There’s a movie on Netflix based on a book called “Yes Day”. The concept is that parents can get their children a “yes day” where they have to say “yes” to everything the children ask for. Of course, there are boundaries set but for the most part, it’s a day all about family fun at the direction of the kids.
We tried this with our three kids about a month ago and had an absolute blast. We played the game “Pie Face” with whipped cream, visited several parks, had french toast for breakfast, and ended the night with popcorn and a movie. It was time to give the kids our full, undivided attention.
In reflecting on the fun, connection, and restoration that day gave us, I began to ponder when the last time was that I gave myself a “yes day” or sorts. Heck, when was the last time I gave myself a yes half-day?! Then I thought about how great it would be if we could all give ourselves our undivided attention and do whatever WE wanted for a whole day.
Why do you need a “yes day”? In the process of making everyone comfortable and making everyone pleased, we forget ourselves and we put ourselves last. However, we know that we can’t pour from an empty cup and it’s so important to restore ourselves. It’s also fourth quarter, the time of the year where everything feels like it’s going at warp-speed. And, we get to have fun, too!
So how can we make it happen? First of all, we need to prioritize what needs to get done in order to allow ourselves to be all-in. If there are things that will cause you more distress on a yes day, get those things out of the way so you can fully submerge into your day. If you have children of your own, see if your partner can take the kids for the day or ask a trusted neighbor or family member to help out. Finally, if a day simply isn’t feasible, maybe you can devote a few hours to yourself.
What to do?
Check-in with yourself to see what you’re needing
Meditate, journal, take a long bath, or do other self-care activities
Look up some stay-cation ideas: What’s available in your area you haven’t checked out?
Try a new park/trail
Choose a non-professional book to read for fun
Sleep
Binge-watch TV/movies
Now, let your mind wander and dream for a moment about what you would do if you could do anything you wanted. What parameters would you need to set? This may include staying within an hour or two from home with a $50 budget or so. Let us know below what your ”yes day” will look like!
From the heart,
Kalise
