My mom once told me that after I learned to say "Mama" and "Dada", my third word was "No!". Sadly, I used that word too often as a boy. I didn't want to eat my vegetables. I didn't want to go to bed on time. I didn't want to work in the garden. I would much rather read books than help my mom and grandma with the boring housework. Being the youngest of three sons, I probably said "no" a lot more than I should have.
As I grew up, I began to say "Yes!" a lot more. I can remember making the bed and sweeping the floor. I felt really happy to help my parents. I can remember trying to get good grades in school and the pride in my parents' eyes when I got into college. I can remember learning that saying "yes" could bring more happiness into my life than saying "no" ever did.
Even now, I am still learning how to say "yes". My only advice to you is not to wait as long as I did. Say "yes" to life. Say "yes" to love. Say "yes" to helping others. "Yes" may only be a word, but it can change your life.
