February: Say Yes (Strategically)

As we move into February, I’ve been thinking a lot about momentum—how it’s created, how easily it can stall, and how often it begins with a single decision to say yes.

One of the most transformative chapters of my own career came during the 15 years I spent as an entrepreneur and parenting blogger. It was truly an era of always saying yes—often before I felt fully ready and sometimes when the situation felt downright intimidating. But those yeses changed everything.

I said yes to embarking on a nationwide book tour, supported by bloggers I had met through this new chapter of my career and, thankfully, a sponsor who believed in the vision. I traveled to cities I had never been to before, often unsure of what to expect. For part of the journey, I even brought my mom along for the ride—a memory I will treasure forever.

Along the way, I formed lasting friendships with incredibly talented women—many of whom went on to become authors, lifestyle personalities, successful website owners, and leaders in their own right. One unexpected yes even led me to QVC, where I appeared on one of their shows and sold 2,000 Swiffers in just two minutes—something I never could have imagined when I first said yes to that book tour.

Saying yes opened doors I didn’t even know existed and created some of the most meaningful professional memories of my life.

That experience is why this month’s NYWICI Butterfly Effect challenge is all about saying yes—strategically.

Why it matters:
Growth rarely happens inside our comfort zones. It happens when we lean into moments that stretch us and trust ourselves to figure things out along the way.

The prompt:
When was the last time you said yes to something that scared you just a little?

The challenge:
This month, I encourage you to say yes to one opportunity you might normally pass on—whether it’s attending an event, accepting a coffee meeting, joining a panel, taking a class,or raising your hand for something new.

The ripple effect:
Proximity leads to possibility. Being in the room often matters just as much as being prepared for it.

My hope is that one intentional yes this month leads you to new conversations, unexpected connections, and opportunities that build momentum for what’s next. And if you’re comfortable, I’d love for you to share where your yes takes you—because your story may be exactly what someone else needs to hear.