answer to your health problems. Do you work the magic and take your own photos or is someone else behind the camera. If you are taking the photos would love to hear how you do it. Best wishes.

Caroline
Caroline
5 years ago

A big YES from me Carla. ????

Janette Montague I
Janette Montague I
5 years ago

Loved every word. Inspiring Carla, well done. And a wonderful happy photo.
I wish I had possessed your bravery when I needed it years ago.

Siobhan
Siobhan
5 years ago

You are totally inspiring ….but wish I was as brave as you x

Claire
Claire
5 years ago

Yes! After years of unbearable hurdles, I am saying yes! Thank you for being so very inspiring!

sonny craig
5 years ago

Wonderful ! I love your work, your art , your attitude !

sonny craig
5 years ago

WONDERFUL !
I love your passion , your Art , And your attitude.
Thanks Carla

candice
5 years ago

I’ll be there !

Bridget Gleeson
Bridget Gleeson
5 years ago

Late to post – but I reread this post and had to tell you after reading it, I started to say YES and to stick with it for 2018! And I’ve been working hard to not back down on that commitment. That this private introvert can learn to share herself a bit more, that trying new things won’t kill me, that learning new things can be done!
Thanks for such a lovely post – you always, always inspire me!
xx
Bridget