"I don’t have time to get together with you.  I have to finish 
this project."  Or the conversation might go like this. "I’ve 
been overwhelmed at work and I’m too tired."  Do these 
conversations or variations on the theme seem familiar?  We have 
lost our ability to live in the moment and to be spontaneous. We 
are consumed by our "to do" lists and our responsibilities and 
obligations. 

Living a balanced life is a dynamic process that involves making 
a series of adjustment much like sailing.  When the direction or 
intensity of the wind changes, you have to adjust your sails to 
keep the boat sailing in the direction you want. 

And that is your life...The winds or circumstances of your life 
are always going to change.  The sooner you can recognize these 
changes the better 

Sometimes, when you are out of balance and sailing off course, 
it’s obvious. At other times, you need to pay attention to the 
signs or signals that are letting you know that something isn’t 
right.  These signs or signals  show up in many different ways. 
Health issues, relationships issues, financial issues and many 
other challenges are there to remind you to look deeper into how 
you are living your life.   

In this fast paced world, you need to be prepared to adjust to 
the many challenges you will be faced with. Taking time for quiet 
reflection in the morning and beginning your day with calmness, 
clarity and focus is the best preparation for the day’s 
challenges.  However, instead of starting the day with calmness 
and focus most of us start the day in a hurry like we’re trying 
to catch a train and have developed the sense that we won’t have 
enough time to get it all done. To compensate for this constant 
state of anxiety, we have developed the habit of working harder 
and longer.  As a consequence, we don’t have enough time for the 
things that give us meaning and pleasure.

Changing this pattern is not easy.  It involves leaving the 
familiar to enter the world of the unknown.  The fear of 
exploring the vast unknown keeps many individuals trapped in an 
unfulfilling career or relationship and from exploring new 
opportunities. Other fortunate ones are blessed with that spirit 
of adventure and are able to embrace the unknown and its 
opportunities.

The fear of fully expressing who you are also contributes to this 
pattern. It is this fear that keeps hidden some of your deepest 
needs, feelings and insights. It is only when you are your most 
authentic that you have the deepest impact on others and 
experience real freedom.  Being less than authentic deprives many 
others of your gifts and contributions.

It takes courage to live an authentic life and to be true to your 
values. Living true to your values and priorities is not as easy 
as it seems because as you expand and evolve, what is important 
to you will also change. For example, many busy clients that I 
work with want to have a relationship, but forget to ask 
themselves if they are willing to devote the time necessary to 
have one.  Many have a desire to become a more interesting 
person, yet are unwilling or unable to devote themselves to 
activities or interests that make them so.  Others say they want 
free time yet they are involved in careers or projects that are 
time consuming.  When you have a passion, it’s much easier to 
find the time to pursue it.  When I was a busy lawyer, I always 
made time to play music.  

Once you have developed clarity as to the life you want to live 
you are well on the way to making that life a reality.  Having 
clear boundaries is the bridge to this life and affects every 
aspect of your life.  Setting clear boundaries requires you to be 
courageous and to take a stand.  It requires you to say "no" 
which for most people is the most difficult word to say. Many 
people are fearful of the repercussions if they say "no," and or 
reluctant to disappoint another. But think of the alternatives, 
you end up agreeing to live someone else’s life and resenting it. 
To put it another way, setting clear boundaries is about 
reclaiming your life and reclaiming your power.   

You have more empowering choices than you realize. As you reclaim 
your power you will be living your life from choice rather than 
fear.  Here are a few suggestions to help you with this inquiry.

 * Take time each day for quiet reflection in the morning and 
   for reading a personal growth or spiritual book.  It sets 
   the tone for the day.
 * Take some time to commune in nature.
 * Eat healthy and exercise and don’t forget to smile!
 
Through "Letters on Life" and the many people I am blessed to be 
in contact with, I get to practice living a life in balance.  As 
time goes on it gets easier and I seem to be supported by the 
synchronicity in my life.  It’s an exciting journey with new 
opportunities being presented constantly.  I want to thank you 
for supporting me on this journey and for inspiring possibility 
in others by sharing "Letters on Life" with those in your circle. 
I look forward to hearing from you.


Journey On

Mark  

Mark Susnow has a unique background. Formerly a successful trial 
attorney for 30 years, as well as musician, he integrates what it 
takes to be truly prosperous in the world with the inner wisdom 
unfolded to him through years of yoga and meditation practice. 
As a personal coach, leadership consultant and inspirational 
speaker, Mark provides inspiration and motivation to many 
business leaders and professionals. He knows what it means to 
have a big vision and has demonstrated the courage and energy it 
takes to accomplish it. Consider contacting Mark and be sure to 
visit his website: http://www.inspirepossibility.com