I like to consider myself to be an upbeat, positive person. I love new experiences, creating in the kitchen, discovering new authors. I no longer grimace at unflattering photos, but instead proudly post them for you all to see.
I enjoy museums and spontaneous road trips, and am just as happy to spend a Saturday night in bed watching a movie as out on the town with a bunch of people. But maybe that’s where the problem lies. I enjoy being cozy and healthy (positive!)…
… and if I know I have a lot to do in the morning, will often forfeit drinks with my friends after work in favor of a good night’s sleep and the prospect of finishing my book.
I’m a homebody, I’ll admit it. But I’m so used to politely declining things- like a late movie or a shlep to an outer borough- that something finally clicked last night. After my double shift at the restaurant, I was tired and had a lot of things weighing on my mind… mostly, e-mails that needed attending to and some long overdue blog work that nags at me every morning whence I wake. So when some of my friends asked if I wanted to join them to see The Social Network, I, again, politely declined. (I’d actually already seen the movie with Ari on Monday, but that’s not the point!)
On my walk home, Ari called and said a friend of his was in town, and they were downtown waiting for a band to play. Did I want to join? I immediately started to think of excuses: I was tired after a long day of work, I hadn’t eaten dinner yet, I had to tend to that pesky inbox! So I said no. But a few minutes later, I started to feel like I was missing out. I hadn’t seen this friend in over a year, nor had I really been out past midnight in longer than I care to recall. So I called back, and said I was on my way. And you know what? I didn’t regret it for a second.
We hung out with Ari’s friend Charles, who’s in town playing with Moneybrother, then went on to see Pablo at The Bitter End. They didn’t go on until after 12:30, but you know what?! I’m only 23! It’s okay to stay out late sometimes and remind myself that I’m not an old biddy.
So here’s to saying Yes, yes, yes! more, to loosening up on inhibitions, to enjoying delicious chocolate, guilt-free.
Salazon Chocolate from the talented Miss Maya (aka The Collegiate Gourmand)
YES! Say it like it’s Saturday.
it’s good to force yourself to say YES once in awhile.. you can surprise yourself! however i’m often like you and say sorry, i’m too tired, i have a lot to do, etc. an active social life is part of a healthy life, we have to remember that! haha
Life is definitely about balance. Its good to do a little partying a little resting
Everything in moderation! Glad you enjoyed yourself and went out. And I think you look adorable in that first picture 
I can relate so much to this post! I often find myself thinking of excuses to socialize so that I can tend to “urgent” matters that really can be pushed aside until a later date. It’s nice to let loose!
yayyyyyyy!!! i’m SO glad you went!! i’m the sameee exact way! but last night i opted for a late showing of the social network (which i LOVED) didn’t get home till after 1:30 and slept late today it felt great and i realized that abiding to my “schedule” is just not that serious
hope you have a footloose and fancy free weekend girl!
Loved this post, Katie!
I always have to remind myself of the same things – I should enjoy life, and I’m still young! There’s no problem in staying awake for a little longer, for fun’s sake
Besides that, I guess I should follow your lead. I mean, on the positivity thing. I should definitely be more optimistic, more simple… More positive
I do things like that too. You have to go with your gut, and I’ve been thinking about how we only live once, and we have to just enjoy life a lot of the time.
That chocolate looks really cool – gonna check out Miss Maya’s blog.
I remember my mom saying to meg one time ” I want you to say YES to things! but not dangerous things. only safe things.” haha.
I feel ya, girl. I often say no when I should say yes. I always tell myself to just go/do it, and if i don’t like it I can just leave.
ah, this post totally speaks to me! i used to be a no-er, all the time. it got boring and i got upset with myself about how much i was missing out on. now i often say yes too often, which is problematic, but i’d rather be at this side of the spectrum than the other. going out, meeting new people and thus gaining new experiences is usually worth the hangover, exhaustion and everything else that may come along with this lifestyle. embrace it, girl!
I have to remind myself to be more of a yes person these days!
I hope you enjoy the chocolate! It’s seriously one of the best chocolates I’ve had.
And yes, say yes! Our 20s is supposed to be a little balance sometimes, and that’s perfectly ok.
AMEN sista!!!! I love being spontaneous girl. life is too short- its fun to be adventurous!
i love this, and i’m glad to see this new mantra in your life. i used to be that person that always found excuses to stay in, but i slowly discovered that i never regret saying yes to going out. i am most definitely a “yes person” now. life is made when you’re out living, not when you’re home sleeping, you know? i hope to keep up a crazy social schedule for years to come – i just have to invest in some good undereye cream so no one knows how little sleep i really get.
I love being a homebody on the weekends. After a hectic work week, I just want a glass of wine and relaxation on the couch.lol
I can totally relate to this post – I am a pretty big homebody and a regular “polite decliner” of some going out invitations, etc. You reminded me that there’s nothing wrong with living a little – thanks