Year of Yes Takeaways

Our final book for Elite Book Club 2024 was the heartwarming Year of Yes written by Shonda Rhimes. A book I had set my hands on in 2018; I was very excited when my friend suggested that we read it in book club 2024, and surely enough this time round the words made more sense to me. Shonda Rhimes details how she decided to start saying yes to life after her sister commented that she never says yes to anything. A small comment that changed, or rather saved her life. Shonda decides to embark on a journey of saying yes. Perhaps it was a sign for me too, to evaluate my life and start saying yes.

Unlike all the other books read in book club where the discussion question is the same; "What are your key takeaways from this chapter?", for Year of Yes we decided to have some fun by asking different questions in the context of the chapters read. So come along my journey of lessons learnt as I share my answers with you and see how I said "Yes!"

In chapter 1 Shonda tells us how she always said "No" to whatever involvement came her way, the excuses and reasons were plenty. Sounds very familiar, lying our way around when we want to opt out of some with some "valid" reasons. For me, I am guilty of saying "Work is busy" when there's actually no major work waiting for me. What a fib!

In chapter 4 Shonda was invited to go live on the Jimmy Kimmel show. Imagine this was me! Invited to talk about my profession, what would I say? I would actually say "Yes!" Obviously with a bit of fear and lots of researching on what exactly to say. But generally I do say yes to things that are outside my comfort zone. I once had to speak about Beauty Therapy on the Mai Chisamba Show in Shona and I survived! So surely I can speak on any platform.

In chapter 5 Shonda is on stage filled with anxiety and nervousness but her heart warms up when she digests the fact that she is speaking to the graduates at Dartmouth College, those sitting in the exact same spot she was years ago when she completed college herself. So many lessons learnt from that speech but my key takeaways are that perfect is boring. Be a doer. Don't try to be someone else. Find a cause you love and support it. Volunteer some hours. Focus on something outside yourself. Be brave. Be amazing. Be worthy. Be heard. Be seen. Stand up.

In chapter 6 Shonda openly admitted that she can't ace this motherhood thing without help. So many times in life we struggle to survive some days just because we are "personally short staffed". Which area of your life could do with some hep? My answer is ACCOUNTABILITY! Goodness I need someone to push me to do the daily tasks like exercise, waking up early and being organized. There is so much I want to do and achieve but because I don't have someone pushing me I tend to slack.

In chapter 7 Shonda says yes to all play and no work. And in chapter 8 she says yes to her body. She is slowly getting the hang of saying yes to everything that scares her at work. She's saying yes to attending interviews and showing up at galas. But what about the areas of home, play, fun and even her body? This question is not for Shonda, it's for me. How can I do better? I know I need to spend more time with family, having dinner, such a simple yet meaningful act. As for the body, I need to start working out. Even if its just for 20 minutes a day, that's definitely better than 0 minutes a month.

In chapter 9 Shonda in back on stage saying yes to joining the club. Speaking at The Women in Entertainment Breakfast I learnt from her that the more I try and say yes to challenges, I share a glimpse of "Me too" with those younger than me or those following behind. Let's dare to be brave because we liberate and motivate others who are watching to follow and do the same. We create a path for them. "If she can do it, so can I".

In chapter 10 Shonda encourages us to be "badassery!" To own our strengths and accept compliments without apology. Just say "Yes. Thank you" and smile. What are some compliments that you receive from people? People say I am detail oriented and organised. I am a creative thinker who thinks fast. Yes. Thank you. Smile.

In chapter 11 Shonda challenges us to be brave enough to say yes to saying no. Quite a tongue twister but definitely worth the application. Something I need to say no to before the year ends is being added to WhatsApp groups without my consent. Sounds small but I don't like it so no, don't do it!.

In chapter 12 Shonda appreciates people by saying yes to people. Encouraged to do the same I want to be more intentional about checking up on my friends, pausing my schedule and just spending time with them and listening to them. I want to show the people in my life that they are truly valued.

In chapter 14 Shonda says yes to who I am. She preaches authenticity. One of my personal values. The A in my name stands for authenticity and what an encouragement it is to read from an author who also values it. Living a life true to yourself, true to your integrity even if your choices are not the the conventional norm.

And finally in chapter 15 Shonda says yes to beautiful. Life is a beautiful journey. A gift to be valued made up of moments to be treasured. Shonda said yes to life. She did it. We cried, we laughed and we danced with her. Now it's our turn. What are we saying yes to? What are you saying yes to? Personally, I SAY YES TO WELLNESS! I need to take better care of my body. I can do better and I should do better. Thank you Shonda, this book was such a joy to read, a true gift!