I don’t know that many will recall the Jim Carrey movie Yes Man.  For those that are unfamiliar, the plot basically revolves around a man stuck on negative behaviors.  He is predominantly anti-social and withdrawn. After being convinced to attend a yes seminar, Jim Carrey’s character finds himself agreeing to every opportunity that presents itself.  The extreme consequences of saying yes to absolutely every soon becomes apparent, but in the end he finds a balance, and realizes the value in saying yes.

Recently I was presented with an opportunity to go hiking.  I must admit, initially I felt dubious.  It was something unfamiliar to me, something outside of my comfort zone.  It was something that I had refused in the past, not prepared in my mind to take a chance on an experience.

My current mindset, though, has undergone a bit of an adjustment, or rather an enhancement.  I realized, and reconnected with the simple truth of “how can you know if you don’t try?”  I was stuck in a negative, rut.  I was unwilling and not open to new experiences.  But if I’m not willing to try something new, to open myself to something different, how can I change, how can I evolve?  How can I have new experiences if I don’t say yes?

So I said yes.

And it was terrific.

I went out on a seven mile hike with a friend of mine, and it was exhilarating.  The sense of freedom, relief from stress, and blissful serenity, was so unparalleled, and unlike anything I’ve experienced to this point.  I’ve been outdoors before, walking in the woods, or out for a casual stroll.  But this was quite different,  it was physically challenging, in a way that I hadn’t attempted before.  The amount of sweat expended was considerable, and the muscles in my body used in unfamiliar, but not unpleasing ways. The engaging with and touching of natures beauty in such an exposed and vulnerable way felt infinitely soothing.  The rock formations, trees, foliage, and underbrush all formed an incredible visual experience as we stepped, climbed and strained.

I can’t wait to go hiking again.

But I would have never had this experience if I had played it safe.  I would have never found a new passion.  I would have stayed the same, unchanged, me.

All I had to do to change, was to say yes.

Humbly yours,

J