Saying YES Changed Her Life - And It Could Change Yours Too // Shonda Rhimes' "Year of Yes"

Surprise! We're releasing the EXTENDED episode for free this week!

Why don’t we all dance it out? 

The Queen of storytelling, Shonda Rhimes' memoir "Year of Yes" chronicles her transformative journey of saying yes to everything that scared her for one year, resulting in profound personal growth and reclaiming her joy.  In this episode, my friend, Gina, and I discuss her insights and advice, how she balances pushing herself and setting healthy boundaries, and how the word “no” can actually be the best “yes” for yourself. Discover Shonda's journey:
 
 • The challenge began when Shonda's sister pointed out "You never say yes to anything" over Thanksgiving dinner
 • Shonda's first yes was appearing on Jimmy Kimmel, despite crippling anxiety about public appearances
 • Accepting the Dartmouth commencement speech invitation pushed her further out of her comfort zone
 • Making a commitment to say yes whenever her daughters asked her to play became a priority
 • Learning to accept compliments without deflection was particularly challenging for Shonda
 • Saying no to marriage when it wasn't truly what she wanted became her biggest yes to herself
 • Shonda openly discusses having nannies and help at home, breaking the silence around working mothers' support systems
 • Her father's advice that "the only limit to your success is your own imagination" became a guiding principle

Find your happy place - your joy, where life feels more good than not good - and give yourself permission to prioritize what makes you feel good.

Listener discretion advised: this episode includes adult language 

Chapter Markers
0:00: Introduction to Year of Yes
5:21: The Birth of a Challenge: Six Words That Changed Everything
16:05: Facing the First Yes: The Jimmy Kimmel Show
27:53: The Dartmouth Speech: Finding Her Voice
39:36: Saying Yes to Play: Reconnecting with Joy
49:01: Accepting Compliments and Breaking Glass Ceilings
58:15: When No Is Actually Yes: Marriage and Self-Discovery
1:03:05: The Nanny Conversation: The Village Behind Success
1:05:35: Dancing It Out: Final Reflections on Transformation

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If you have any comments or questions, please connect with me on Instagram or email babesinbooklandpodcast@gmail.com. I’d love to hear your suggestions and feedback! If you leave a kind review, I might read it top of show!

Link to this episode’s book:
 Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes: https://bookshop.org/p/books/year-of-yes-shonda-rhimes/10370480?ean=9781476777122&next=t&next=t

Transcripts are available through apple’s podcast app—they may not be perfect, but relying on them allows me to dedicate more time to the show! If you’re interested in being a transcript angel, let me know. 

This episode is produced, recorded, and edited by me.

Theme song by Devin Kennedy

Special thanks to my dear friend, Gina. I’ll be your belay (billet, ballet?) anytime!

Xx, Alex