Take the “NO” Out of November: Ten Ways to Say YES to Yourself and Others This Month
Say YES to Help
This month, consider ways to lighten your load: maybe that means delegating tasks at work, hiring an assistant, or bringing someone in to help with errands, cleaning, or cooking. Recently, after a whirlwind of travel and conferences, my neighbor offered to bring me dinner. At first, I said, “No, thank you,” but when she gently insisted, I thought, why not say YES? That meal, prepared with kindness, was exactly what I needed. Accepting help allows us to recharge and creates space for more YES moments in our lives.
Say YES to Rest
In a culture that values productivity, choosing rest can feel like rebellion. But rest is a gift we can give ourselves. So, let yourself take that nap, sleep in an extra hour, or enjoy a guilt-free afternoon of doing absolutely nothing.
Say YES to Fun
When was the last time you joined a friend for something purely fun? This month, say YES to a concert, a show, or another event that’s just for you, with no hidden work agenda. Sometimes, pure fun is the best fuel for our spirit.
Say YES to Your Own Voice
We often silence our own wants to accommodate others. This month, practice saying YES to what you really want. Whether it’s a small preference or a big decision, let your own voice be heard.
Say YES to Your Health
With the holiday rush, health can fall to the bottom of our list. Saying YES to health doesn’t need to be complicated—try a 10-minute daily stretch, drink more water, or choose a nutritious meal. Every small step towards health is a YES to a stronger, happier you.
Say YES to New Experiences
Saying YES to trying something new can open doors to unexpected joy. Consider trying a new recipe, hobby, or even a book genre you wouldn’t normally read. Stepping out of your routine is a YES to curiosity and growth.
Say YES to Self-Compassion
We can be our own harshest critics. This month, say YES to being kind to yourself. Give yourself permission to make mistakes, to rest, to change your mind. The more compassion we extend to ourselves, the more we can extend it to others.
Say YES to Connecting with Loved Ones
Take time to reach out to friends or family members. This could be as simple as a text or a long-overdue phone call. Saying YES to connection can remind us of the warmth and support we have in our lives.
Say YES to Saying NO
Saying YES to yourself sometimes means saying NO to others. Embrace this truth and remind yourself that every NO frees you up for a future YES that aligns better with your goals, energy, or joy.
Say YES to Gratitude
November is an ideal time to practice gratitude. Start each day with a few minutes of reflection on what you’re thankful for, or write down one thing that brought you joy each evening. A YES to gratitude is a YES to a fuller, happier heart.
The practice of saying YES to ourselves and our lives can be transformative, and it’s one I’ve documented beautifully in The YES Journal. Consider gifting yourself—or someone you care about—a journal dedicated to capturing moments of joy, connection, and growth. It’s a gentle reminder to embrace the YES within our lives.
As we head into the holiday season, I hope you find opportunities to say YES in ways that uplift and nourish you. Here’s to a November full of warmth, connection, and joyful YES moments.
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I love that you are beginning YES -Vember with me!
