Yes.

posted 8th January 2011    Written by: Renee    CATEGORY: Family, Life Lesson, Renee, Season 3

Right now, right at this very moment, I’m grateful for my soft couch, my space heater, my fleece blanket, and my giant supply of tea to get me through this cold.  But most of all, throughout my life, I’ve always been grateful for the opportunities I’ve had. In my 24 years, I’ve done some pretty cool things.   I’m grateful that my parents always supported me, emotionally and financially growing up. And now that I’m on my own, I’m grateful that my husband supports even my wildest decisions and ideas.

I’m grateful that I can talk about “the time I lived in Italy” and “when Chelsea Clinton and I hung out” and “my first semester of grad school.”  These are experiences that have shaped me and helped me become who I’ve become. I’m grateful for all these incredible opportunities that allow me to become authentically me. Without them, I would be boring, I’m sure.

My parents always did everything they could to support me and ensure I had opportunities and took advantage of them. They pushed me in all the right directions without actually pushing. When I asked to go on the class trip to Washington, DC in the 7th grade, they said yes. When I wanted to see Miss Saigon in Chicago for my birthday, they said yes. When I wanted to apply to only one college, they said yes. When I asked to take Italian and maybe study abroad, they said yes. When I told them I found the guy I wanted to marry, they said yes. It was rare for my parents to tell me I couldn’t experience the world the way I wanted. And for that, I am very, very grateful.

Now I don’t need my parents to give me permission. They still support all my decisions, but now it’s my turn to tell myself YES. I don’t do it nearly enough and it’s something I’ll work on in the new year. But telling yourself yes means giving yourself opportunity.

So my wish to you in the new year is to let yourself be. Give yourself experiences and opportunities. Take advantage of the decisions around you. Say yes.

{photo credit: Wonderlane}

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Comments (4)

4 Responses to “Yes.”

  • Diana Says:
    January 8th, 2011 at 11:36 am

    Renee, I found myself often thinking "If my parents say yes then I must be doing the right thing!"
    It's great for confirmation but it is amazing to say YES to yourself!

  • Ali Says:
    January 9th, 2011 at 9:04 pm

    So I love this post for 2 reasons:
    1) It's good.
    2) My blog title is your photo! FUN.

  • Alisha Says:
    January 9th, 2011 at 9:18 pm

    That's really awesome. How fortunate you are to have such encouraging and supportive parents. They undoubtedly gave you what you needed to grow into the woman you are becoming today.

  • Renee Says:
    January 10th, 2011 at 11:44 am

    Haha, I love Starbuck's "They Way I See It" series. So good.

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