Lean Forward into Your Life
by: Mary Anne Radmacher
Published by: Conari Press
Buy From Amazon.com
Reviewed by Connie Anderson
Subtitled: Begin each day as if it were on purpos
My copy of Lean Forward has 27 pages marked so I can refer to them--some kind of record for me.
This easy-to-read book has short chapters that start with Mary Anne's poetry, then telling us some stories, making some incredible and valid point--and ending with food for thought.
Mary Anne writes about "having a uncommon life that means living with intention, paying attention, celebrating, taking care of yourself, and risking love--to live life large from the heart."
On page 20 one of her lists ended with: "Lead or follow a leader. Do what you love. Live as if this is all there is."
On page 51: "Recognize that on certain days the greatest grace is that the day is over and you get to close your eyes. Tomorrow comes more brightly."
My favorite line is on page 75: ... An uncommon holiday...which celebrates the day we first named each other "friends." What a way to explain true friendship's role in your life--a holiday every day.
Her “lean forward into life” idea is that we often set up walls visible only to us--as reason not to risk, not to try, not to do. What is our dream? Are we doing anything to accomplish it?
Mary Anne wants us to ask ourselves: "Have you been caught in the act today--the act of caring, leading, teaching, innovating, inspiriting others, healing." (pg. 9)
In the chapter called, "Don't take it personally. It's not about you" she asks us to work on our perspective by asking "How significant will this thing be in five years, one year, next month?"
In true lean forward thinking, the author asks us: "What are you willing to lose in order to taste your own realization?" "What will you set down in order to host hope?" and wraps up these thoughts with: "How could you...?" with "How could I not?"
This book is chocked full of so many thoughtful and thought-provoking concepts, statements, urgings, questions--and the risks of telling the truth.
Armchair Interviews says: Each day is a gift to be unwrapped where we can choose to dream and have hope. Lean Forward shows ways to live life to the fullest.
Author's Web site: http://www.MaryAnneRadmacher.com
From our armchair to yours...
