Make It Your Year of Saying 'Yes!'

Shonda Rhimes wants you to stand in the sun, too.

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Photo By Photos from left: Mark Davis/Getty Images

Shonda’s New Lease on Life - What are you going to do to make 2016 better than 2015? According to a new book written by producer and all-around inspiring woman Shonda Rhimes, one new approach to life is to commit to saying yes to things you were once afraid of. Read our tips on how to have an incredible Year of Yes and finally live out your dreams! By Kellee Terrell (@kelleent)  (Photos from left: Mark Davis/Getty Images, Simon & Schuster)

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Shonda’s New Lease on Life

Say Yes to Your Health - Rhimes was clear that her year of yes included making her personal health a main priority. That year, she lost more than 100 pounds by eating healthier and doing Pilates. If the busiest woman in television can do it, so can you. Remember: Your health is one of the most important possessions you have, so treat it as such.  (Photo: GettyImages)

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Say Yes to Your Health

Say Yes to Standing Up for Yourself - Life will always be about picking your battles, but for Black women it can even be trickier — we don't want to come off as being "angry," which can lead us to being doormats. This year, say yes to standing up for yourself in situations that devalue you and don't be afraid to break ties with toxic people who bring you down.  (Photo: Klaus Vedfelt/Getty Images)

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Say Yes to Standing Up for Yourself

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Say Yes to Opportunities

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Say Yes to Your Desires - We have rent, school, work, kids, partners and many other responsibilities that don’t leave us the time to fully enjoy what we love. Be selfish and take the time to travel to the islands or enjoy that Broadway musical, because you most definitely deserve it.   (Photo: Thomas Barwick/Getty Images)

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Say Yes to Your Desires

Say Yes to Doing Things by Yourself - When is the last time you took yourself out on a date? Some people won't ever be alone in public because of what others may think. But going out alone can work wonders for your self-confidence and remind you that the most important person in your life is you.  (Photo: GettyImages)

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Say Yes to Doing Things by Yourself

Photo By Photo: GettyImages

Say Yes to Trying Something New - Way too often, we allow ourselves to get stuck in a rut — doing the same thing over and over again. This year, step outside your comfort zone and try something different. From taking a painting lesson to that boot camp class to learning French, allow yourself to be less predictable.  (Photo: LWA/Dann Tardif/GettyImages)

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Say Yes to Trying Something New

Say Yes to Putting Yourself Out There - Whether it's dating or networking in your career field, life opportunities are not going to come to you if you stay in the house or stay on social media all day. Go ahead and put yourself out there with face-to-face contact. You never know what amazing people and experiences you are missing out on. (Photo: Don Mason/Getty Images)

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Say Yes to Putting Yourself Out There

Say Yes to Kindness - No doubt we live in a very harsh world, but that doesn't mean we have to be. Being open to doing more good, spreading more love and accepting kindness without doubting one’s intention will do wonders for your soul. Say yes to giving back, being mindful of others and expressing your love.   (Photo: Peathegee Inc/GettyImages)

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Say Yes to Kindness

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Saying No Is Saying Yes to Yourself