CHOOSE WISELY

"Your life is the sum result of all the choices you make, both consciously and unconsciously. If you can control the process of choosing, you can take control of all aspects of your life. You can find the freedom that comes from being in charge of yourself."

-- Robert F. Bennett

Hi Friends,

Summertime and the livin' is easy... or not! My life is not easy right now but it's exciting! John and I are selling our beautiful house that served my kids and parents so well. As it's just the two of us now, we're opting for a brand new lifestyle rooted in freedom. We're shifting from owning in suburbia to renting in the central core. From driving to walking and public transit. From ground level to an 18th floor view!

We're exploring 'retire-ability' not only in financial terms but also in lifestyle. We're not ready to retire -- in fact, we may never retire as we love our work -- but we're asking key questions. How do we most enjoy ourselves? How can we build more pleasure and interest and variety into the fabric of our days?

I'll keep you posted. But as we manage this major transition, I will be sending 'word of heart' only when inspiration strikes, contributions come in from you (please!) and time allows. After all, it's summer and in Canada, we want to make the most of it. In all matters, I want to choose wisely.

In support of this, I'm passing on Jennifer Louden's 2010 Let's-Not-Let-Summer-Pass-You-By Manifesto:

"As grown-ups, we balance work with play, 'regular life' with summer time rhythm, being with doing... and it's easy to err on the side of the latter and let summer slip by.

"So here is my summer manifesto! I hope to foment a summer riot of ice cream-chin-drips and firefly-winks plus a few lazy games of croquet -- or at least a daily porch sit to watch the grass grow...

"It's not about nostalgia or recreating your childhood. What feasting on summer is about is remembering that your life is a choice and you can let it become a burden and a list you never catch up with or a crazy Dune Buggy ride over the Florida Keys bridge, bugs in your teeth, wind in your hair, blue water as far as the eye can see."

Join Jen and me in choosing to feed our souls -- whatever season we're in.

~ Patrice

P.S. I love what Jennifer Louden brings to life. Visit her website: comfortqueen.com

P.P.S. I am blessed that I will be going to Jeddah Mali's July retreat. If you feel inspired to attend also, I'll meet you there!

"Keep in mind that you are always saying 'no' to something. If it isn't to the apparent, urgent things in your life, it is probably to the most fundamental, highly important things. Even when the urgent is good, the good can keep you from your best, keep you from your unique contribution, if you let it."

-- Stephen Covey