We get to start our sentences with “Yes” and.”

“Yes,” plus an “And” reliably opens up lines of connection and communication.

There are four immediate benefits.

Someone says something to you. You respond with “Yes and.”
“Yes, and tell me more.” “Yes, and when’s a good time for us to sit down and discuss this?” “Yes, and how about breakfast?”

1) The first benefit is that we’ve gone from reacting to responding. Most of us tend to react when we hear something. The reaction is appropriate when the light turns red. You don’t need to think. Stop. In fact, taking the time to think might put you in even more danger. Reaction doesn’t require intelligence.
Human relations DO require choice and intelligence.
We require the capacity to respond.

2) Next, with “Yes,” we’ve established a connection. We are here together.

3) Three, they understand that they’ve been heard and you’ve received their communication. They don’t need to repeat it.

4) “And” provides a strategic pause, allowing us to reflect and carefully choose our following words. Our intent is to influence the future of our relationship.

With “Yes” and our “and” our hands never leave the steering wheel of our lives. We are the drivers, and we are at the source of what’s next, our access to being.

All of this starts with two magic words: “Yes and.”

You can try it, you’ll like it.