8 Comments
User's avatar
Teyani Whitman's avatar

Saying yes for me has been about writing. All my life people have told me that I should write. I’m halfway through a book called “Staying Together”. It is a books for couples to deepen their relationships. Beginning in 2017, my life took a sudden turn. I became gravely ill. Had emergency surgery, and things have gone downhill physically for me now to the degree I am 95% bed bound. I am still hopeful for a full recovery, yet have no idea how long the process will take. I turned 71 this year. I’ve said “no,I’m not able to attend” to pretty much everything.

Writing has been my saving grace.

Expand full comment
JULIA HUBBEL's avatar

May I quote you?

Expand full comment
Teyani Whitman's avatar

Of course!

Expand full comment
JULIA HUBBEL's avatar

that's very powerful. Writing saved me during some similarly dark years although not as bad as yours. I am making a comeback, for which I am deeply grateful. It's easy to forget that some options aren't available to many. Thanks for this.

Expand full comment
Teyani Whitman's avatar

Writing saves many of us I suspect. Connecting with others here has been a balm

Expand full comment
Jan M. Flynn's avatar

Sometimes saying YES manifests in much less obviously dramatic ways -- I have come to recognize that in my own life, in which I will be a debut novelist - published -by - a biggie - traditional - publisher when I'm 73 -- feels quiet right now while I'm in the prep stages, but it's the result of a big honking YES that I said years ago. Thank you for the perspective!

Expand full comment
JULIA HUBBEL's avatar

I love this, Jan. My adventure career came out of this. And so much more, when I finally decided to write a book, then another. The yesses get easier when we practice, as well as learning to say no to what doesn't work any more. Yay!

Expand full comment
User's avatar
Comment deleted
Jul 10
Comment deleted
Expand full comment
JULIA HUBBEL's avatar

I’d like to quote you Fiona, for another article. Please advise. Thanks so much and I am so sorry for your pain.

Expand full comment