The Adventures of Yes Woman
Jim Carrey’s “Yes Man,” opened and closed in theaters quite unnoticed. Based on the inane trailers, it’s not hard to figure out why. But while wandering through a bookstore one afternoon, I saw a paperback entitled “Yes Man” by Danny Wallace, the true story upon which the movie was based. So maybe the premise of the movie wasn’t as ridiculous as it seemed. Maybe the true-life man who said “yes” to things he normally would have rejected had an amazing life. I started thinking about times I had resisted the temptation to say no—when I’d become a “yes” woman.
My passion for wine started in the ’70s, sitting around a kitchen table in the heart of California’s then-infant Napa Valley wine region, wallowing in a sturdy David Bruce Petite Sirah—OMG. While I’ve never quite recaptured the thrill of that first time, my impassioned interest in wine has evolved.
Fast-forward 40 years to an invitation to join a newly formed wine club made up of a loose group of colleagues. My first thought was to say no, spinning the usual “I really don’t know these people... who will be there... what if I don’t measure up.” Those excuses. Instead, I said “yes.” And not just once. We gathered for nearly two years. We shared the nuance of zinfandels and learned the difference between an Australian Shiraz and a French Syrah (not to be confused with Petite Sirah). But, most importantly, I became friends with women I admire and respect.
Bolstered by that experience, I began to say yes to more pursuits. I became a founding member and director of a chapter of Women in Film and Television. I joined a networking group of marketing communicators. I said yes to a cross-country ski weekend, seeing Grand Marais for the first time. And recently, I said yes to a writing circle (in the hope of improving).
Maybe someday I’ll read the book or rent the movie. But I’ve already learned that the price of admission to connect, learn, teach, express, make friends, and grow my world is to say yes.
—Liz Ward, WardWorks Marketing Communications and Public Relations. liz@lizwardworks.com