message to a friend / self-reflection

A few days ago, I wrote a reply to an email by my friend Cris, keeping each other updated about our lives after a few months of not hearing from another. Writing it really helped me realize some good changes and upcoming things to look forward to. A part of it that stuck out to me and that I felt like keeping here for posterity was this: [translated from German to English for the post] "I am getting much more involved in volunteer work this year than last year, and I generally say “yes” to things more often. This is also happening because I actively want to encourage myself to be more curious and to give things more of a chance. As a result, I’ve also taken on additional roles at work, had a job interview (it wasn’t a fit, but it was still great), and I’m attending workshops and conferences. I’m sort of trying to collect more “nos” as a challenge, but because I ask about more things and get involved, I end up getting more “yeses.” That’s nice too." It can be easy to talk yourself out…