Let’s Say ‘Yes’

Yin Nwe Ko

LAST year, my 9-year-old son Leopold and I were preparing for a mother-son ski trip to Keystone, Colorado. I introduced a new rule: we would say yes to everything. Leopold is a picky eater, surviving mainly on chicken nuggets and yoghurt. He often hesitates to try new things. He says it’s because he has phobias, like heights, spiders, and the dark, but I think he just has normal childhood jitters.

I wanted to encourage him without using the old saying, “If you don’t try it, you’ll never know if you like it.” So, I borrowed the idea of a Yes Day, inspired by the movie of the same name. Our family had tried it a few times before. Leopold and I agreed to say yes to everything during the trip, including new foods and experiences.

Our journey began with a stop at a breakfast buffet at the airport. I tried a vegan meatball while Leopold took a small bite of hash browns, which he found amusingly odd-looking. Neither of us went back for seconds, but we both decided our new foods were “not bad.”

The next day, after settling into our hotel, I took Leopold to meet his snowboarding instructor. He had taken a few lessons back home in Connecticut, but this was his first time snowboarding on such a large mountain. I hoped Leopold would make the most of this opportunity.

While he attended snowboarding school, I skied alone. On the first day, I stayed on the long and easy green run. On the second day, inspired by Leopold’s bravery in learning to ride a chairlift despite his fear of heights, I challenged myself to ski an intermediate blue run. There was a steep section that I found intimidating, but I took my time with slow, careful S-turns and made it down safely. I was proud of myself for trying something new.

Later that afternoon, back at the lodge, Leopold asked if we could go in the outdoor hot tub. It was a freezing 20-degree day, and I despise being cold and wet. When I hesitated, Leopold reminded me of our pact.

Yes, it was cold and wet, but it was also invigorating. The cold air on my skin made the hot water feel even better once we got in. Getting out was another story, but the experience was delightful because Leopold and I faced it together.

We had so much fun saying yes to everything that we decided to involve the rest of the family – Leopold’s dad and sister – during our spring break trip to St Augustine, Florida. We all said yes to a moonlit ghost tour of the city’s haunted sites, including a century-old jail and gallows. While others left the creepy jail cell during the ghost stories, Leopold and I stayed until the end.

On the same trip, Leopold tried his first spicy tuna roll, and his sister Nola sampled blackened grouper. When Nola asked me to join her in the freezing ocean, I went along. Not only did I survive, but I also enjoyed it because we had the whole ocean to ourselves.

During our summer adventures, we continued saying yes. I went down a scary 90-degree waterslide at a water park because my daughter asked me to. It was actually quite fun, though I would plug my nose next time. Leopold bravely completed a ropes course, reaching the top.

On our big family vacation to Yellowstone, saying yes led us to a 15-mile bike ride in Jackson Hole, line dancing at a country-western bar, and horseback riding through a national forest. On the last night, at the rodeo in Cody, Wyoming, both kids eagerly joined the traditional calf chase. Though neither caught the prized bandanna, they returned laughing, sweaty, and excited. It was an unforgettable experience.

The beauty of saying yes on vacation is that it pushes you out of your comfort zone. Although it’s not always possible to say yes to everything at home, where work, school, and other obligations interfere, we try to say it more often. Cultivating a sense of adventure helps us live life to the fullest – even if it means sometimes ending up cold and wet.

As we continued to embrace the spirit of saying yes, we found more opportunities for adventure and growth. During a visit to a local zoo, Leopold agreed to feed the giraffes. He was initially hesitant, but the joy on his face as the giraffe gently took the food from his hand was priceless. Nola, inspired by her brother, decided to hold a small snake, something she had always been afraid of. Her bravery was rewarded with a newfound confidence.

At an amusement park, Leopold asked if we could try the roller coaster. Normally, I would have declined, but remembering our pact, I agreed. The ride was thrilling, and the shared experience brought us closer together. Even Nola, who usually avoided such rides, joined us, proving that saying yes could lead to unexpected fun. We also tried new foods more often. Leopold, who usually stuck to his favourites, started to explore different cuisines. He discovered he liked sushi and even tried escargot during a fancy dinner out. Nola found a love for spicy foods and began experimenting with new recipes at home.

Our family also became more active. We started hiking on weekends, exploring new trails and enjoying nature. Leopold and Nola both took up swimming, and I joined a yoga class. These activities not only improved our physical health but also brought us closer as a family.

Saying yes also opened doors to new friendships. During a neighbourhood block party, we agreed to join in the games and activities, meet new people and form connections we might have missed otherwise. Leopold and Nola made new friends, and we found a sense of community we hadn’t experienced before.

Our adventures took us to new places as well. A spur-of-the-moment decision to visit a nearby city led to a weekend filled with museums, parks, and local cuisine. We discovered hidden gems and created memories that will last a lifetime.

Even mundane activities became more enjoyable. When Leopold asked if we could have a family game night, we all said yes. It became a weekly tradition filled with laughter and bonding. Nola suggested we start a garden, and soon, our backyard was filled with vegetables and flowers, a project we all took pride in.

Reflecting on our journey, I realized that saying yes had transformed our lives. We became more open-minded and willing to take risks and try new things. Our family grew stronger, our relationships deeper, and our experiences richer.

Saying yes taught us to embrace the unknown, to face our fears, and to find joy in the unexpected. It reminded us that life is full of opportunities waiting to be seized and that sometimes, the greatest adventures come from simply saying yes.

So, as we look forward to future trips and everyday moments, we carry with us the spirit of adventure. Whether it’s a new food, an exciting activity, or a simple request, we strive to say yes, knowing that it leads to growth, connection, and unforgettable memories.

And who knows? Maybe the next yes will lead us to an even greater adventure, one that we hadn’t even imagined. Because in the end, saying yes isn’t just about the experiences we gain; it’s about the life we choose to live, full of possibility, excitement, and love.

Embracing the spirit of saying yes has not only enriched our vacations but also transformed our everyday lives. It has taught us to step out of our comfort zones, face our fears, and seek adventure in every moment. As a family, we have grown closer, discovered new passions, and created lasting memories. Moving forward, we will continue to embrace opportunities with open hearts and minds, knowing that each “yes” can lead to unforgettable experiences and a fuller, more vibrant life. So, whether we’re exploring new places or simply enjoying time together at home, we’ll remember that the key to a life well-lived is always to be ready to say yes.

Reference: Reader’s Digest July/August 2024

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