Every No is a Yes to something else

​Dear Why Team member,
I hope this week’s message finds you bearing up well to the dramatic change in your life.

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Throughout the quarantine, the idea that every No is a Yes to something else has been a reoccurring theme for me. While NO is what a quarantine is largely about: NO going out, NO social gatherings, NO travel, NO flying, NO movies, NO theatre, NO restaurants and on and on; consider flipping the script, as they say, and ask alternatively to what it is that you have been saying YES? And to that end, what has been beneficial and what has not? We’re asked to change and embrace this change, and our responses matter. Notice how the significant shift in your life has awakened you, hopefully, to both the strengths and the weaknesses in how you were living your life before lock-down. What have you discovered about yourself that will fuel the new you going forward - no matter how our lives will look?

I like the idea that nothing is wasted, that nature abhors a vacuum, a no to leaving home is, of course, a yes to staying put; how many of us before the quarantine kept ourselves so busily moving, we didn’t notice the parts of our life that needed attention? That which we take to an extreme can numb us out and disconnect us from what is real.

Who could have ever predicted such a scenario? And would anyone have believed such predictions? How will we re-engage with the life we lived before? My wife was watching a movie the other night and caught herself being concerned that the characters in the movie weren’t practicing social distancing :-)

No doubt, going forward, our newer, more conscious practices, will lessen the spread of the common cold and the annual flu. If we happen to call in sick, but continue to connect via virtual meetings, such behavior will be more socially and professionally accepted. It will be very interesting to see how we all return to living in closer proximity to each other.

And if you haven’t already, now is certainly the time to attend to your health, to fortify your immune system. Have you worked on a discipline of daily walks or runs? Sunshine and fresh air is a must. One of my friends jokingly mentioned that he is just now learning how many neighbors he has, even though he has lived in his neighborhood for 4 years, as they are out walking or jogging. 
How about tending to tighter routines around bedtime and wake time. The body loves consistency, eight ounces of water every hour, diverse Whole Foods. Now is not a bad time to really notice what you put into your body and how much you move your body. Check out the 7-Minute workout app. It’s hard not to do something so beneficial that only takes 7 minutes.

And, of course, relationships. The longer I live, the more I believe relationships are what life is all about. Who could you encourage today? Any human contact via phone, Skype, Zoom, will be more appreciated at a time such as this. There is no receiving like giving. Whatever you can give to others at this time will be particularly healthy and helpful.

Also, be even more attentive to what you allow into your mind. Remember the term GIGO?
Garbage In, Garbage Out?
Reduce your media diet. Most News is a repeat of what you have already heard; therefore, we consume more Olds than News. And Olds will age you ;-). Get at those books you’ve been meaning to read. Read history and/or listen to audiobooks - gain wisdom and perspective. Notice more than ever the quality of that which is going into your mind.
Make GIGO: Great In Great Out

During this time of great uncertainty, hearing a lot of “No” can lead to a sense of powerlessness and greater reactivity. Consider all the more your power to proactively say “Yes” to all that you can do for yourself and, by doing so, be more capable and available to serve others. Don’t let a physical barrier create a mental barrier. We, humans, were gifted with something very special other species don’t have: Thought. And we are where we are today because some didn’t take No at face value but saw it as a dare, as a Yes to something else.

This week consider giving more attention to that which you are saying Yes to - improve its quality and no doubt you’ll make it a great week.

steve Luckenbach