I hate to admit this, but for years I was quick to respond to requests with the single word and the complete sentence, “No!”  I often felt puzzled and sometimes annoyed when asked to add one more thing to my already full plate of responsibilities, which I was precariously juggling as a mother, wife, dentist, and post-graduate resident! I would find myself having an internal dialogue with myself, saying, “Don’t they know how busy I already am?” or “I am so tired, I know that I should say yes, but I just don’t have the energy to commit!”  I even would ask myself, “What if I don’t live up to their expectations?” And then one day, in one of my not so busy juggling moments, I came across the book Year of Yes, by Shonda Rhimes, (Year of Yes: 10th Anniversary Edition: Rhimes, Shonda: 9781668205273: Amazon.com: Books), the award-winning creator and producer of the hit television shows Gray’s Anatomy, Private Practice, Scandal, and Bridgerton. Did the title imply that one would actually say “Yes” for 365 days?

I bought the book, read it page by page, and then re-read the book. In reading, I understood that the title was not suggesting that every request or every ask needs an affirmative response, but that saying “Yes” creates opportunities, fosters relationships, increases value to others, and, most importantly, value for yourself!

In my Year of Yes, I changed careers from clinical dentist to Senior Community Health Planner. In my Year of Yes, I made new friendships and even found a new BFF with my friend, Trish! Saying “Yes” brought me to Vermont, Minnesota, and Chicago to speak, and saying “Yes” created fun and unique experiences with my family.

As we say “goodbye” to 2025 and “hello” to 2026, what can you say “Yes” to? Perhaps start off slow, saying “Yes” to kindness, gratitude, and self-care. Perhaps start off fast, saying “Yes” to your dream vacation, job, or hobby.

However you end this year and start 2026, I hope that saying “Yes”, although not a complete sentence, brings you new experiences, friendships, and perspectives.

“Yes,” to a Happy New Year!