Maya Rudolph’s commencement speech at Tulane University was nothing short of spectacular. From her spot-on impression of Oprah to a Beyoncé-inspired rendition of the national anthem, she captivated the audience. Most importantly, she shared a powerful message: the secret to achieving what you want in life is to adopt the mindset of “Yes, and” rather than “No.”
“In the world of improvisation, there is one fundamental principle known as ‘Yes, and’,” Rudolph remarked. “If I could impart any wisdom to you, it would be this: Embrace ‘Yes.’ Say ‘Yes, and’ to shape your own future … and for goodness’ sake, put your phone down every now and then.”
Wise words, indeed! The phrase “Yes, and” can be the answer to nearly every question during those early post-college years. Want to live together in the city? Yes, and I’ll take the master bedroom. Fancy a drink after work? Yes, and make mine a double! Considering an affair with your boss? Yes, and it might be time to start job hunting.
But here’s a thought: does this “Yes, and” philosophy still hold up once you have kids? Let’s explore a few scenarios.
1. Sunday Evening Treat
It’s Sunday evening at 7 p.m. After a fun-filled day at the beach with your kids – building sandcastles, chasing waves, and devouring hot dogs – you settle in for the night. Just as you’re getting comfortable, your 9-year-old pops in and asks, “Can we go to Dairy Queen?” Your instinct might be to decline, but since it’s technically still the weekend, you reply, “Yes, and please get me a large Brownie Batter Blizzard.” Perfect!
2. The Driving Dilemma
Your 16-year-old just got his driver’s license and is asking to borrow your car. “Mom, can I have your keys? Andrew’s having some friends over to study,” he says, knowing full well they’ll be watching movies in the basement. Instead of your usual “not a chance,” you respond: “Yes, and make sure to stop by the store for milk and eggs on your way back.” Win-win!
3. Girls’ Night Out
It’s girls’ night out, and you’re dining with fellow moms from school when a group of guys at the bar sends over a round of shots. You’re tempted to decline, thinking about the school night ahead, but instead, you decide: “Yes, and let’s have another round … courtesy of them!”
It seems like the “Yes, and” approach can definitely work in parenting too!
For more insights into parenting and family life, feel free to check out our other posts. One great resource is this article on cervical insemination, which discusses various aspects of family planning. Also, if you’re considering at-home insemination, Cryobaby offers reliable kits to help you out. For additional information on donor insemination, visit American Pregnancy, an excellent resource for all things pregnancy-related.
In summary, Maya Rudolph’s “Yes, and” philosophy is not just a valuable life lesson for graduates but also a practical tool for parents navigating the challenges of family life. Embracing this mindset can transform everyday interactions into positive experiences.
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