Sivad Johnson - A Year Of Yes

 

About two years ago, I was going through some emails for work. I ran across one that said, “Join City of Detroit Toastmasters.” And I thought, what the heck is a toastmaster? Then I go, maybe it's an organization of experts at browning bread in small slotted appliances. [audience laughter] Or, it's where they teach people how to create clever salutations before raising a glass or downing a shot of something. I’m nothing against you toast lovers out there, but the latter appealed to me more. So, I clicked it. “Discover and develop your skills in public speaking.” Public speaking? A no. See, I was that super shy kid that would dodge anything that would have me in the spotlight. 

 

I was a little bit better as an adult, but I still figured I would rather die or have my shins scraped with one of those carrot peelers [audience laughter] than to speak in public. I was pretty comfortable in my own little world, so I didn't do it. But I was also going through a tough time in my life. My mom was losing a short battle with dementia. It had quickly taken her strong body, her cool, calming voice, her razor sharp and beautiful mind. It was devastating. But it proved to me that there are no guarantees in life. About two weeks later, I found that email again and opened it. I decided to go to the first meeting, just to check it out, but I ended up joining the club. 

 

Now, initially, I didn't really participate until I thought, why pay this money, show up and not really give it a full go. So, I did. A few months in, a request was made for some of the members to give a humorous speech. So, I told one of a time that I tried this insane hot sauce. They completely destroyed me going in and coming out. [audience laughter] But they picked me to represent the club in the competition. And I started thinking, no, wait, wait, here's that spotlight thing. I don't want to do it. But I nervously stepped in the spotlight and to my surprise, I won second place. And that sent me to the next round, and I took first. I started thinking, this is a setup, isn't it? I moved on another round and I didn't place at all, but it was okay. 

 

See, I discovered by stepping into the unknown. It was scary, but I felt alive again. So, I kept going to the meetings. And then, I got a call from my sister. A while back, she and her husband had moved mom in with their family to take care of her, but things were really, really bad now. Through intense fear, I hopped a plane with my brother. And the three of us sat by her side, consoling her and each other until she transitioned. I love you, mom. For life, for love, for everything, I thank you. 

 

 There was a fuzziness and anxiousness to my world after that. So, I decided to embark on a year of yes and vowed to try new things, almost anything, without second guessing it or overthinking it. I wanted to see what's on the other side of the unknown. It led to me delivering a keynote speech, talking to students in schools, jumping out of a perfectly good airplane [audience laughter] that was in the air, by the way, [audience laughter] and taking daily cold showers to jump start my mornings. 

 

 And then, I got a chance to share a story with another organization whose logo was this small, delicate bug that flutters around at night. Maybe you've heard of them? Well, I hadn't, but I said yes anyway. Do you know, two days before this event, I find out there will be 1,800 people in attendance. I'm like, “What? [chuckles] Okay, I probably should research a little bit before saying yes to some things.” But I stepped on stage with four other storytellers that night in a beautiful theater. My dad was my plus one. It was incredible to look out there and see him. I felt mom's presence as I spoke on that stage that night and I feel it again tonight. 

 

 

I realized that there are no guarantees in life. And it's been a journey. You never know what you're going to get. I realized that stepping out of my comfort zone was very important. I don't know what stepping into these new territories will bring, but I do know a couple of things. It'll be more enlightening and more expanding with each yes, plus it'll make for better stories. Thank you.