Years ago I had a friend come to me with a problem. The solution was clear as day to me and to most others as well. Because for we observers, our hearts were not involved, it was easy for all of us to see the answer.
As the old saying goes, “The heart wants what the heart wants," so you can imagine, my friend didn’t take the sound advice that was meted out. The friend finally ended up in a good place, but after a very circuitous and torturous route versus the easier one that was suggested.
The same thing happens to me though. I don’t take my own good advice. The themes of these blogs keep coming back around to that improv rule: Yes, And. Sometimes it seems that I am apparently incapable of taking that advice, and saying yes to new things.
I want to be a yes person, but my knee-jerk reaction is very often no.
Last night Paul had an improv show at Fort Mill Community Playhouse. One of the cast members was sick, and Paul asked me to be in the show. He was in a bind, so I said yes.
I’m at all of his shows, and I take tickets, run sound and lights. I wear a lot of hats, and I enjoy it all. I’ve performed in one or two games along the way, and it’s never bothered me. This was going to be different. I would be playing with his real cast instead of just filling in. I was a little nervous since I didn’t want to let anyone down.
The cast was amazing. They welcomed me with open arms and made me feel like I was one of them. The show went well and was a great success. I held my own, and I have to say hearing the audience laugh was a high. An addictive high.
I was so happy I had said yes. So much so that it has become my only resolution this year.
Last night one of the improv games was a backwards competition to see who could come up with the most unusual resolutions. Some that were mentioned were: eat more sugar, walk less, add more trans fats, increase screen time.
Because I only have the one resolution of saying yes to as many things as possible, I am trying to set myself up for success. Instead of “lose weight,“ I will say yes to eating more veggies and being more active. Instead of “decreased screen time,” I will say yes to reading more books, writing more, and spending more time outside.
And if all of those particular yeses don't go well, I will still succeed with my resolution by simply saying yes to sitting on the couch and eating salty snacks.
It really is all about the yes.
