Just Say Yes.

I used to live life stuck in my comfort zone. I was always scared if I left that place of refuge, I would fear the unknown, lose my sense of who I thought I was, and fail.

The word "no" is often associated with the idea of setting boundaries and being assertive, but sometimes saying "yes" can be just as important. Saying yes can open up new opportunities, help us grow and learn, and ultimately lead to a more fulfilling life.

My first big "Yes" moment was attending school at Miami University in 2020. I could have easily conformed to what would be easiest for me and stay in my home state, go to the same University my best friends attended, and have an easy half an hour drive home whenever things went awry. I could have done that, but instead I chose to say (yes!) to a school halfway across the country with a random roommate and nothing but distance from what I called my home for the previous 18 years.

My next big affirmative moment was studying abroad in the Fall of '22. It had always crossed my mind to do Semester at Sea, as my sister and grandma were both alumni, but familiar doubts clouded my judgement to even consider traveling abroad; "None of my friends will be with me", "What if I get homesick?", "I've never even been across the Atlantic?!" Whether it was the fact that I was in the dreary Midwest, or that my travel feed on Instagram was looking a little more enticing that day, I decided to sit down and apply without even telling anyone (sorry Mom and Dad.) That short essay and click of a button ended up being the most impactful decision of my life. That "Yes" brought me to 11 countries, friends I can't live without now, and a lifetime of stories to share that I am forever grateful for.

Not every "Yes" has to be so monumental to the point of moving across the country or traveling overseas for three months. It can be as little as saying yes to lunch with an old friend, wearing a color you normally wouldn't go for first, or rounding up the extra six cents for a good cause. No matter how minuscule or immense, saying yes has the potential to lodge a whole new meaning into your life.

One of the biggest benefits of saying yes is that it allows us to step out of our comfort zones. When we say yes to something new, we are often confronted with challenges and experiences that we would not have otherwise encountered. If you told me that I would be lost in the Souks in the middle of Morocco with no phone service and 100 Dirham to my name, I probably would've just shut my computer the day I applied for Semester at Sea. This obstacle was uncomfortable and even scary, but it also provided me with the chance to learn and grow as an individual (and guess what, I lived!) By pushing ourselves to try new things, we become more adaptable, more resilient, and more confident in our abilities.

Saying yes also helps us build stronger relationships with others. When we say yes to spending time with someone, we are demonstrating that we value their company and trust in their abilities. The hour long talks on my college house's porch and 2 AM food runs with friends have given me some of my favorite memories in my life thus far. I have created a sense of appreciation for all the little "yeses" that have brought me the people in my life today.

Saying yes can be a powerful tool for personal growth, relationship building, and overcoming our fears and insecurities. By being open to new experiences and opportunities, we can expand our horizons and live a more fulfilling life. So the next time you are presented with an opportunity, consider saying yes and see where it takes you. You may be surprised at the positive impact it can have on your life.