Celebrate Life (Living the Life Of Your Dreams)

While surfing the Internet one night, I came across a book by life coach Corrie Woods. As I read some excerpts from the book, I instantly knew that I wanted to order it. I had been going through a particularly stressful time in life--dealing with a strong-willed teenage daughter, and caring for my elderly widowed mom.

This book is an exhortation to be able to say at the end of life, "If I had my life to live over again, I wouldn't change a thing." The author encourages us to break out of the mundane routine, take some risks, and try something new. She suggests practicing gratitude for the many gifts that life brings our way. She believes that each of us has something of value to offer those around us. But even more significant, she teaches us how to love ourselves.

As women, we spend so much time taking care of everyone else, but self-care is vital to a satisfying life. She suggests buying yourself a bouquet of flowers, or lighting a scented candle, or snuggling up under a blanket in your favorite cozy chair to read a book. Fix a cup of your favorite hot tea, or cocoa, while listening to your favorite music. Whatever it takes to pamper and nurture yourself--do it. We fear that would be self-centered, but Woods says that being good to ourselves will ensure that we have more (not less) to offer those we care about.

She also suggests taking personal retreats--time just for yourself, whether a few hours in a busy week, or a couple of days away from the familiar routine. I have done this lately, and have found it to be so helpful in dealing with the stresses of my life.

I received a great deal of inspiration from this book. It is helping me to clear the clutter from my life, and to begin to live fully every moment. Life is a gift, but it passes all too quickly. This book will help you to break out of the familiar, and begin to get back in touch with your dreams. So celebrate life, and as they say, "Dance like no one's watching."