Dear Friend:

“Life is not a thing to be managed, it’s a mystery to be lived.”  
                                                                            - Anonymous

On a busy Monday morning, returning from a week off, it’s easy to put on the familiar cloak of feeling like you’re a slave to your to-do list (at least it can be for me!). But, the quote above - one of my favorites - has always been an anchor for me. I know that I am here to revel in the mystery of life - that my true job is to express my heart’s desire and to connect daily with those around me. In a culture that is overly focused on output and productivity however, most of us need reminders that our days are not measured solely by what we accomplish, but by *who we are* throughout our day.

This past weekend, my husband, an evening/weekend musician, went to hear an amazing 70-year old funk/jazz singer at a national music festival here in Austin (it was past my bedtime, so I stayed home).

The next morning, he was on fire and couldn’t stop talking about this amazingly talented musician. He said experiencing this performance really made him feel alive, creative, gave him a different perspective on life, made him feel more connected to himself and humanity and deeply nourished his soul.

What activities connect you to life’s mysteries? What makes you feel alive and reminds you that life is more than your to-do list? What pulls you out of monotony and breathes new perspective and creativity into your week or life? What things remind you of who you *really are*?

For me, hearing music, seeing beautiful or unusual art, being out in nature, seeing a play or performance, traveling, attending a retreat*, having a really stimulating dialogue, taking a class or doing something just “out of the ordinary” is enough to remind me that there is more to life than the daily routine so many of us fall into. (Some of my career coaching clients say they literally feel like robots or drones at work—same issues, different day.)

Sit down with your partner or a friend tonight and grab a pen/paper. What are three things that each of you does (or used to do) that inspires a deeper connection to life? Start small (baby steps) and if you need some simple ideas, check out the list in the Outrageous Living: Reclaiming Adventure in Your Life Chapter from my book The Mother’s Guide to Self-Renewal: How to Reclaim, Rejuvenate and Re-Balance Your Life.

I’d also encourage you to check out my recent blog SpiritFood which also explores this topic. Take good care and be gentle with yourself this month. It’s an unusually chaotic time right now for many. Tread slowly. Warmly--Renee

*Retreats can be really powerful catalysts for helping you shift in how you see things and relate to your life/work/family. I’d love to have you join me May 2-4 at The Crossings Spa & Retreat Center for my Women’s Spring Self-Renewal Retreat if you can get away. Women of all ages are encouraged to attend. And, this is a great Mother’s Day Gift for you or a friend/family member. Learn more here about early bird rates, commuter options and bring-a-friend specials. If you’d like to learn more about my unique approach to Balance From the Inside Out, check out my last newsletter on this topic.

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