Living Out Loud

By Kristine Price

Maybe you commune with nature, maybe the thought of a warm sauna and room service thrills you. Whatever your inner nature, we all have ways in which we say “Yes!” to life, knowing that when we do, life works for us. Try and find an idea from the following list that appeals to you and implement it in your life. Then, acknowledge to yourself that you already say yes to life in many ways, and give yourself credit, especially if your past includes a struggle through depression or loss.

• Instead of rushing headlong into your day, take your cup of coffee on the porch and watch the birds play. Even if you are not religious, you will be reminded of a promise: If even the sparrows are cared for, how much more are we? They don’t show signs of anxiety, worry or fear. Only we humans experience the travails of the ego.

• Post your favorite inspirational quote somewhere in your house or car. If you can’t think of one, write the following words: Everything Is Okay. I have a friend who has that on their garage wall! It reminds them there is nothing to fear.

• The next time someone at work or home offers a criticism, try not to respond defensively. Note your anger, but don’t react to it. Experiment with the freedom that comes from this. Just allow your negative feelings to be. Tell them, “Thank you, I will take your comments into consideration.”

• When a friend calls with an invitation, say Yes! If you are tired, modify the plans but find a way to give yourself the good things, i.e., love and friendship, and not be mired in routine.

• If you find yourself stocking up on necessities on sale, note that you are saying Yes to life! I had a friend who, during a serious depression, wouldn’t stock up on anything because she didn’t feel certain that she would be around to use them. When she stocked up again, she knew she was getting better.

• Feng Shui your house. Add bubbling water fountains and chimes. Create your own sanctuary. Check out websites or magazines for inspiration and give yourself beauty everyday.

• Vary your routine! Don’t always follow the same well worn paths through life. Even if it is one small change a week, awaken the inner child who is somewhere inside there, wanting to play.

• Ignore the ads that say you need to be and have more. If you use retail therapy to cope, opt out for a period of time and say Yes to life by acknowledging it already has given you everything you need to be happy!

• Don’t put yourself, however, on sale. If you are self employed, charge what you are worth. If you are long overdue for a raise, prepare a list of your accomplishments so you can discuss them with your boss. If you are doing too much for your children, stop. Often that is an attempt to fulfill something inside of us, and doesn’t help them at all.

• Ladies, take care of your bones with good quality calcium supplements and weight bearing exercises. Our bodies have served us through illness, babies, and menopause. Invest the time in taking care of them in turn.

• Consider a silent retreat, organized or not. If you do not do the laundry for one day, the world will still turn. As we grow older we are going to drop a ball or two anyway. Embrace nothingness for a day!

• Buy a dry erase board and list your dreams. Or cut images from a magazine and mount them on a poster board. Place it where you can see it, perhaps in that sanctuary you created for yourself. These “dream boards” can be powerful vehicles to bring about our desires and are a big Yes to life!

• Learn to let go. When the car behind you is on your bumper, move and let them by. They will find someone else to bother. Don’t be disturbed by the actions of others life a weak leaf in the wind. Realize that there is a steady drumbeat of calm at your own core, and rely on it.

• See your customers as real people with problems you can help solve rather than as burdens placed on your already stress-filled plate. When you give them your attention, you transform your work into joy.

• This works with children, too. The more you shoo them away, the more they will resist your efforts. Whatever the Universe gives you at this moment, accept and say Yes.

• Stop resisting change. It’s coming anyway. Whatever change is occurring is there to serve your growth, and all is well.

• Smile. It’s a powerful attracter of good, and affirms to Life you have something to share.

• Save for a rainy day and pay attention to your 401K. Dare to learn about money. Nothing says Yes to life more than the belief that there is a future to plan for.

• The next time you hear a conversation bemoaning the state of the world, the price of gas or the war, walk away. Dare to believe in a world that endures and is safe.

• Oftentimes in our hurry we pass by our fellow travelers here like they are street lamps on the road. Say Yes to Life today by making eye contact with whomever Life places on your path.

• Begin a daily routine, even if it’s brief. Start with a favorite prayer or moments of stillness. Say “thank you” to Life for what is. Leave prayers that beseech the Universe to give you what you want behind for a time. Gratitude brings us what we need.

For those who were counting, that was twenty-one. You already are saying Yes to Life, so share what you know with others. Strengthening each other is the biggest Yes of all!