Playing YES man

In case you haven't seen the Jim Carey classic 'Yes Man', here is the main idea- Carey starts to say YES to every opportunity and offer thrown his way.  This is a concept that while traveling the world I am embracing more.  Sometimes we are so caught up in what we think is our style or liking that we turn down opportunities that could turn out to be quite enjoyable.  

While on this trip my husband really wanted to go see the infamous Barecelona Soccer Stadium.  I on the other hand, being an American raised baseball watching lady had zero interest in seeing a stadium, expecially given the 20 minutes total time I have ever put into watching soccer.  However being supportive, I said yes and much to my surprise found the day to be one of my favorite sites in Spain.  The incredible infrastructure, along with its historical museum, and fancy fixtures not only gave me a  2 hour walking workout but also peaked my interest in going to a live professional soccer match.  I got swept up in the excitement and fervor that the tour gave.

While finishing up a camp in Germany we had a few free days left on the docket.  We had the option to stay in the town that we were in, head to France to train with friends,  head to a major city in Germany to train with the national team, or to head to Luxembourg with their National teams coach.   We didn't know the coach well but being intrigued by a country we had yet to visit, Luxembourg was the route we picked. Because of this we got to see one of the most beautiful and peaceful countries yet, we got special treatment at the facilities because we were the coaches guest, and we made a new really good friend.

Going the route that is least known or least comfortable can stretch you to learn new things, find out new interests, perk up hidden talents, and lead to lots of great stories and relationships.  

By forcing my husband to say YES he found out that symphonies are really calming to listen to, that yoga may look easy but its a great workout, that art museums can be not only gorgeous but enlightening, that walking cities is a much more enjoyable way to spend time than relaxing in a hotel, and that skateboarding may be a new sport of interest.

Next time that an offer is laid in front of you that may not sound like your typical cup of tea, release your inner Jim Carrey.  Face the fear of different.  Say YES.  Give it a try.  You may stumble upon an adventure.  You may stumble upon a new love.  Life is too short to not say YES.