Be A Yes Man (Or Woman)
Because “Fuck it! Why not?”
Some Consequences of Yes
“And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.”
― Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist
I don’t mean for this to sound like “The Secret.” This is not a post about putting out good vibes and getting back what you asked for. This is more a post about not being a goddamn pussy – and having a look at what can happen when we let go of the fear.
It continues to amaze me how things manage to fall into place once I just get over worrying what could go wrong and trust that everything will work out. Having the courage to say “yes” to opportunities before knowing I’m ready seems to be the key. Once the wheels are in motion, people and opportunities seem to pop up and present themselves in the Knick of time – so long as I’m willing to see those opportunities and let them happen without fearing the outcome.
“Fuck it! Yes. I’ll have a crack – and I care.”
– Yes Man (or Woman)
It’s happened countless times before during my time travelling – and while I’m at home.
I’d never been a nude life drawing model before but… one time I saw an ad for it while looking for uni holiday jobs on Gumtree.com and thought “yeah. why not?” It is one of the best jobs I’ve ever had.
I’d never lived abroad before but… during another browsing session – I saw an opportunity to teach in England with a company that does volunteer work mentoring teachers in India and thought “That sounds interesting and I have the required skills. I’ll put my hand up for that!” Best learning and teaching experience yet.
I’d never worked on a boat before but… after noticing I was running out of cash on holiday, I met some boaties, talked to a captain at a bar and asked, “You need a hand, mate? I don’t get seasick.” Abracadabra! I was sailing the Caribbean Sea.
And I’d never been to South America before and wasn’t sure where to start but… I found a property with some animals to look after somewhere in the South for six weeks and thought, “Fucking hooray! When’s the next flight?” 5 days later, I flew into Brazil and Chapter Two: Amazon Warrior officially began. Since then – whenever I was open to new invitations and suggestions without worrying about every aspect – it all worked out just fine.
I thought I might get in the way at an English language class but… I’d been invited by my newest Brazilian friend as “Show & Tell” – so why not? Straight away I felt like the guest of honour, being toured around to all of the classes, sharing my priceless Australian English skills with the locals, explaining my project, why I’m in Brazil and why in the South?
Apparently, Australians are very rare in these parts. It’s even rarer for that Australian to be here for more than a week. They couldn’t name any Australians they’d met who had been here to write about the environment. And I am absolutely the first Australian (or any nationality) to have a website where they could tell me where to go, what to do while I was there.
People suggested ideas for environmental stories, beautiful natural sites that I should visit, and expressed their own care for the environment. The people there were interested and knowledgeable about environmental issues, and interested in this nomad who blew in from down-under without a plan, and with no tour bus carrying him.
By saying “yes” a few more times, showing appreciation for the care and camaraderie afforded to me, and being open to ideas a video interview had been organised with the local news the next week – and one of the teachers had contacted people with information about living with Amazonians.
All because I was willing to say “Fuck it. YES – I’ll have a crack – and I care.”
Side-Note: Why Is This Only Being Published Now?
I actually wrote this 3 months ago. So why is it only being published now?
Well, for one thing, I have been busy. Secondly, I’ve been out of reception a lot of the time over here (Brazilian infrastructure is not quite what I am used to back home in some places).
But those are just excuses.
The real reason I’m finishing and publishing this now is because I needed a pep-talk myself. Money is a bit tight on this mission, I’ve made a few silly off-task decisions lately, I’m not backing myself into some opportunities, and I’ve been worrying about making the right choices over the last few weeks. I needed a reminder not to be such a pussy – and to start flowing again… And since I don’t have a support networ over here, I figured I’d have to give myself the pep-talk! 😛
I’m going to be a guest for the first time on Couchsurfing over the weekend, then I’m heading to Rio early next week for a week or so and suss out the next move. Aiming to be speaking pretty good Portuguese and entering the jungle in the next 2 months. #ItDoesntHappenOverNight! 😉
Anything You Think I MUST Do In Rio (Or anywhere)?
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