Nine years ago, I emerged from a difficult time in my life. During that time, I discovered how toxic negativity can be to a person. It affects you in ways you don’t realize, until you step back and discover the constant bad energy is taking a toll on your health, your psyche, your emotions–and your work.
I made a clear decision to invite only positive elements into my life. I called this project “The Year of Yes.” I made a firm commitment to reply “yes” to everything–no matter what the question might be.
I found myself saying yes to matters large and small. Yes to helping my elderly parents move to my town so I could look after them. Yes to rescuing a chihuahua puppy so Barkis could have a companion–and lookalike, bringing the now-legendary Lenny into my life. Yes to a multi-book contract with my publisher, including related yesses to audio books, foreign publishers and even a movie production company. Yes yes yes, it was all YES.
You won’t be surprised to learn that embracing the positive can be life changing. It opens you up to feelings and experiences you never dared to imagine.
Although I was happily single and determined to stay that way, I had to follow my own rule, and so I said a very small, tentative “yes” to a casual date. This led to more and bigger yesses, including an impulsive trip to Hong Kong where Jerry was working, a stay at the incomparable Peninsula Hotel, complete with Rolls Royces, a private spa and pink champagne.
Today is the 8-year anniversary of one of my most lunatic “yes” moments. I decided to have the word YES tattooed on my ankle. Happily for me, Jerry went along with the plan, and we both went to Ricky Tattoo in Wanchai, a district of Hong Kong. In the company of sailors young enough to be our kids, we submitted to the needle and thus sealed our fate.
A few months later, I said the biggest YES of my life when I found a marriage proposal in a message in a bottle on a secluded beach in Australia.
Since that day, there have been other tattoos, and other adventures.
“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.” –Helen Keller [note: The “at all” was added; her original quote omitted those words.]
Saying yes has worked out well for me.
Readers :: WHAT HAVE YOU SAID ‘YES’ TO LATELY?
22 Responses
This is exactly what I needed right now. Exactly what I have been thinking. And confirmation coming from one of my favorite authors of all time. Thank you!
This is exactly what I needed right now. Exactly what I have been thinking. And confirmation coming from one of my favorite authors of all time. Thank you!
I love your books, so glad to see you saying “YES” to a life of happiness. Congratulations.
I love your books, so glad to see you saying “YES” to a life of happiness. Congratulations.
Adventures only come when one says Yes… Great inspiration, Susan.
Adventures only come when one says Yes… Great inspiration, Susan.
Love this. A positive attitude can do amazing things
Love this. A positive attitude can do amazing things
I love this blog post, Susan!!! And I have Starlight on Willow Lake on my shelf ready to read!!
I love this blog post, Susan!!! And I have Starlight on Willow Lake on my shelf ready to read!!
Happy Tattoo-versary to you, and to Jerry! 🙂
Happy Tattoo-versary to you, and to Jerry! 🙂
Glad to hear your story about Yes. Positive thoughts make such a big difference in our lives. Congratulations on your marriage. I am looking forward to reading Starlight on Willow Lake. That is a big YES!
Glad to hear your story about Yes. Positive thoughts make such a big difference in our lives. Congratulations on your marriage. I am looking forward to reading Starlight on Willow Lake. That is a big YES!
I just read Starlight on Willow Lake, which I received for my birthday Aug 29. First Susan Wiggs book. Wonderful. Deciding which one to read next.
Read in a week, including re-reading last 1/3. So exciting.
Keep saying “Yes”. Keep writing. We need more.
Love, Ted S.
I just read Starlight on Willow Lake, which I received for my birthday Aug 29. First Susan Wiggs book. Wonderful. Deciding which one to read next.
Read in a week, including re-reading last 1/3. So exciting.
Keep saying “Yes”. Keep writing. We need more.
Love, Ted S.
ll your books are marvelous.
ll your books are marvelous.
love… love… love… your books…..can’t wait to read your next lakeshore chronicles book…. and isn’t it wonderful when we discover that we have the choice to choose who and what we want in our lives..positive..or negative… always a choice…..such freedom….TYLllllenjoy your freedom and life….hugs….terry
love… love… love… your books…..can’t wait to read your next lakeshore chronicles book…. and isn’t it wonderful when we discover that we have the choice to choose who and what we want in our lives..positive..or negative… always a choice…..such freedom….TYLllllenjoy your freedom and life….hugs….terry