All through childhood I was taught to be cautious. Never talk to strangers. Don't pet dogs that you don't know because they might bite. Always wear clean underwear, just in case... So, I was very careful, never took risks, didn't scare myself or my parents, and consequently lived an uneventful childhood. I didn't jump out of the apple tree because I was afraid I'd "break something." I didn't sing out loud or dance unabashedly for fear I'd make a fool of myself. I said "NO" to life's little pleasures.
It's only recently that I've learned to say "YES" to life, especially when an opportunity presents itself out of the blue. Over the last fifteen years I've learned to recognize the moments when the universe has paved the way for me and all I have to do is follow the path, willingly accepting what life has to offer without being afraid.
For example, I had been thinking about moving from Arizona to Washington State but I was teaching and I wanted the full pension I'd earn at the usual retirement age. So, the universe made the decision for me. The state retirement system of Arizona opened an early retirement window for one year that I qualified for. Not only would I be able to retire with my full pension, but I'd be able to teach in my new home state of Washington. How could I say "No" to that opportunity? When I arrived at the school district office in my new home town, a school principal happened to be there looking for a new teacher. Voila! I was hired immediately. On the same weekend a fantastic realtor helped me find the perfect house. I couldn't have asked for any better sign that Washington was to be my new home. The universe made me an offer I couldn't refuse.
More recently, I was told that I should write my story. At first I said, "No, I'm not a writer." Well, the universe decided that I would become a writer by putting a publisher's advertisement in front of me and paving the way to getting my book published. It's all so easy when I just say "Yes," rather than resisting life because I am afraid to take a risk and possibly fail. I'm so glad that I finally learned to say "Yes."
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