Yes Day (not just for kids)
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When my girls were younger, maybe 8 and 10, a neighbor told us about this concept called yes day (also a book). The premise: kids get to do whatever they want for a single day (nothing dangerous or illegal) and parents must go along with their requests. Of course our kids were on board with the concept, so we agreed to try it on a weekend with a budget of $20 per child.
When the big day arrived, Chloe chose to walk around all day in a bathrobe eating Ben and Jerry’s Mint Oreo Cookie and fresh whipped cream out of a massive stainless steel mixing bowl. Emilie hunkered down to watch hours and hours of junk tv. We spent a total of $13, the girls had a blast, and I found myself wondering: why shouldn’t we, the adults of the house, claim a yes day of our own?
Really, yes day is just an invitation to tap into your own desires and give yourself permission to indulge them.
A few ideas I’m toying with for my own yes day:
· A cozy day reading books in my bathrobe; takeout for dinner
· A movie marathon - milk duds, popcorn, and all
· A spa day with mineral pools at Indian Springs in Calistoga
· A solo road trip to explore a new town or city
· A hike and picnic lunch with friends somewhere pretty
Planning your dream day might even be more fun than the main event. All you have to do is start with yes.
Comments are open – please share: what would you want to do on your yes day?
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I had a 'yes year' last year, the first year after my husband died in 2022. I've extended the concept, even getting a tiny wrist tattoo that says "say yes." For me, 'say yes' means being open to new experiences, going new places, not overthinking when an opportunity to attend a concert or take a trip comes up. It means helping others when I can, and it also means saying yes to me by saying no to requests that impinge on my time and energy. My adult children and grandchildren say Mom/Grandma is living her best life. And I am.
I'd be happy with a yes day that I don't have to think about what to cook...cook...or clean up - oh or walk the dog!