With my 21st birthday being two weeks away, I've been spending a lot of time reflecting on my past as well as visualizing my future. Year 21 is going to be the year of changes: graduating from college, possibly moving away from home permanently, and starting my career. I was at brunch this past weekend and someone said you need to start visualizing your life. This really resonated with me.
At times I'm always on the go and I don't take time to really think about what I actually want in my life. What is it that makes Danielle happy? I have been reading Shonda Rhimes' book "Year of Yes" and it instantly clicked. I am going to make it a priority to make 21 my year of yes. Granted, there are some things that I will never say yes to, but the purpose is for me to have an open mind and to make a conscious effort to conquer my fears.
From the start of my 21st birthday to the start of my 22nd birthday, here are the things I will be saying yes to:
1. Yes to God's plans
I am no longer going to live in a stressed state. Whatever is going to happen in my life is going to happen. I know that God is in full control and I need to start living like it.
2. Yes to conquering my fears
I'm saying no to being fearful and yes to being fearless.
3. Yes to using my voice
You never know how sharing your experiences can help someone else.
4. Yes to love
I'm saying yes to being loved, giving love to others and most importantly, loving myself.
5. Yes to real friendships
I am no longer tolerating lukewarm friendships and mediocre conversation. If we can't talk about anything that matters then I'm not wasting my time and energy on you.
6. Yes to traveling
I am making it my priority to travel as much as I can, whether I travel in or group or I travel alone.
7. Yes to myself
In year 21 I will be the number one priority. I am making it my mission to be the healthiest I've ever been, mentally, spiritually and physically.
8. Yes to saying 'no'
The days of over-booking are long gone. I am only one person and there's only so many things I can juggle at once. I am getting rid of the fear of saying no.
9. Yes to the work-life balance
Though I plan on working hard in my 20s, I also want to make time for my personal life. Work should never be your entire life, it should be a part of your life.
10. Yes to unplugging
This summer I got into the habit of putting all of my devices away and I loved every minute of it. Being able to be present and not have so many distractions was one of the most freeing sensations I have ever experienced.
11. Yes to new experiences
I am going to get myself out of my comfort zone and test my limits.
12. Yes to going out more
I get comfortable with staying in. 21 will be the year I push myself to not be such a hobbit.
13. Yes to procrastinating less
I'm tired of being in the same situations time and time again. This year I will make an effort to get things done ahead of schedule so I can stop adding unnecessary stress.
14. Yes to making mistakes
I am only human and I am not perfect. My mistakes do not define who I will be for the rest of my life.
15. Yes to meaningful conversations
I crave for those deep, organic conversations. Surface-level conversations will no longer suffice.
16. Yes to positivity
I no longer have room in my life for negative energy.
17. Yes to forgiveness
Yes to forgiving others and yes to forgiving myself.
18. Yes to expanding my thinking
I spent a lot of time this summer learning about art, literature, and different cultures. It has opened my mind to so many things and I want to continue this expansion in year 21.
19. Yes to being alive
Nicki Minaj said it best when she said to live doesn't mean you're alive. I don't want to simply "live" life anymore.
20. Yes to growing
There are many people who get older but do not grow up. I don't want to be that person. My prayer is that with each year of life I gain a little more wisdom as I go.
21. Yes to doing what makes me happy
I've come to know who I am and what I want out of life, and 21 will be the year of action.
What do you plan on saying 'yes' to?
