Rethinking “No”

Editor’s Note: This blog does not apply to instances when you must say “no” to protect yourself or others.

When I’m not writing, living or reading, I work at a technical high school. Three years ago, I filmed a music video, featuring a group of teachers lip-synching the song, “School’s Out,” while others acted out the joys that accompany the end of the year.

Because so much time had elapsed since the filming, on our last day of school this past June, I asked the principal if we could replay that video. For reasons I can’t get into here, he respectfully vetoed the request. As a consolation, however, he suggested that I film a new one.

The original had been so spontaneous and cool – I’d even incorporated “trashcan jousting” into that video – I didn’t believe I could do it again.

That was why my first response was a firm, “no.” When my coworker friends heard my lament that I could never top the original video, they said, “Why not?”

Why not indeed.

I had the entire summer to think about it and the more I thought, the more feasible it became. All I needed was a good song; one that let all our new staff members know that we were on their side. Not only did I find a song to fit that caring sentiment, I had an idea for a couple scenes, including forming a “band.”

Before filming began in September, I mentioned a few of my ideas. That inspired staff members to come up with more. I “hired” a second “videographer” so we could film the same scene from different angles and before I knew it, we had a music video. Okay, it took time to coordinate schedules and to do the edits, but now that it’s finished, I’m just as proud of this one as I was with the first!

If I hadn’t overturned my initial “no” I wouldn’t have this memory:

The yes/no question came up again for Halloween.

During a school function, I joined a conversation between two teachers about a group Halloween costume for a contest. The plan was for everyone to dress up as “Toy Story” characters. It sounded fun, but I declined, using the excuse that ready-made costumes were too expensive and I possessed zero sewing skills to make my own. The health career teacher who was coordinating it, said, “Be a green army man.”

The graphic arts teacher also planned to be a green army man, and since I worked with him, it made sense for me to join his “platoon.”

Again, I rethought my initial answer. How hard could it be? Just spray paint everything green. First, I had to find everything. I already had an old pair of hiking boots, but I needed a helmet, the green face makeup, and army fatigues.

Important life lesson: Don’t wait until the Saturday before Halloween to look for your costume. It can be done. It just takes some thought and lots of green spray paint.

Two days before the contest, “Woody,” the animal science teacher, still hadn’t found a vest, hat or boots. The day before the contest, the teacher who had organized everything was absent. Would she make it in on Halloween?

Since I didn’t want my feet stuck to a plastic base, I decided to be a paratrooper. The night before, I was still putting my parachute together.

To enter the costume contest, we had to register before 10 AM on Halloween. At 9:58 AM, “Barbie,” the guidance secretary, made the call. We were in. Now we just had to show up at the communications office to have our picture taken for judging.

We couldn’t fit in the elevator, so we trooped up the stairs. I was first up the staircase and looked down to see all those life-sized toys, trekking up after me: Woody (whose wife found the hat and vest just in time), Slinky Dog, Barbie and Ken, Mr. Potato Head, Forky, Bo Peep and a sheep, Jessie, Gabby Gabby, Buzz Lightyear, Forky, Duke Caboom and more. It was a beauty to behold!

There were so many of us we didn’t fit in the communications office. They moved us to the lobby for our group photo.

Our cash prize will go toward a luncheon for the entire staff. Most of the staff was in the photo anyway!

Opportunities can pop up anywhere. When they do, catch yourself if “no” is your initial answer. It could be a writing contest. It could be National Novel Writing Month, or a chance to simply be creative.

Don’t reject the activity because of the potential speed bumps. There will be hardships and difficulties, but you’re creative. You can do it! And you’ll be glad you gave it a try. At the very least, you’ll have an awesome memory, and maybe even a picture!