The Power of Yes

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I had the chance to learn again, a simple but powerful lesson long ago forgotten.

Probably twenty five years ago a friend called me up randomly telling me she wanted to go to a small town here in the Colorado mountains called Leadville. She had asked some other people to go and they all fussed, asked why, what was there and didn’t want the hassle.

She asked me and without hesitation I just said yes.  She asked if I wanted details, I said nope, just come pick me up. We ended up exploring this little town, went to the local lake, caught a couple fish (I managed to fall in the lake, which lead to even more adventure finding somewhere to buy dry clothes).  We had dinner at a little local restaurant.

It was an awesome day. The power of yes.  A simple yes, let’s do this.

This past Friday, I called a friend up who I see off and on and asked if he wanted to grab dinner.  And we did.

For the next day, I had planned to go back up to the South Platte river west of me, to record another river video, where I started on my water initiative. 

My friend reminded me of that valuable lesson I had forgotten, the power of saying yes. I asked him if he wanted to go with me, he didn’t hesitate, ask what we were going to do or see, he just said yes.

His simple yes, made for a great day for both of us. I had only planned on recording a follow up video to my first one from July 3rd.  (I have learned a lot of lessons since that day about creating content. Like do a lot of research before I talk a bunch about a subject in sweeping generalities). I most likely would have just gone back home after that.

Instead, we had lunch at an awesome little cafe in a small, small town called Deckers.  (If you know you know).  We met an awesome couple and their dog out on the patio during lunch.  We probably talked to them for at least an hour.  Talked about animals, pets, sports, compared notes on raising kids, their home in nearby Woodland Park and much more. It was a great conversation which we would never have had if Luis had not simply said yes.

We started driving back down, saw a deer on the river (see pics below), lots of people camping, fishing and enjoying the river despite its lower level.

I waded out and recorded a couple of videos reflecting on my lessons learned etc.

We continued down stream. There are some stunning rock formations, larger than very tall buildings, that line the river.  They are awe inspiring.  Please see the pictures below.

Then we proceeded to follow it down to where it meets the North Platte to a place called the Confluence. (This eventually leads to Strontia reservoir, and a dam and eventually goes through Deer Creek Canyon to Chatfield reservoir south of the metro area.

As we were setting off to walk downstream, the North and South Platte combine and the water moves faster and appears to have much more depth. We ran into a group of about twenty kayakers who were just exiting the river who were very excited about what they had just accomplished.  They were really cool people.  I was about to offer to grab their picture (this looked like a moment to be photographed) when they asked me to take that picture. I gladly did.  We talked briefly, then Luis and I started to head down the river.  Then another lesson kicked in.  Which for me, is to never be afraid to ask people to do something, even if it may seem odd.  I went back, and explained my efforts with Vivid Blue and asked if I could get a picture with them.  I was getting the feeling this was the kind of day I would want to chronicle.  They very nicely said yes, please see the picture below.

They belong to an organization called coloradowhitewater.org.  After a few more minutes of conversation, their Board President, Sadie Conrad (a really cool person to talk to) gave me their information and is looking to set me up with someone to do a podcast with, from their group.  I am very excited to learn from them what all their group does and to get their thoughts on the water issues in Colorado, clearly a topic of great interest to them.

And this would not have happened without a simple yes from my friend.

So then we set off down the water on this hike/walk.  The temperature was perfect, it is a bit of a canyon with lots of trees and shade and the water provides some cooling as well.  It was basically perfect.

We met a young couple, him from Ireland, she from the US.  They met at college in Ireland.  She taught us all about going to college in Ireland as an American.  It was a great conversation.  I had by now realized to ask to take a picture with them, which they said yes.  Please see below.

We ended the day spending about another hour talking to this awesome couple who had moved from Florida to Colorado a few years ago.  And they love it.  They love the mountains and they love the people.  We exchanged information, though I can’t seem to find his number he gave me (my phone was dying).  I hope he still has mine and reaches out.  (We may go fishing together).  Pretty sure I made a new friend. I am confident you cannot have too many friends.

Luis and I drove back home and reminisced about what a great day it was and how things worked out.

So, I am very grateful he simply said yes, and for all the things that happened because of his choice. 

I will try to remember to just say yes when opportunities arrive.  And to remember to not be afraid to talk to strangers, it can lead to great things and opportunities.