Sometimes in life, we have so much on our plate that the idea of saying yes to something new feels impossible.

I know that feeling well.

Recently, we had an exchange student stay with us for five weeks.

Life was very busy—work, family, school projects, and endless errands filled our days.

Yet, we said yes to hosting the exchange student, even though we thought we might be too busy.

And guess what?

It turned out to be one of the most beautiful experiences.

The Power of Saying Yes

Saying yes is not always easy.

It means stepping out of your comfort zone, taking a chance, and sometimes putting aside your plans.

But every time we say yes, we open a door to new possibilities.

When we welcomed our exchange student, we did not plan every minute perfectly.

Instead, we allowed ourselves to be surprised by the experience.

Saying yes gave us the chance to learn about a different culture and invite a really beautiful human into our lives.

It brought laughter, deep conversations, and a sense of connection that we might have missed if we had said no.

This simple act of acceptance turned our busy days into moments of joy.

When Life Is Busy, Say Yes Anyway

It is easy to make excuses when our schedule is packed.

We often say, “I don’t have time,” or “I have too much to do.”

I understand that life can get busy, and there are definitely times when we should say no.

But sometimes, those excuses keep us from experiencing life’s surprises.

Our experience with our exchange student taught me that sometimes saying yes is exactly what we need to bring more joy into our lives.

So, if you find yourself hesitating to take on something new because of a busy schedule, here are some simple ideas that have helped me learn to say yes more often.

Start Small

Instead of committing to big changes right away, begin with small steps.

For example, if you are busy, try saying yes to a short event or a quick catch-up with a friend.

Small yeses build the habit of openness without overwhelming you.

Set Clear Priorities

Write down your main goals for the day or week.

When you know what matters most, you can decide which new opportunities fit into your schedule.

This helps you say yes to the things that truly add value and joy to your life.

Embrace Flexibility

Understand that plans do not have to be perfect.

Allow yourself to be flexible.

Sometimes, new experiences require a change in plans, and that’s okay.

Flexibility can turn unexpected challenges into fun adventures.

Practice Positive Self-Talk

When you start to doubt yourself, replace negative thoughts like “I don’t have time” with “I choose to make time for what matters.”

Positive self-talk reinforces your ability to handle new opportunities, no matter how busy you feel.

Celebrate the Wins

After saying yes and experiencing something new, take a moment to celebrate.

Reflect on the joy and learning that came from the experience.

Celebrating small wins helps you build confidence and motivates you to say yes again in the future.

Plan and Prepare

Sometimes, feeling overwhelmed comes from not knowing what to expect.

Before saying yes to a new opportunity, take a little time to plan and prepare.

This way, you can manage your time better and reduce stress.

Planning can help you fit new experiences into your busy life without chaos.

Seek Support

Don’t hesitate to ask for help when trying something new.

Whether it’s asking a friend to join you or getting advice from someone who has done it before, support can make new opportunities less daunting.

It reminds you that you’re not alone in your journey.

Embracing a Mindset of Growth

Saying yes is a mindset.

It’s about believing that every opportunity is a chance to grow.

When you welcome new experiences, you allow yourself to learn and become a stronger, more confident person.

I learned that saying yes to our exchange student wasn’t just about having an extra guest—it was about opening my heart to the beauty of connection, the fun of unexpected moments, and the strength that comes from stepping out of my comfort zone.

Living with this mindset, you begin to see that every new opportunity, no matter how small, builds a better future.

It creates a pattern of growth where you are continuously learning and evolving.

Even if you feel too busy sometimes, a small yes can lead to big changes over time.

Living Without Regret

One of the hardest feelings is regret.

I have experienced it when I have let opportunities slip by because I was too busy or too scared.

But I have also learned that regret often comes from not trying at all.

If you don’t say yes, you may wonder later what might have been.

On the other hand, even if things don’t turn out perfectly, the act of saying yes teaches you valuable lessons.

It’s better to try and learn, even if the result is not exactly what you hoped for.

Each yes, each new opportunity, builds a collection of experiences that shape you into a more resilient, vibrant person.

And over time, these experiences remind you that you are capable of handling change and that you have the strength to grow.

My Challenge to You

We have so many opportunities to say yes to on a daily basis.

I invite you to take a moment today and think of one small opportunity you have been hesitant to say yes to.

It might be something simple, like setting aside 20 minutes to read a book, taking a walk, or even calling a friend you haven’t spoken to in a while.

Whatever it is, give yourself permission to try.

When you say yes, you open a door to new experiences.

You build a path of growth that leads to greater confidence in your ability to accomplish new things.

And ultimately, it creates more opportunities for pure joy.

Remember, life is not just about staying busy—it’s about creating moments of joy, connection, and learning.

Every yes you choose makes a difference, no matter how small it seems.

So, as you go through your busy days, remember that sometimes saying yes to something new is exactly what you need.

Don’t let the weight of your schedule stop you from embracing what’s ahead.

Keep your focus on the joy and progress that comes with every new opportunity, and trust that even on your busiest days, there is room for a little more happiness.