I had read and enjoyed this rant a few years ago when I read it, but I just stumbled upon it again today. I think he talks a lot about not letting the judgments of others play into your everyday decision making. Anyway I could never do it justice so I will post my favorite part here:
The thing is, I really like saying yes. I like new things, projects, plans, getting people together and doing something, trying something, even when it’s corny or stupid. I am not good at saying no. And I do not get along with people who say no. When you die, and it really could be this afternoon, under the same bus wheels I’ll stick my head if need be, you will not be happy about having said no. You will be kicking your ass about all the no’s you’ve said. No to that opportunity, or no to that trip to Nova Scotia or no to that night out, or no to that project or no to that person who wants to be naked with you but you worry about what your friends will say.
No is for wimps. No is for pussies. No is to live small and embittered, cherishing the opportunities you missed because they might have sent the wrong message.
i abridged the post that james put up because it was on the long side, and really, you should read the whole rant.
it’s worth your time and i’ve ended up folding large parts of it into my personal belief system.
i find that i am often tempted to act disinterested…to try to look cool by being unattached and above it all. why?
this rant, in concert with being taught by ann gerondelis at georgia tech, really encouraged me to embrace my “fascinations” unapologetically.
i still suck at this and i still fear the judgement of others too much, but when i get this right, it is so very wonderful.
I haven’t had the chance to read this full rant yet surprisingly, but this particular passage is something that Travis has showed me several times before. My first instinct is always to say, “YES! Of course! That’s the way I feel, that’s what my instinct is, and I’m glad for it.” but that’s not true. In all honesty I’m pretty bad at saying Yes sometimes, and I’m quite good at saying No. This is regrettable & I’m always trying to work on it, but I feel like this instinct may follow me for many years to come. But being conscious of it is probably the first step.
So: I want to hear more about your stupid ideas and projects, give me more chances to say yes. I clearly need the help.
