On saying yes
Earlier this summer, I had the joy and honour of speaking at a summer camp for 80 kids between the ages of 5-7. As you could imagine, it was chaos. After all, it was 80 kids under the age of 8 who came to camp with the promise of having fun, and it was my job to calm the crowd long enough to teach something.
A couple things about me.
One. I love summer camp. Summer camp was the single most formative experience of my life. I have been a camper, junior leader, staff, volunteer, and camp director. Camp has been a huge part of my life. So when opportunities to participate in the camp magic pop up I’m an easy sell.
Two. I love working with kids. It’s one of the things I miss most about the work I do now. So when I get the chance to work with kids in other ways I am, once again, an easy sell.
This is how I found myself as a summer camp speaker for 80 children. Because I’ve learned enough about myself that when opportunities come up that are aligned with my vision I just need to say yes, to commit. Because if I give myself anytime to think anxiety comes knocking and talks me out of it.
I said yes to speaking before I let all the emotions hit. I said yes thinking “that’s adorable, I love camp, I love kids, I miss working with kids, and this is an opportunity to have it all.”
And after I said yes doubt started creeping in. The day before I was to leave for camp I had crippling anxiety. So much so I found myself conjuring up excuses or reasons I couldn’t go to camp. Maybe if I’m sick? Maybe if I have covid? Maybe if my car breaks down?
But again, I know myself well enough to know these messages are not here to help me. I’ve lived long enough in this body to know I’m scared of not getting it right. And I’ve made a decision and commitment to do the things anyways.
I like to think this is Little Julianne’s favourite thing I do. I see her cheering me on and so thankful for both of us that I take the leap.
“You can always tell a voice of fear when it asks you to leave instead of show up.”
- Scott Erikson
Fear isn’t always bad. It can be helpful. A quick test to know what kind of fear you are dealing with - is it asking you to leave instead of show up?
Say yes to the things that excite you.
Say yes to the things that excite you even when that excitement is a fraction of the fear that comes with it.
Say yes without thinking too much. And when you catch yourself thinking in fear hold on to the yes.
May the fear that asks you to leave turn into a trigger that encourages you to jump deeper. Because I truly believe the spaces we fear most is where we are born for greatness. There is so much to learn in those spaces. So let’s say yes.
