I’ve been re-watching How to Get Away with Murder in between classes these past few weeks. It’s pretty much common knowledge that the show is incredible. Viola Davis is magnificent, the plot is interesting, and the writing is poignant.

Whenever I watch HTGAWM, it never fails to send me spiraling into hours of YouTube interviews. Some of these interviews are with cast members, but the ones that have captured me this time are with the one and only Shonda Rhimes.

I am an avid reader of those memoirs that famous people write because they are famous. So, when Rhimes released hers, Year of Yes: How to Dance It Out, Stand In the Sun and Be Your Own Person, I was quick to purchase it; however, I was not quick to read it. The book sat on my shelf for about a year until around the time summer started following senior year. I read the book in its entirety in around 37 hours.

The book describes how, while building her television empire, there were times when Rhimes felt that she was letting opportunities and experiences escape from her grasp. Her solution- say yes to everything, and for one year she did just that.

When I started watching HTGAWM a few weeks ago, I started to remember some of the lessons that I learned from reading about Shonda Rhimes and her new motto of saying yes. So, I started saying yes too.

There are so many different experiences to have, people to meet, and places to see. Just since I have started trying to say yes to everything, I have been to a play, attended meditation at a Buddhist temple, and signed up for a study abroad trip to China this summer, amongst other things.

Obviously, I’m not suggesting that you pack your bags and go to China, but instead that you try everything you possibly can. Maybe, just getting off campus and taking a study break is a huge deal in your world. Do it. Maybe, asking that cute guy to dinner is very scary. Do it. Maybe, applying for a scholarship or summer program has you worried. Do it.

Do everything you can.

Absorb every moment and every experience because, even though it’s cliché, you only live once. I have been having an incredible time since moving to Louisville because I have been open to trying new things and saying yes.

It can be easy to get stuck feeling like routine equals success; but, I encourage you to think differently and open your mind.

Say yes to at least one enriching or fun experience that you have the choice to partake in this week. Leave a comment on this article and let me know what it is you said yes to. I want details. As for me, I will be sipping coffee watching How to Get Away with Murder and YouTube videos of Shonda Rhimes waiting for my next adventure.

“The very act of saying yes is not just life-changing, its lifesaving."

-Shonda Rhimes ‘ Year of Yes