It seemed my feet were telling my heart that we came out here for a reason. Which my heart passed along to my brain that we should just enjoy this day walking in Aix. And my brain, always the most pragmatic of the three, simplified it down to YES. So it was decided that on this Wednesday, I was going to simply say yes to everything. 

We neared the Press stand. Do you want a magazine, he asked me. Yes, I said, without hesitation, and found my favorite, Flow. I paid and cupped the affirmative in my left hand and kept walking. We moved over to the sunny side of the street, because what feels more agreeable than light…and we neared the chocolatier. Do you want a chocolate, he asked. Yes, I said and opened the door. I asked for the first one, and then the owner began asking me. Do you want the coconut? Yes. Salted caramel? Yes. Pistachio? Yes. Two of each? Yes. Would you like to try a sample? Yes! Was it the best marzipan covered chocolate I ever had? YES! I cupped the sachet of delights beside my magazine.

We walked through the bookstore and took a right. There it was, an Aesop store. I didn’t realize we had one in Aix. I paused in front of the window. There was a hand cream spout mounted to the exterior. I put it on my right hand. The scent celebrated inside my nose, and joined in on my feet-heart-brain parade, and inside we went. She went through the available samples to which I answered yes, yes, and yes. Smell this. Yes. Try this. Yes. Shall I perfume your scarf. Yes! And will you purchase this? Yes? Shall I scent your bag? YES.

With my heart, hands and brain so full, it’s surprising how lightly I walked to the car. Did I walk, or was I flying? 

I can’t say that I can indulge in this way every day, but I can still relish in the positive. Allow myself the joy of yessing — whatever that may be. A nap. A treat. A longer walk. More painting time. Louder music. Softer forgiveness. Loftier dreams. Bigger hopes. More love – so much more love. If I just say yes. 

The morning sun is coming through the window. The parade is about to begin.