Lean Forward Into Your Life

Mary Anne has gifted us with a heartfelt, stirring array of reminders and reflections on what it means to lean forward into your life. Her poem, "Live With Intention," has been a perpetual inspiration to me since the day I read it, and the words and images in this book help take that inspiration to an even deeper level. Part art, part philosophy, part friendly reminder, this book is a joyous celebration of purposeful living. Keep it on your bedside table for a daily dose of meaningful insight. Thank you, Mary Anne, for the authenticity and creativity you share and inspire others to share!

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 âaelean forward into lifeâ 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.

Mary Anne Radmacher has written a beautiful book that would make a perfect gift to someone special or for yourself. She is a masterful writer and poet. I just love her work!

Lean Forward into Your Life is a book by a wise woman who weaves her words with colorful yarns (stories) by other writers. Through these stories, she skillfully teaches lessons. Her book is a tapestry of textures and threads woven to encourage, delight and challenge readers to become more thoughtful, insightful, and aware of the power they have to transform their lives. It's a book that can be re-read many times. A perfect gift for all occasions.

I'm not the author, but I wrote a small vignette which is in this book. Maybe I shouldn't be one to rate it or give it five stars because I'm prejudiced. "Lean Forward Into Your Life" is more a handbook for living your life and living it well. There are lots of similarly themed books out there, but this one is very good. Author Mary Anne Radmacher has been producing inspirational works for many years, but this is her first novel. It puts me in the mind of Paulo Coelho's "Warrior of the Light." If you liked "Warrior" I believe you'll enjoy "Lean Forward Into Your Life." I'm not only leaning forward, but looking forward to more of her works in the coming years.