Yesterday I posted about a quirky bit of history at my house, where Gerald Ford came to visit fifty years ago. It all came about because George Roberts, former Speaker of the House in NH, asked me if I’d be willing to hear some stories and let some politicians do a presentation at my home, which of course I would—because why not? But the events of the commemoration have me thinking about something beyond President Ford.
When my wife and I welcomed all these new faces into our home to share stories about Ford’s visit, we didn’t know what to expect. But it was great. We got to hear from a former resident and some politicians who were here that day, as well as learn some additional New Hampshire history from local historian Bill Veillette. There are so many good stories out there and it was great fun to drink them all in.
But the commemoration brought some additional rewards. A neighbor who is starting a local newspaper asked me to join the board and write a column. A reporter there to cover the Ford story asked if she could also do an interview about my book. Who knows where those adventures will take me, but I was taken with how quickly those developments came about. That the invitation to others for one thing led to some doors opening to something else.
The Benefit of Saying Yes
All of this has got me thinking about how good it is to say yes. I’m not talking about saying yes to the laundry list of to-dos and requests from people that are repeats of everything you’ve ever done or lived already, but saying yes to the new people. New possibilities. New perspectives from those you don’t normally run with.
Why do we say no so much? I know I’m guilty of it. I say no because saying no to crap is how I can keep my peace sometimes. It gives me a buffer so I can reset and take care of my body. But Gerald Ford’s entourage reminded me of something else: it’s important to stay mindful of what is a draining yes, and what’s an invigorating one.
When Self-Protection Hurts
I’ve never been too great with routines dictated by society, jobs, or life in general. Ironic, since I used to work as a project manager, a long time ago. I’m only now just starting to get a handle on what routine works for me, and that only took me forty-eight years. But my point is that I get why it’s exhausting to say yes to welcoming in other people’s routines. Other people’s schedules. I have enough on my plate already!
But if we can look past the need to self-protect and stay open to whoever and whatever may come our way, who knows what might happen? I’m not saying someone is going to knock on your door saying Gerald Ford had lunch there, but who knows? Maybe a new friendship or opportunity will arise, simply because someone approached you that is different from who you normally speak with. Or they asked for your help with something you’ve never tried before. There are so many chances for new stories and an invigorating yes.
Might as well welcome it all in and see where it goes.
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