Saying Yes

In my previous post I eluded to the thought that saying "yes" is a new concept for me.

From childhood I fell into the habit of immediately thinking "no" and always going to the down side of things first. I'm not proud of that, but once a train of thought like that starts, it's hard to retrain the brain. Since starting my little business two years ago I have learned if I want to grow and be successful it is important to say"yes" more often than "no."

It kind of started with saying "yes" to myself when I decided to open my Etsy shop. Within a year, that was followed by saying "yes" to consignment opportunities across the country. Following that, I started saying "yes" to supporting fundraisers for worthy causes like Make-A-Wish. Recently I've ventured out of my introverted shell and said "yes" to participating in real live venues to display and sell my wares.

Each step has been one of learning and growth - both professionally and personally.

And along the way the one thing I think I have always said "yes" to is special requests from my customers. That has been the most rewarding thing of all - challenging at times - but rewarding in the end for sure. My customers inspire me and take me places where I would never go ~ an orange and brown dinosaur pillow; a neon green giraffe; Wee ones in a variety of Colorado sports colors and resembling sports mascots; a bear that looks like Pooh ~ and on and on.

So it is all a good reminder to think about saying "yes" in general ~ to say "yes" to opportunities and invitations that come along in life. After all, this isn't a dress rehearsal, ya' know. ;-)