How Saying “Yes” Changed My Life
3 min read
Over the weekend, I had the privilege of being part of an extraordinary virtual gathering, joined by roughly a thousand individuals from across the globe. We shared stories and music, soaked in wisdom from beloved elders, and it was an experience that truly left a mark. Amidst all the lively offerings, one moment stood out. We were prompted to reflect on the "craziest" thing we've ever done and to share it with our fellow participants in our breakout groups. Initially, I was tempted to recount tales of exuberant college nights or instances of youthful indiscretion. However, I felt compelled to delve a bit deeper. As it turns out, I shared a story that took me back to the summer after my junior year in college.
Flashback to April of my junior year when I learned that I hadn't been selected for a prestigious full-time residential internship for my upcoming senior year that I had been fervently pursuing throughout my college journey. This internship had been the driving force for selecting my college, choosing my major, and dedicating myself to my studies for the preceding three years. The rejection left me shattered; I vividly recall being in my dorm room, overcome with emotion. In my despair, a call came in from a dear childhood friend attending a different university. He had incredible news to share – he had successfully secured a summer study abroad internship in Istanbul, Turkey. Sensing my disappointment, he encouraged me not to dwell on the rejection and invited me to join him overseas for the summer.
I typically value planning, meticulous preparation, and a clear understanding of the "why" behind my actions. However, something within me snapped at that moment, and I promptly accepted my friend's invitation. Within a week, I applied for the internship, secured acceptance, and received full funding from my department to cover travel, accommodations, and other expenses. Coincidentally, my godmother and her husband were planning a trip to Turkey that very summer and generously offered to assist me in settling in.
The moment I landed in Turkey, it felt like home. Every day was an adventure navigating the bustling streets of Istanbul as we digested all the sights, sounds, and smells. We spent evenings reveling in new connections as Istanbul shed some of its conservative facade to reveal a thriving nightlife. Yet, there was an unexpected twist – merely three weeks into our planned three-month internship, my friend needed to cut his trip short due to a personal issue, leaving me in a foreign land without the familiar security of his companionship or any concrete plans beyond my internship. Fate, however, had its own designs. I managed to secure accommodation in a more favorable part of town and gained even more support from the people at my internship.
Choosing spontaneity and jumping on board with my friend's summer plans was a departure from my norm. Yet, that summer marked a pivotal turning point for me. It taught me the beauty of solitude, the power of heeding one's inner voice, and the freedom of saying "yes" when everything screams "no." It gave me the clarity to veer off the path I'd thought was mine, which I'd committed to since high school. I returned to campus that Fall with a fresh outlook and a newfound determination to explore a different direction. And so, a spontaneous "yes" led me to a place of self-discovery, reshaping my journey in profound and unforeseen ways.
As you reflect on this journey that took me from rejection to self-discovery, I invite you to consider the moments in your own life where you've hesitated at the crossroads of opportunity and uncertainty. What if you embraced spontaneity and let your heart guide you, even if it leads you off the well-trodden path? Take a moment to ponder the stories you could be weaving, the growth awaiting you beyond your comfort zone. Who knows where your "yes" might lead you? Let's practice saying "yes" to life's surprises and embrace the unexpected, one daring step at a time.
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