The transformative power of YES

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Tes Jahnig, a spiritual leader at Linc Church in Salt Rock,
recently published her debut book The YES Life.

The YES Life follows Tes’s personal journey into the power of saying ‘yes’ to God, purpose and a future filled with possibility. We chatted to her about the inspiration behind her words, as well as the process of writing this practical guide for anyone trying to navigate the complexities of life.

What inspired you to write The YES Life?
I have always wanted to be a writer and writing a book is a dream I’ve lived with since I was in high school when a teacher planted the seed in my heart. In 2021, my husband encouraged me to pursue a passion, offering to support any one thing I wanted to do. I chose a book-writing course, and I guess, the rest is history. The course helped unearth the message inside me that I wanted to share with the world. Books endure, and I’m so grateful to have created something that, one day, my grandchildren and even my great-grandchildren might read and be shaped by.

How has your personal journey of saying ‘yes’ shaped who you are today, both as an author and a spiritual leader?
Honestly, my lean towards saying ‘yes’ has motivated and pulled me towards the person I am today. I have grown and overcome my fear of failure, and my YES to a big and bold, God-breathed life continuously calls me past my fear of people-pleasing and propels me to go after the things that beat in my heart, even when I don’t have the full plan or know what the outcome will be. Choosing YES helped me become an author and release this book, and I’m forever grateful to be where I am at this moment.

What are some common fears or misconceptions people have about saying ‘yes’ to their purpose, and how can they overcome them?
I think many of us are afraid of saying YES because we don’t want to be overcommitted, or perhaps we can’t say YES because we’re indecisive or unsure of what we actually want in life. But saying YES is expansive, not confining. It opens us up to more. It wills us towards giving life a go. It moves us past our fear of failing and perfectionism. I think the only way we can overcome our fear is to say YES in spite of it. To do things afraid. To show up and say YES, whatever the cost.

How has writing the book transformed your perspective and daily life?
I have a newfound respect for any kind of academic or creative work. I spent many nights, after hours, when my family were sleeping, working on this book. I poured my honesty and vulnerability into it, and it was unravelling and exhausting at times. But I’ve learnt that we can do really hard things when we choose to put our heads and our hearts into the moment. I’ve learnt that anything is possible when we have beautiful people who believe in us and urge us on. There were many days I wanted to pack it in, but it was in those moments my people showed up, gave me courage and filled in the gaps. Writing also became a source of healing. Much of The YES Life was written after I lost my dad, and I will always be thankful for how the process helped me grieve and rebuild my life after such a profound loss.

What’s next for you after The YES Life? Any new projects or focuses you’re excited to share?
I think my husband may not be ready for this one, but I have a new book blooming within me, and I’m looking forward to writing it this year if all goes according to plan. In the meantime, my deepest desire is that this message of The YES Life will reach everyone who needs to hear it. It’s a message for the everyday, ordinary human who is crazy enough to believe that maybe their creativity, work and presence can change the world.

Details: www.theyeslifebook.com

 

Text: Jennifer Campbell Photograph: Derryn Schmidt

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