Hey guys!

I recently finished a book by the incomparable  Shonda Rimes( creator of Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal, Private Practice…)  entitled, ” The Year of Yes: How to Dance It Out, Stand In the Sun and Be Your Own Person “.   I really found this book to be so insightful! In this book Shonda Rimes describes her life as once being guarded. Being afraid to say yes to things that scare her or took her out of her comfort zone. She says in her book that she would always say no when asked to do something.

I sat and pondered that for awhile and realized that I am actually the exact opposite of Ms. Rimes. I actually don’t know how to say NO! If anybody and I mean anybody; my parents, siblings, boss, pastor, friends the mail carrier… ( lol) ask me to do something, 9 times out of 10, I’m going to do it. But at who’s expense? Mine of course. I found I had become so tired and burnt out for sake of not disappointing anybody, I sacrificed my own health and well being to please others.  But sometimes, things have to change for the greater good and that’s exactly what I’m going to do!

This year will be my Year of Yes, but with a bit of a spin.

I’m saying Yes to taking better care of myself! Eating better, getting adequate sleep etc…
I’m saying Yes to spending more time with those I love!
I’m saying yes to making wise financial decisions
I’m saying Yes to ridding my life of any negativity or drama
I’m saying Yes to spending time in the Word of God and strengthening my relationship with Him!
I’m saying Yes to saying NO! No I won’t be able to make it, No I won’t be able to help you out this time.. and not feeling guilty about it!  ( This is not to say that If my friends and family really need me that I won’t be there for them. But it is about making smart decisions with my time and making sure I take time out for me!!)

This week I’ll be meditating on the song ” Alive in You” by Jesus Culture.  The lyrics read as follow:

From beginning to the end
All my life is in Your hands
This whole world may hold me down
But it can never drown You out
I’m not merely flesh and bone
I was made for something more

You are God, You’re the Great “I Am”
Breath of life I breathe You in
Even in the fire, I’m alive in You!
You are strong in my brokenness
Sovereign over every step
Even in the fire, I’m alive
I’m alive in You!

Through the dark I hear Your voice
Rising up I will rejoice
For I was lost but now I’m found
‘Cause even death can’t hold You down

You are God, You’re the Great “I Am”
Breath of life I breathe You in
Even in the fire, I’m alive in You!
You are strong in my brokenness
Sovereign over every step
Even in the fire, I’m alive
I’m alive in You!

It’s no longer I who live, but Christ
Who lives within me, Christ who lives within me
From beginning to the end You deserve the glory
You deserve the glory
It’s no longer I who live, but Christ
Who lives within me, Christ who lives within me
From beginning to the end You deserve the glory
You deserve the glory

By saying Yes to saying No to certain aspects of my life I can again find myself alive in Jesus and in life in general! What a freeing concept that is! I’m excited for my Year of Yes!

What are you saying Yes to this Year?

xoxo