A Big Yes!

When I was 16, the US hosted the Women’s World Cup. I made a deal with my mom–I’ll buy us match tickets if you buy the plane tickets. And to my surprise, she went for it. 

For context–I didn’t grow up in a globe-trotting family. We took road trips and went camping for vacations. At that point, I had been on 2 planes in my life. So this wasn’t a small ask.

It was a Big Ask.

And I got a Big Yes.

I don’t know if I can convey how much it meant to me that she said yes. Maybe you know the feeling–something you wanted so bad at that age that things are so important but this One Thing really was that Important. It meant a lot.

I tried to dig up some photos from the game but came up empty. I got to meet my heroes, watch some excellent soccer, and have a really special trip with my mom. 

Earlier this year, a dear friend texted me to say she was planning to “sneak off” to New Zealand for some world cup soccer this summer, and would I like to come with her? It was immediately a Big Yes–literally sent chills throughout my body. (Still does as I type this!). And still–it didn’t make the most sense. I have a 2-year-old and a partner and the clinic and yes–I did already take an international trip with a girlfriend this year. This wasn’t a small ask (and no sneaking, to boot). And yet–I said yes. It was–and is–a Big Yes.

So, I’m off to New Zealand this week to watch some amazing women play The Beautiful Game. They aren’t necessarily my heroes anymore, since I’ve found my calling and have no interest in playing soccer professionally anymore (though isn’t there a local adult league…?). But I’ll get to be in the stands alongside girls just like I was 24 years ago, cheering along as they watch their heroes, with their parents who said a Big Yes to them, too.

Sticky Note Reflections

Grab a napkin or journal or sticky note or receipt and jot down some reflections on these questions:

1. What was the last Big Yes you experienced? 

2. How did it feel in your body–how did you know it was the Right Answer, despite all the reasons your head said it might not have been?

3. Do you make your decisions more from your head or your body?