The Yes List

The Power of the Yes List

With a solid Yes List and an understanding of the Crowding Out Theory, we can shift our focus away from having a “No List.” If you’ve ever told yourself you can’t have something, you probably found that it became all you could think about or crave. This psychological shift can be quite liberating.

By concentrating on positive aspects, we can ask ourselves:

• What can we eat?

• Who do we love?

• What are we proud of?

• What is working in our lives right now?

• What are we grateful for?

• Who is helpful and kind?

• What is your favorite healthy food?

• What is the nicest part of your life (home/job/relationship)?

Initially, these mindful meals or affirmations might only make up 10% of your thoughts, but with practice and habit-building, you can increase that to 20%, 30%, 50%, or even 80%.

Applying a Yes List in this class is beneficial because, while there are things on the "No List" that we need to cleanse and nourish, it’s much more effective to engage our inner toddler by saying, “Let’s do something/eat something else instead.” This approach helps our inner child become absorbed in new activities, minimizing the focus on what we’re saying no to.

Of course, this concept extends beyond the context of this class.

Your Yes List

Consider what crowding-out tools would work for you. What can you add to your Yes List?

The Yes List for This Class

As we progress, our Yes and No Lists will evolve, but some items will remain constant. Here are a few essentials to include:

• Room temperature, filtered water

• Firewater

• Leafy greens (all varieties)

• Blueberries and other berries

• Lacto-fermented probiotic-rich veggies

• Mindful meals

• Early nights

• Walks, yoga, and other movement

• Good fats

• Herbal tea

• Home cooking

• Mindfulness

• Self-compassion

And so much more!

Let’s embrace this journey of nourishment and positivity together!

See also, plant based diversity challenge