Say "Yes" To More Of Life
No. 88 - A reminder that the bravest thing we can do as moms is say "yes", to joy, to adventures, to ourselves.
A few weeks ago, I ran into a mom friend at the park. We hadn’t seen each other in a while, at least not in a setting where we could actually catch up. She told me the past year had been really rough, filled with scary health issues, and how that, paired with motherhood, has completely shifted her perspective on life.
She said she’s determined to live each day to the fullest and soak up every second she has with her boys. That new mindset inspired her to do something totally outside her comfort zone: she signed up to dance in a local Diwali festival. On stage. In front of hundreds of people.
I cannot describe the joy that washed over me as she told me this story. I was so proud of my friend—of her courage, her resilience, and her willingness to say yes to more of life.
Later that night, after the performance, she sent me a video and some photos. When I watched them, tears filled my eyes. She looked radiant. Free. Fully alive.
Motherhood has changed me immensely, but the biggest thing it’s given me is confidence and courage to say “yes”.
I know how hard it can be to juggle work, kids, and a household. But I also know how much harder it is to do something just for yourself. We make so many excuses. There’s never enough time. We’re too tired. Not talented enough. Not confident enough.
But the truth is, moms are incredible. We didn’t know a thing about motherhood before these kids came into the world, and look at us now. We’re figuring it out beautifully, even on the days we don’t feel like we are.
I’ve also learned to see myself the way my kids see me. To them, I’m a superhero. Bigger than life. Beautiful, funny, and strong. Knowing that’s who I am in their eyes has given me a kind of confidence I didn’t have before. It’s helped me put things into perspective and realize there’s no need to be embarrassed or afraid of failing, because to my kids, I’m already exceptional.
So if there’s something you’ve been wanting to try, don’t wait. Go enroll in those French lessons. Start a garden. Learn to play Mahjong. Dance at your local Diwali festival.
Whatever it is, say “yes” to it. Be brave.
Because five, ten, fifteen years from now, you don’t want to look back and say, “I wish I would have.”
🎃 Happy Halloween! Leave a comment below and let me know what your little ones (or you) are dressing up as! My kids are Olaf and Leonardo the Ninja Turtle this year.
Today’s edition of Friday Favorite’s is in honor of Halloween!
🎃 This white bean pumpkin turkey chili has become a halloween tradition in our house. I throw it in the crock pot in the morning, and it’s ready to go before we head out to trick or treat!
📖 Horror is not a genre I typically read, but last fall a friend recommended The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires and I devoured it. Head’s up, it has a few steamy scenes. If you want to read something spooky this season, I recommend this.
👁️ After a late night of trick or treating, you need some caffeine to wake up those under eyes. I love this Inkey List Caffeine eye cream because of its affordable price point, and lightweight formula.
Happy Friday, Friends! I hope you all have a beautiful weekend!
So beautifully spelled out Bri and so true !!!! Love Ya, Grandad
Aww, I was gonna say how proud I'd be too if my friend did something like that, but then I saw your granddad's comment, so sweet! My abuelito and I were super close, and it totally reminded me of him. 🥹