The Power of Yay!

Most words need to be attached to other words to make sense and have any impact or meaning.
Then, there are those words that are so simple and yet have so much meaning and feeling and emotion oozing out of them that no other words are needed.

Yay is one of them.

Yay is a word (usually accompanied by at least one exclamation point) that I find myself saying and writing rather frequently (some might say too frequently). When I was much younger, and infinitely more worried about what others thought of me and of what I said, I couldn’t imagine saying Yay! as often as I do now that I’m over 50. In fact, my smiles weren’t so frequent back then either. I was worried that the powers that be would view me as frivolous, and wouldn’t take me seriously enough, while I was trying to build a career in a male-dominated industry. I mean, after all, isn’t Yay something kids say?

On Facebook, when I want to encourage, cheer, applaud, acknowledge, or convey my appreciation for the comments of another–simply and meaningfully–the first word that comes to mind is Yay! When my youngest daughter comes home from school with good news about a grade, I respond with a loud Yay! (and a big hug). And when my oldest daughter got accepted into the college of her choice . . . well, what do you think I said?

Saying Yay! to someone makes them feel good. Just as important, saying Yay! makes ME feel good. And why not? It’s a simple expression of pure, unadulterated joy, all rolled up in a powerful little word.

There have been many studies done and books written about the power of positive thinking, and how it affects our mood, even our health. But for some of us, especially those who are going through hard times, which can happen even more frequently as we age, it may not always be possible to think about the positives. It IS easy, though, to say Yay! Say it to a friend, to your partner, to your child, to a stranger on the train, and you’ll be helping to spread one of the most basic of all human emotions–happiness.

No matter how tough life gets, there’s always something you can Yay! about. Try it, and be attuned to how more people in your life start saying it, too. One Yay will beget another and before you know it … it’s gone viral.

Here’s something I’ve been yaying about lately: The National Osteoporosis Foundation is honoring me with the “Generations of Strength” Award  at their annual luncheon in New York City on September 24^th because of my many articles about positive and healthy aging. If you’re in the New York City area, please consider joining me and other FOFs at this wonderful event.

YAY!