If you’re like most women, you’ve been to Shondaland before. You’ve visited her at Grey-Sloan Memorial Hospital or at Olivia Pope & Associates. Shonda Rhimes has changed the landscape of television with strong, determined and yes, flawed female leads. A couple years ago, I read the commencement speech she gave at Dartmouth (her alma mater). She was inspiring, funny, and gave it to them straight — just like we would expect. Who would guess that Rhimes, a self-described introvert, had to challenge herself to agree to address that lucky graduating class? In “Year of Yes,” Rhimes discusses how unhappy she was despite a loving family, strong support system, and a highly-acclaimed career doing what she loves. After reflecting on her sister’s observation that she never said yes to anything, Rhimes embarked on a year-long challenge to say “yes” — “yes” to things that scared her, challenged her and took her out of her comfort zone. Yes to getting healthier. Yes to following what you want, even if it defies convention. While not intended or billed as a self-help book, it’s definitely an inspiring and entertaining read. Let’s close it out with some words from Rhimes herself:
Happiness comes from living as you need to, as you want to. As your inner voice tells you to. Happiness comes from being who you actually are instead of who you think you are supposed to be. Being traditional is not traditional anymore.
The more I play, the happier I am at work. The happier I am at work, the more relaxed I become. The more relaxed I become, the happier I am at home. And the better I get at the playtime I have with the kids. It’s really just love. We could all use a little more love. A lot more love. For the kids. For me. This is the best YES. Wanna play?
Yes? Get your copy of “Year of Yes” here.
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