Hospitality

Hospitality is word that is transformational for me. Last year I was introduced to the idea of radical hospitality. This isn't merely the idea of being open to being hospitable, but in actively and intentionally seeking out opportunities to be hospitable towards those you know and even more importantly, those whom you don't. A dear friend combines this idea of hospitality with the practice of "coming from a place of yes." As it was explained to me, coming from a place of yes is understanding that just when you are at the tipping point, when you cannot fathom doing one more thing, something inevitably will seek you out.

Coming from a place of yes means that initially you approach all possible requests from a place of acceptance. At first I found this overwhelming, how can I possibly say yes when I am already so burdened and tired? Doesn't that go against my belief in boundaries and self-care? How does this coming from a place of yes fulfill me? How do I balance everything and say yes? Slowly I learned that coming from a place of yes does not mean you actually say yes to EVERYTHING. It means that instead of instantly going to my default, which sheepishly is no, I give myself and my mind a minute to approach it from a place of yes and if not yes, at least maybe. I wanted to try and see if this practice would make a difference in my life.

For the past few weeks I have intentionally been trying to come from a place of yes. At first it was scary. So much to do. So much to balance. But as the days came and went I realized that I was actively and instinctively saying maybe and yes much more and yet my calendar, my physical time, was not necessarily overly burdened. This practice began changing my heart. I realized that saying yes, at least internally, allowed me to face each request, each possibility with positive vibes. The byproduct has been a great sense of internal peace and perhaps outwardly a more peaceful Dr. Mrs. Vicarage.

I intend to continue this practice. It is a good for my soul. If you are near or far, know that my home, my heart, and my family are going to come from a place of yes. #radicalhospitality #comingfromaplaceofyes #VIT #DrMrsVicarage