Have you ever had a book resonate so deeply it felt like the author was speaking directly to you?
That was my experience with Shonda Rhimes' transformative work, "Year of YES." Yes, the Shonda Rhimes—the mastermind behind TV hits like Grey’s Anatomy and Scandal, and the unofficial queen of Thursday night television. While she may not know it, her book turned her into my personal mentor. And because she dared to write a book in such an authentic, relatable, girl-next-door way, she is unwittingly, but most definitely my new best friend.
Back in 2013, a simple yet profound observation from her sister—"You never say yes to anything"—jolted Shonda into a new reality. This pivotal moment inspired her to start embracing every challenge, from public speeches at Dartmouth to appearances on Jimmy Kimmel Live. It wasn’t just about accepting invitations; it was about engaging fully with life, enhancing her health, and cherishing moments with her children. Witnessing her transformation, I couldn’t help but start my own "Year of Yes."
On a chilly January morning, as I packed for a trip to Chicago—Shonda’s hometown—I decided to challenge myself to embrace "yes" at every turn. This wasn't just about mimicking her—it was about redefining my own life’s narrative from passive to active. It began with waking up early, which led to discovering an inspiring podcast on life's purpose. The day continued with a profound interaction with my shuttle driver, whose resilience and gratitude were so compelling, it felt like he walked right out of a novel. He even gifted me an umbrella as a keepsake, a simple act that felt deeply significant.
The journey didn’t stop there. Choosing to listen more than I spoke, I uncovered my Uber driver's harrowing escape from a war-torn country to the hopeful avenues of Chicago. Spontaneity led me to the box office of "Hamilton," where I snagged a last-minute ticket to the sold-out show—an exhilarating testament to the power of "yes."
The Power of Yes: A New Way of Living
This newfound perspective wasn't confined to grand gestures; it permeated my daily decisions. It found me saying yes to decluttering, embracing strategic naps, and tackling dreaded projects. I even found myself saying yes to green kale drinks, a testament to my commitment to health, no matter the taste.
But saying yes goes beyond personal benefit—it creates ripples that affect everyone around us. Friends and clients alike have adopted this mindset, discovering their own superpowers in saying yes to life's little and large moments.
Saying yes can be our own personal 3-lettered superpower.
Shonda’s online network encouraged her to “power pose like superwoman” when she needed courage. “Power posing like Wonder Woman is when you stand up like a badass—legs in a wide stance, chin up, hands on your hips. Like you own the place. Like you have on magical silver bracelets and know how to use them. Like your superhero cape is flapping in the wind behind you.” That’s some potent life advice.
Go ahead. Assume your power pose and complete this sentence…
This year I will say yes to__________________________.
According to my new BFF, “every yes will change something in you. Every yes is a transformation. Every yes sparks some new phase of evolution.“
This year, I invite you to join me. Say yes to something that scares you, something new, something transformative. What will you say yes to this year? I’m eager to hear how your journey unfolds as you embrace your inner superhero through the simple, yet powerful act of saying yes.