2024: My year of yes

Last year I read The Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes, and something clicked: 2024 was my year of saying yes too.

At the beginning of 2024, my therapist told me something that hit hard but was undeniably true: my lack of interest in life was putting me on a path toward depression. Hearing those words was a wake-up call. I realized that my constant “no” — to opportunities, adventures, and even small joys — was holding me back from living fully.

So, I made a decision: I would start saying yes.

Yes to things that scared me.

Yes to putting myself out there, making mistakes, and learning from them.

Yes to opportunities I wasn’t sure I was ready for.

Yes to joining groups aligned with the things I believe in.

Yes to a book club (The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron) that deepened my connection with friends and uncovered a new version of myself.

Yes to taking care of my body and mind.

Yes to traveling alone and going to places I’d never been.

And yes to moments that might bring me joy.

And you know what? It worked. Saying yes has brought an unexpected brightness to my days. It’s connected me with new people, new passions, and a version of myself I hadn’t seen in a while.

It hasn’t been easy. Not once did I stop thinking of excuses to cancel plans or back out of commitments. But I didn’t let those excuses win. Every time I showed up, I was reminded of why saying yes matters. It brought me joy, growth, and a sense of connection — to others and to myself.

Saying yes isn’t about perfection or always getting it right. It’s about showing up, even when it’s uncomfortable, and choosing to be part of life rather than sitting on the sidelines.

This book feels like a celebration of that choice and a reminder of the power of opening ourselves up to life. 2024 was my Year of Yes, and I can’t wait to see where it will take me next.