My Year of Yes
Last October, I read Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes, and as I had recently turned 44, I knew it was time to embrace bold changes. That book didn’t just inspire me—it ignited something in me. I made the decision: 2024 would be my year of yes.
Relocate to my home state of Colorado? Check. Retire from my 20-year accounting career? Check. Writing retreat in a French château? Check. Summer sabbatical with my daughter? Check. And seeing Taylor Swift live? Check, check.
When a friend told me they were heading to one of the final Eras Tour shows in October, I couldn’t bear the thought of missing out. As a dancer, every time I saw the Eras Tour movie, my body moved instinctively, and I even caught myself daydreaming about being one of Taylor’s backup dancers. So, when tickets popped up—despite their sky-high price—I hit buy without hesitation.
I wanted 2024 to be filled with joy, fun, and celebration, no matter the cost. But as the year unfolded, with its ups and downs—navigating a rocky transition into entrepreneurship and relocating to a new city—I began to wonder if the trip was a good idea. After weeks of back-and-forth, especially knowing it meant back-to-back weekend travels, I nearly canceled.
But I’m so glad I didn’t. This week, I felt pure, unfiltered joy as Taylor’s music transported me back to pivotal moments in my life. Listening to Fearless on my iPod as the Eurostar transported me from London to Paris for the first time after my 30th birthday, and later, blasting We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together after leaving behind a broken marriage and a career I’d long outgrown.
This concert was the culmination of my year of yes—the soul-stirring celebration of the courage it took to rebuild my life on my own terms.
And to all my fellow Swifties, don’t forget—this is the last week to enter the Arts Hub sweepstakes for a chance to win two floor level tickets and a travel stipend to Taylor’s final Vancouver Eras Tour stop! All proceeds help increase accessible access to the arts in my local community. We are so close to our goal!
Enter HERE.
What do you want to say yes to this year?
Let me know your thoughts
For the world needs who you were made to be.
