Attitude pocket. Highlight the yes in the noes.

I just read some excerpts that have disrupted my truths. I had to stop reading and start writing this post. First of all, I admit it: I'm a fan of 'yes.' As I shared with you in one of my first posts, I love signing up for new activities and experiences. I always have my next adventure in my sights, whether it's in the islands I adore (the Balearic Islands in general and Majorca or Menorca in particular) or around the world. That's why I think it's so relevant to share what I just discovered: the yes in the noes.

Being surprised by something is the mind's first step towards discovery.

Louis Pasteur

May you spend your life saying 'yes'...

For my 18th birthday, my father wrote me a message that has become one of my all-time favorites. One of the phrases that really struck a chord with me was:may you spend your life saying yes.".

This sentence has guided my existence in recent years. Obviously, it resonated with me and my essence. I am an active person who loves to explore, learn, try, and discover new things.

Therefore, saying yes to different proposals, ideas, trips, and adventures is something that comes naturally to me. This characteristic has made me enjoy many days with great intensity (not only holidays and weekends), started hobbies I never imagined, and met incredible people.

However, in recent years, a truth that I had somewhat neglected has become increasingly important: the importance of knowing how to say no. This is almost as difficult for me as moving the enormous rock of stone that we found on a beach in Iceland.

...as long as you don't want to say 'no'.

Coincidentally, the importance of rejectionhas once again emerged in the book I'm reading. And the way the author has explained it has made it clearer to me than ever. The book is by Mark Manson and has a somewhat long title:The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck: A Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life".

To be honest, at first I didn't really like it. It has an almost arrogant and somewhat aggressive way of presenting its ideas. But as it has progressed, I have liked it more and more. I highly recommend reading it.

The chapter about the importance of saying 'no' has resonated with me because I truly believe I need to apply it to myself. Let me summarize what I believe are the key parts for me.:

Rejection is an inherent and necessary part of maintaining our values and identity. It defines what we choose to reject.

Mark Manson

He asserts, and I agree, that we are often made to believe that we should avoid rejection.In the short term, it may make us feel better. But in the long term, it disrupts our peace and stability as we cannot live in accordance with our values without rejecting alternatives that do not align with them.

Everyone should care about something in order to value something. And to value that something, we must reject what is contrary. To value X, we must reject what is not X.

Mark Manson

Do you say yes when you mean no?

It's probably obvious, but be honest, are you currently rejecting everything you don't want?

Just because we've been sold the idea of the goodness of "yes", the easiest thing many times is to accept when we don't really want to. It's okay to say no to a trip if you feel like you need to rest or if you really don't feel like it because of the company or the destination. It's okay not to meet up with friends if you feel like you want to be alone that day.

I am the first one who needs to apply what was discussed today in this post. But I truly believe that it will be worth it and will bring you (me) closer to the peace and tranquility you need to pursue your dreams and goals.

See you soon and happy reading! (or not, if you don't feel like it;)