Say YES more

OH, spontaneity, you are my constant struggle. I'm a planner by nature. I like waking up at a particular time, doing my routine the same way and having a good schedule to follow. When a new agenda is brought into the mix, I get frazzled. No!, I would immediately say. You're messing up the plans! Perhaps it's forgivable when there's a schedule in place. When there's something new to try or an interesting place to visit, my reflex is to say "No, I'm not interested." I find that the comfort of my cocoon is enough and I don't need anything new to explore. But I do need to explore. One should never cease exploring. The childlike wonder in me wouldn't let me rest until I say, "Okay, okay, YES! Let's do this!" With the wonder kicking in It started with the little things. Saying "yes" to a game of race car driving in the arcade. Playing boxing with cartoon-inspired giant gloves in a makeshift ring of a carnival. Things I had thought too juvenile, activities not befitting someone in his thirties. Upon the encouragement of my companion, I agreed to perform these activities and found myself enjoying them. I said "yes" and I enjoyed. Now I look forward to racing my friend everytime we're at an arcade. Then there were other things I learned to say "yes" to more often -- invitations from friends, events, restaurants, even clothes. I didn't immediately say "yes" to everything. Everytime an opportunity would come, instead of listing down reasons why I shouldn't go, I'd think, "Hey, why not?" Why not try it out? Why not go? It wasn't easy for me. It still isn't. But I've experienced that everytime I pushed myself a little bit more and said "yes," I actually enjoyed. Saying yes more opens yourself up to new experiences. It encourages you to explore more of the world, whether it's a plate of exotic food or an event you wouldn't normally think of going to. Saying yes more does mean taking more risks. It also means becoming more conscious of the things laid before you. Just because you want to experience the world more doesn't mean you'll throw yourself off the cliff shouting "YES!!!!" Woah, hold on, cowboy. Saying yes also means making smarter, wiser decisions. Go on, try it. It's not easy, especially if you're so entrenched into your comfort zone like I am. But with the support of loved ones and a strong belief that I don't want to let go of childlike wonder, I gather the strength to say yes more often.