Backstory: When I was putting together The List, I almost pulled this nudge off. It feels kinda vague. But on final review, I kept it because it forces me to be in the moment, to be open to whatever may come.
Will I be invited to a social event that feels outside my comfort (or fashion) zone? Will I see an opening in a class that’s just a little outside my (financial or intellectual) reach? Will I get an opportunity to experiment on something that’s always looked like fun but had me doubting my ability to even try?
We’ll find out! 
Have fun with this! If you need inspiration, check out Shonda Rhimes’ book Year of Yes: How to Dance It Out, Stand in the Sun and Be Your Own Person.
What Happened: Well, I’d hoped this would be a little more exciting. Something BIG and DRAMATIC! Like an invitation to attend the Oscars. (It could happen.) I started the week feeling open, waiting with great anticipation to see what would be presented to me for consideration. Here’s what I ended up saying “yes” to:
Letting go of a prized possession. Many years ago a dear friend gave me a cookbook signed by Julia Child. The Julia Child! Upon receiving it, I gently leafed through the pages, imagining the fabulous gourmet meals I’d make. Then I thought about how I could artfully display the book, signed page open, in one of those box frames so everyone who joined me in my kitchen could delight in it. Instead, I wrapped it up and put it safely in a storage box…for eight years. Earlier this year I reached out to a couple of collectors, and this week I followed up with one of them, who offered me a fair price. It wasn’t thousands or even hundreds of dollars, but it was enough. And I feel good knowing it will end up in the hands of someone who will fully appreciate and enjoy it.
Hanging out at a mommy ‘n’ me playroom. I know many of you are scratching your heads, wondering what the big deal is. For a childless-not-by-choice woman like me, it’s huge. It’s triggering. It represents so much of what I wanted in life and didn’t get. But a dear friend and I were scheduled to catch up and her babysitter cancelled at the last minute. “Would you be up for meeting at…?” she asked. I swallowed my initial impulse to reschedule (or to offer to pay the sitter double) and–remembering this nudge–said “Sure. Yes!” And you know what, it was fine. I enjoyed our time together and I didn’t end up in a puddle of loss after. So, got to spend time with my friend and I got to acknowledge how much I have moved forward in my life. Oh, and I paid for our lunch with some of the money I got for the cookbook. I think Julia would have approved.
Finally, I sucked up all my courage and took an assessment test for French lessons. I have been talking for years about how I’d love to get back into taking classes, but the timing hasn’t felt right. This afternoon, between a couple of client projects, I went online and took their placement test. I was a pretty good student back in the day, and I managed to get us around France several years ago, so I skipped the first couple of levels and got down to it…and promptly failed the first question. Mon Dieu! But I persisted and managed to get beyond Beginner Level 1. Va bien! Inspired, I checked out the schedule of upcoming classes, looked at the costs, and even mapped out my transportation. I don’t have the time or money to sign up tonight, but I have the information, so now I can get down to the business of manifesting making this happen.
The Ah-Hahs: Maybe this nudge wasn’t “BIG and DRAMATIC,” but it ended up being FUN. I think the key for me was “I started the week feeling open.” Kinda excited to see what next week presents to me for consideration.