Saying “yes” is more than just a word — it’s a celebration of freedom, courage, and possibility. Whether it’s a big decision or a small, everyday choice, the power of “yes” opens doors to growth, connection, and joy.

I’m often a bit of a contradiction when it comes to the word “yes.” Sometimes, I say it too easily—caught up in excitement or wanting to please. Other times, I hold it carefully, giving it the weight it deserves, saying “yes” only when I truly mean it and know I can follow through. And then there are moments when I switch back and forth between “yo” and “no,” caught in the dance of indecision.

But I’m learning to embrace the freedom that comes with all of it—the freedom to say yes, no, or even “maybe” without guilt. It’s a journey of listening to myself, honoring my boundaries, and finding peace in the choices I make. And that, to me, is a beautiful kind of independence.

Today I’m sharing some quotes and books that inspire us to embrace that freedom and say yes to life’s adventures.

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👍🏻 Say Yes (and the Freedom It Brings)

These quotes celebrate the power of saying “yes” — to opportunity, growth, adventure, and connection. Sometimes spontaneous, sometimes intentional, every “yes” is a little door opening.

1. “Say yes, and you’ll figure it out afterward.” — Tina Fey
2. “Yes is how you get your first job… Yes lets you stand out.” — Eric Schmidt
3. “Why say ‘yes’? ‘Yes’ means opportunity.” — William Shatner
4. “Say yes and you’ll figure it out along the way.” — Richard Branson
5. “The point of this whole Year of Yes project is to say ‘yes’ to things that scare me…” — Shonda Rhimes

🙅🏻‍♀️ A Little No (Because Freedom Includes Boundaries)

Saying yes isn’t about always agreeing — it’s about choosing. And sometimes, the most powerful yes is the one you give to yourself by saying no to something else.

• “No is a complete sentence.” — popularly attributed to Anne Lamott and Shonda Rhimes
• “When you say yes to others, make sure you are not saying no to yourself.” — Paulo Coelho
• “Freedom is the power to choose our own chains.” — Jean-Jacques Rousseau
• “Freedom is not just saying ‘Yes’ or ‘No’… it is the power to mold ourselves.” — Michael E. Gerber (paraphrased)
• “The only way to find true happiness is to risk being completely cut open.” — Chuck Palahniuk

Bookish Five: Embrace the Freedom to Say Yes(or No or Maybe Too!)

Year of Yes

(1 & 2) Book Beginnings and First Line Friday

BOOK BEGINNINGS ON FRIDAY is hosted by Rose City Reader. What book are you happy about reading this week? Please share the opening sentence (or so) on BOOK BEGINNINGS ON FRIDAY! Add the link to your blog or social media post and visit other blogs to see what others are reading.

Happy Friday and welcome to the FIRST LINE FRIDAY, hosted by Reading is My Superpower! It’s time to grab the book nearest to you and leave a comment with the first line.

Many first lines here

From the Hello

to the Prologue

and the first chapter

3 Friday 56

THE FRIDAY 56 is hosted by Anne at HeadFullofBooks. To play, open a book and turn to page 56 (or 56% on your e-reader). Find a sentence or two and post them, along with the book title and author. Then link up and visit others in the linky. 

4 Book Blogger Hop

The purpose of THE BOOK BLOGGER HOP is to give bloggers a chance to follow other blogs, learn about new books, and befriend other bloggers. THE BOOK BLOGGER HOP is hosted by Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer.  

Has your perspective on reading changed as you’ve grown older? If so, has it affected how you write your reviews?

What hasn’t changed as I’ve grown older is my deep love for reading. I think, even as a child, I instinctively knew that reading was special—though I didn’t fully grasp how powerful it truly is. Over time, I’ve realized reading isn’t just escape; it’s almost a kind of meditation (for me), it’s of course learning, it’s connection, and so much more.

That sense of wonder and comfort I first had as a little girl is still there – intact and constant – but now it’s enriched by a fuller appreciation of what books do for us: they open worlds, invite empathy, spark curiosity, and remind us we’re part of something bigger. This love shapes everything I write and share about books, and no matter what I feel about the books themselves, I think my love for reading ends up shining through in my reviews.

🎒 From No to Yo!: 5 Books About the Freedom to Respond

What does freedom sound like? Sometimes, it’s a firm “no.” Other times, it’s a surprised “yo!”—or a joyful “yes!” Whether we’re drawing boundaries, starting friendships, or daring to try something new, our ability to respond—to choose our words and own our voice—is a quiet kind of independence. These five books, from picture book gems to grown-up reflections, explore the power we hold in these words from no to yo! So what does freedom sound like to you?

1. The Power of a Positive No by William Ury. I love this read for how you can say no—and still keep it positive, even turning it into a kind of “yes.”
2. Say Yes by Kwame Alexander is a concise yet powerful exploration of how ‘yes’ opens us to possibilities.
3. Yes, And by Kelly Leonard and Tom Yorton. This comes from the improv world, and shows how saying “yes, and…” – that is, yes with a pause – can lead to more.
4. Yes Day! by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld. A joyful read indeed! This book is a child’s fantasy come true: a whole day of hearing “yes.”
5. Yo! Yes? by Chris Raschka. A marvelous, minimalist story of connection for young readers.

And Now, the End of This Post

Dear reader, which of these books featured/listed here have you read/will you pick to read first? Any other suggestions for books and quotes that celebrate the freedom to say yes and no and everything in between?