How many times a day do we say "No"? So often, we turn a blind eye to the opportunity to impact someone else. We see someone we know, but instead of going the extra few feet to catch up and say hi, we keep walking our own way.
Instead of asking "How are you?" while the barista makes your coffee, we put our head down and check our phones. Instead of going up to the professor after class and introducing ourselves, we convince ourselves we do not have enough time and we simply rush out the door on our way to the next thing. Instead of thanking the woman cleaning the floors of a building, we get nervous and tell ourselves one thank you wouldn't matter all that much anyway.
But what a shame it is that we so often say "No." We say no to the small moments we are given to impact others and shine a small light into their days. We believe that what we do will not make a difference. But in fact, it is usually those small acts of boldness that can change the entire trajectory of not only a person's day, but a person's life. It doesn't take more than simply saying "Yes".
And what would happen if we began saying "Yes"? What if instead of walking the other way, we went out of our way for just a few minutes to remember that person's name and say hello. What if instead of checking our phone, we asked the barista how their morning was going. What if instead of rushing out of class, we went up to our professor and thanked him for his time and dedication to your education. What if instead of passing the woman cleaning by, we stopped, smiled and asked her about herself; her family, her passions, her dreams.
At any moment, that "yes" could be a small act of boldness for you, but could be absolutely everything to someone else. If we became people that just said yes, I truly believe that those small acts of boldness would become huge vessels of impact. There is simply nothing better than a look of pure and genuine joy, as you take someone by surprise in saying "yes"; saying "yes" to that little voice in your head that whispers, "This person needs a smile" or "That person needs to know they matter."
No person is invisible, so why would we try to be? May we say "yes" and choose to stand out, unafraid of the world's response, but fearless in our trust that the courage in saying "yes" will only drive others to do the same.
How will you say "Yes" tomorrow? Will it be in a "Thank you"? Will it be taking the extra few minutes you think you don't have? Will it be simply believing your "yes" can make an impact?
Whatever yours shall be, just say yes.
