Ahhhh… the other side of the coin. (last blog – When to say “No”) So, what do you say “yes” to? I have already let slip my little secret, I do not have a problem saying yes, it is so easy for me! I say yes to everything – sure I can do that, no problem, never mind that there are not enough hours in the day to complete everything on my list, sure I can squeeze in just one more thing… and so I have been working on it, this learning to say “no” thing. Almost to a fault.

Recently I had this opportunity fall into my lap. At first glance my knee jerk reaction was to scoff at it and deem it impossible. But as I mentioned in my last post, I do believe I can do pretty much anything I set my mind to and gradually the little hamster started cranking up the wheel and my mind began flinging possibilities at me. After all, just what would a little brainstorming hurt? What at first glance seemed ridiculous, suddenly became more serendipitous. A questioning email here, a phone call there and soon these weird scattered pieces of the puzzle miraculously began putting themselves together. What do you say when the evidence profoundly starts beating you over the head, attempting to pound into your stubborn brain that this IS something that you should do? Perhaps you should say yes. (Unless of course you are standing on the dock, contemplating a jump into the tempting cool waters, but you can’t swim, time to pause!)

I did not take all this hamster hurling, puzzle assembly lightly. I kept questioning if I should go through with it or not, analyzing the various costs I would encounter – not just financially, but physically as well. Every time I debated within myself, another little bit of serendipity would come skipping by and offer me a simpler solution. In the end I began to believe that this was bigger than me and if I let this opportunity go I would regret it. What was Providence trying to tell me? I guess I will find out.

If you are on the dock and you can’t swim, will you jump? Or will you seek what you need so that you can take the plunge? Don’t let fear be a deterrent to enjoying life. Let it guide you, rather than send you running like a dog with its tail between its legs, missing out on some juicy bone because of assumptions.

And so I ended up saying yes when originally I thought no. I am open to what lies ahead and feel confident in my decision, because it feels right. All the serendipity could not be denied. Gee I like that word – serendipity, it’s a much better word than coincidence – serendipity, serendipity, serendipity. I like it even better when I can feel it in my life. How about you? When life starts to pull unexpectedly together, are you paying attention to what is going on? What are you saying more - yes or no?

Who or what do you say “No” to? The begging dog, the butter licking cat – these are the easy ones. Are you a stoic Norwegian, like my ancestors, who found it easy to deny themselves? Been married forever, so the poor spouse suffers? Or are you like me, who has trouble saying “No” to just about anyone or thing?

Oh I have gotten better. Age and my body have finally kicked me around a bit, forcing me to realize that, as much as I sometimes believe I am superhuman and capable of just about anything, there is a point of meltdown, kind of like a stencil goddess Chernobyl.

Now, don’t get me wrong, I do believe I am capable of just about anything I set my mind to. That’s what gets me in trouble. I have a tendency to bite off more than I can chew. My to-do lists are usually over exaggerated and my creative mind has a tendency to work in a spiraling motion, distracting itself from the task at hand. Some head doctor would probably label me with some kind of behavior, but I’m quite aware of how my mind works. Well, to a point anyway. My husband has one of those straight as an arrow mind sets. He plans on chopping wood, he goes out and chops away until the pile is done. Me on the other hand, I would go out, start chopping and notice an empty flower pot sitting by the wood pile and start thinking about the perfect plant to go in that pot and then before you know it, I would be wandering off to plant it up. My creative mind is always working. It is not a bad thing, I just need to remind myself to focus sometimes. And in turn, I need to remind myself that it is OK to say “No” sometimes.

So here I sit with a dilemma before me. An opportunity that looks quite golden, but may be just cheap brass underneath. The frustrating part is that I believe everything happens for a reason, that things are not just coincidences, although I do like the word serendipity. A chance meeting, the right set of circumstances, people come and go, opportunities come and go in your life, teaching you things along the way. Providence provides, we choose whether or not to follow.

Sometimes we jump spontaneously into the line of traffic, feeling invincible like a Whitetail deer. Believe me, it isn’t always the best idea. When there is more at stake than dry clothes, sometimes it is better to take a moment to think before jumping off the dock. I’m not sure why this recent supposed ‘golden’ opportunity was presented before me, but when I take a couple moments to weigh the costs and benefits, it tarnishes a bit. Perhaps the real purpose was to just get me to realize that sometimes I need to say “No” to the grand scheme, that maybe there is some wonderful opportunity lurking here in a miniature way. Maybe this time around, I need to put the tights and cape back in the closet. Well, after they have dried, after all I am a very good swimmer and I don’t have to say “No” to everything, especially if it involves a bit of fun.

The beginning of a New Year is always so invigorating, especially when the wind is whipping frosty snow crystals up your nostrils like today. Everything seems fresh and full of possibilities, untainted by life’s disappointments. It’s a time to feel bold, adventurous, invincible. A time to not be afraid to try something new and have a little fun. A time to let go of the past and anticipate the future.

I happen to be a perfectionist. It is something I battle all the time. I get so hung up with things having to be just right that I can take forever to accomplish something. Not everything mind you, I seem to be getting better at letting things ride once in a while. I believe it is a combination of goofy genetics and learned behavior, so I figure I stand at least a shot of improving. I have a big challenge coming up this next weekend when I am having family over for a post holiday celebration. They usually spend the night and my house is not up to par. They have graciously offered not to stay over, but I am trying to look at this as an opportunity to accomplish two things – get rid of more of the moving boxes and not worry if I’ll pass the white glove test. I don’t have to be perfect, I would rather enjoy their company. This year ‘Let It Go’ will be one of my mantras…

So what are you going to do this year? Now that the holidays are out of the way, it is the perfect time to plot out a stencil project. Freshen up the bathroom or dress up a table with a runner. Or simply take one of my upcoming workshops and let your imagination have a little fun. Don’t let it scare you, it’s just a coat of paint.

Remember to enjoy life and all it’s simple little pleasures this year. If nothing else, remember that. Life really is too short to worry or to be a perfectionist.