Say 'yes.'

Are you afraid to start something you may not be good at? Are you unwilling to take that risk? Hesitant for the outcome? What’s holding you back?

I’ll be honest. Change intimidates me. I like to be comfortable, it gives me a sense of security.

But how will I know unless I start saying ‘Yes’ more often?

I recently watched the movie Yes Man.

You may be wondering why in the world were you watching that Jim Carrey movie? I promise you there is a good reason.

As the movie depicts, living by saying one simple word transformed the character’s life and the way he goes about his day-to-day activities.

Like Carl (that character Jim Carrey plays), it’s easy to be stuck in a rut and let your emotions take over.

Yes, I am a sad, sentimental senior who isn’t ready to leave Carolina just yet. Let me tell you, they say to soak it all in, yet it’s flying by so fast. I mean it’s already February—how?

So, while saying ‘Yes’ may not give me a job promotion or find me romance like Carl, it will transform my experiences and create memories of a lifetime.

This may mean that I have to try new and intimidating things: overcoming fear, insecurities and going outside of my comfort zone.

Say ‘Yes’ to the Bachelor even if it’s for 3 hours.

Say ‘Yes’ to He’s Not on a Tuesday night.

Say ‘Yes’ to that spur of the moment movie your friend wants to go see at Silverspot.

Say ‘Yes’ to camping.

Say ‘Yes’ to going to an MLB game.

Say ‘Yes’ to studying abroad.

Say ‘Yes’ to joining that intramural team.

Say ‘Yes’ to reading that book you’ve been wanting to read.

Sometimes it’s easier to say ‘No’, especially if it’s something new that can be daunting.

Don’t cut yourself off from opportunities.

I’m not saying don’t take a break and have ‘me’ time, but be curious and go out and do the things you wouldn’t normally do.

I want to look back on my last semester with nothing but pure joy from all the people, experiences and adventures.

No more “what ifs…”