So often we are asked to attend an event, join a group, go to a movie, meet for lunch or dinner, and so often we say no thank you. Many reasons appear: too busy, not interested, don’t feel like it, or already have plans. However, if you think of every invitation as an “opportunity” you might not be so quick to say no. How many times have you reluctantly joined someone and wound up having a great time, met someone new, or been exposed to a new idea or new client, just because you ended up going after all? If we think of an invitation as an opportunity for something positive, or something better, we may be more willing to make it fit into our schedules. I remember a friend of mine inviting me to a barbecue at a time when I wasn’t particularly thrilled to go out with a group of strangers. But something inside of me decided to go. Not only did I have a great deal of fun, I ended up meeting someone who totally changed the course of my life from then on. I realized then that accepting invitations may be a blessing of some sort. So I did an experiment and accepted all invitations (that didn’t seem harmful) even if I wasn’t crazy about the event or the person I’d be going with. I was invited to attend the local Chamber of Commerce meeting in a church very early in the morning (not my thing!), and I had little desire, if any, to go. But, based on this rule, I decided to go. As it turned out, I actually got to see original stained glass windows designed by Matisse and Chagall. It was a most amazing experience despite my initial negativity towards the event. What I noticed from following this principle is that my life became so much fuller - I was making new friends, being exposed to more of the world, and definitely having more fun. Does this mean that you should always accept all invitations for the rest of your life? - NO! It simply means that by trying this out, you will then find it easier eventually to reach a balance and perhaps view invitations from a new perspective when making your decision. This also works in reverse for those that accept too many invitations and they become distractions keeping you from more important things.