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That each decade of my life I learned my lessons from my obstacles and my joys. I collected them in writing.

In my twenties I wrote my longings: these were foundational to my life manifestations. Create. Write. Inspire. Serve. These days that’s called the law of attraction. The ancients said and I saw it as true – our lives become what we think about. Or, “what you feed, grows.”

In my thirties I gathered my intentions: Live with intention. Walk to the edge. Listen hard. Laugh. Play with abandon. Practice wellness. Continue to learn. Choose with no regret. Appreciate your friends. Lead or follow a leader. Do what you love. Live as if this is all there is.

These became my measuring stick for the actions of my life. Have one. If you don’t have one, get one. Otherwise, how do you know what to say “yes” to? (Or, “no?”)

In the next decade those “lessons” that I thought would always stick sort of slipped past me when in the press of a challenge. So when I had an “aha! moment” I wrote them down. Write yours down. And put them in a place that you can see them everyday.

Reminders: Most of the things that seem so significant – aren’t. Don’t take it personally – it’s not usually about you. Pay attention. Know when to leave. Curiosity takes courage. The most important promises are the ones you make to yourself. Appreciation lasts longer than complaint. Being nice isn’t always best. Surprise is as powerful as consistency. Listen to your inclination. There’s a difference between protecting yourself and defending yourself. Your eyes must not determine what you see. Play more. Stand tall. Imagine.

And today – True friendship is the thing that trumps everything. Mutual self interest often masquerades as friendship – discern the difference.

Move. Dance. Walk. Do anything to trick yourself into movement and stretching. Fiercely seize health.

Learn new skills. “Getting it “perfect” isn’t as important as “getting it.”

Many priorities bang on the door of your day. Remember what truly matters to you? Do that. Realize your “No,” becomes someone else’s opportunity for “yes.”

The only opinion about your life that matters is yours. Apologize. Act on core values. Choose. Don’t dilute your endeavors with justifications or explanations. Own your actions. Allow others to own theirs.

When you say, “I’ve had enough of this,” mean it. If you don’t intend to change the circumstance, then don’t complain.

Practice pausing.

Mean it when you kiss someone. Play more. Laugh long. Rest deep. Take care of your knees. Write what you know. Remember what’s important.

This is not the second half of your life, or the last two thirds of your life. This moment is the fresh start of your life and it’s the only thing that you can be certain of. Life begins when you do.

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Mary Anne Radmacher believes it is true that "One person can make a difference." She fills her days with meaningful actions and events that make a difference in her immediate world. She hopes the results of those actions radiate outward – like circles around a stone thrown into water. Believing a single action would impact many – Mary Anne has undertaken a process called S.T.A.N.D. – Start Today A New Direction. When first founded it was to inspire fresh attitudes toward the menace of bullying. For a period of seven weeks Radmacher shaved her head and wrote resources for education and referral on the unacceptable practice of bullying. In her lifetime, Mary Anne used the confluence of her pen, brush,words and action to make a positive difference in the world.

Mary Anne Radmacher's work has found its way around the world in the form of posters, greeting cards, gift products, wall décor and books. She is quoted in the Oxford Dictionary of American Quotations and her work is prominent in homes to hospitals, and in places as diverse as prisons to pre-schools. Mary Anne is an authentic narrator of the ways she has discovered to navigate life's challenges and surprises. Her writing, her work and her daily life are all spoken and lived with the same voice. It is that voice she uses to call you toward a more joyful and inspired life...led your own unique way.

Radmacher's message is one of personal empowerment and discovery, validating that we hold much of the wisdom needed to creatively embrace the challenges of our lives. Her unconventional training style is apparent to her corporate clients whose views are often challenged. Her signature method, Focus Phrase™ has inspired hundreds toward a fulfilling personal writing practice and helped numbers toward their own dream of becoming published authors.

Her current activities, products, community service and activism can be followed at her author site, maryanneradmacher.net. Ask for her books and products at your favorite retailer or find it online at appliedinsight.netAnd if her work inspires you, be sure to share it with a friend.

This Post Has 12 Comments

  1. Very wise words, Mary! I’ve taken away a lot of good points from today’s inspiration! Thank you! 🙂

  2. That’s an amazing life you have Marry Anne. I comend you. I try my best to be a spiritual being. I’m kind, respectful, caring, and compassion. My life is spiritual. Thank you for your inspiration.

  3. Life is a journey not s destination.
    Thank you Mary Anne for simplifying what power we have ,each one of us, with our words and our actions. Each that we are present to opportunities to give freely our energy to others. We are God’s light on earth and we illuminate his word to others. The actions we take can transform a workplace, a church , a store a bank.
    My Wife Anne and I are spiritual beings who love our Purpose or Our Why. We are Being of Service to others wherever we go. A kind word, a Smike can light up a person’s day.
    Thank you for reminding me, my life is not about me it is about others.
    We can make a difference sharing our positive mindset , attitude and energy with others.

    Regards,
    Jeffrey Middleman

  4. Such a welcome reminder today. I’ve actually written several of these statements down because I’m certain you directed them expressly toward me in this very moment :).

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