Say "yes" to Soup

The satisfaction may yield more than you expected

Midjourney prompt: delivering a steaming pot of soup in an orange le creuset syle dutch oven pot

I once texted a friend to see how she was doing. She mentioned that she was sick, so I asked her what she might need, if she wanted some soup, medicine? And then I did a double take when I read her response:

“Thanks, I won’t ever say no to soup but I know you’re busy so don’t feel like you need to go out of your way.”

She had said, “yes,” and suddenly I felt like I had incredible purpose that afternoon. All busyness aside, I could do something for someone that would help them when they were in need. 

I started making soup. 

So often, we say, “no.” We dismiss what we may need out of fear of inconveniencing someone or feeling that we should be self sufficient. However, by letting go of these barriers and embracing the support of those around us, we open ourselves up to deeper connections, a greater sense of community, and the opportunity to experience the joy of both giving and receiving.

When my friend said, “yes” that afternoon, I was caught off guard by how happy it made me. It didn’t matter that I had a lot going on that afternoon, it felt so special to have connected with someone on a level where they were able to genuinely respond to my offer, and that I could meet their need. 

I had recently been the recipient of such generosity when a colleague brought medicine and cough drops to my hotel where I had retreated after catching a bug on a work trip. Her generosity had truly touched me, and I wanted to do the same for someone else. 

In this moment, I learned that when we want to say yes but say “no” instead, we may be robbing a friend of an opportunity to feel a deep sense of purpose and value. But in a “bootstrap” culture where substantial value is placed on being able to do it yourself, we can have a hard time saying yes when we need help.

It helps to start small. Try it out - let someone pick up groceries, be a listening ear or make you some soup. 

You might be surprised by the ripple effects of kindness and connection that follow. And when you have the chance to offer assistance to others, remember that your help may be more than just a kind gesture – it could be a source of profound purpose and fulfillment for both you and the person you're supporting.