Ever heard of the common empowerment phrase “Say Yes to Life”? What does “saying yes” mean to you? How do you apply it in your life?

I heard the phrase a couple years ago and wanted to adapt it into my life as a way to be open to new possibilities.

To me, I initially thought of it as a way to overcome one’s fears about trying new things. People would present me with opportunities and I would say yes.

What resulted was not what I expected. In some ways, I felt like Jim Carrey in the movie “Yes Man” – having to say yes to everything and I had no choice in the matter.

This was tested when I went to a personal development workshop which turned out to be an information night; they were selling an expensive program they had.

In that setting, I felt because everyone was saying yes and signing up for the program that I HAD to as well.

Everyone was telling me how great the program was and how my life would benefit; I can’t tell you what it was but in my heart I knew this wasn’t for me.

In this moment, I said no to the program. However, what I realized on the drive home was that declining the workshop was saying yes to what I truly in my heart-of-heart wanted.

Saying Yes for me means choosing opportunities that are really in line with who you are and what you want to achieve.

Saying No to some things leaves more space and time for you to say yes to the amazing opportunities that come along.

So I’ve changed my tune – I now use the phrase finding balance. I still say yes to opportunities that empower me but I also take time to recharge and to say no to things without guilt.

Do you have a hard time saying no? How do you find balance in your life?