Customer Reviews

Lean Forward into Your Life: Begin Each Day As If It Were on Purpose

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
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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 āaelean forward into lifeā 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 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!

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.

I am a huge fan of Mary Anne Radmacher. I have purchased many items from her over the years for myself and as gifts. I think she is fantastic and does beautiful work. I was disappointed in the book, however. Her editor should have done a much better job for her. The book is choppy and lacks a good flow. I would have thought that I would finish it in 2-3 days, but it has been 2-3 months, and I still haven't made it all the way through. I still love her, though!

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.

"Calculated mischief is invigorating." I love this. It is a reason to get up each day. What can I do today that will make me or those close to me smile? As always, MaryAnne goes straight to the heart, giving and sharing her insight, her life, her friends and her humor. She lives her words. I loved the format of the book. I like being able to take it in small doses, to think and digest what she has said. I have found that just opening the book in the morning with "intention", I find something to use as a focus for my day. It brings joy and newness to my experiences. I also have two of her calendars and the beautiful artwork along with a thought each month grace my kitchen.
She is an amazing writer with so much to give and share. Thank you for this beautiful book.

I am only halfway through this book, loving each page! It's title caught my eye, and lead it straight to my heart! It has so much "good" to it, I read, re-read, chew on it, digest it......I love this book. For anyone who "intends to be better tomorrow than you are today," this is a great bowl full of wisdom! I rise to "meet each day!" as I awaken. Read this! Powerful food for thought! An "on purpose" life......WOW! Great motivational ideas!

I have been a fan of Mary Anne's work for many years and knew I had to buy a few copies when it came out. I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed it. I've been sharing it with many friends and have purchased it for a number of family members. Her words are so beautiful and speak to so many parts of my life. It is a perfect gift - whether it be for a birthday, holiday or simply a gift to someone who is important to you.

Mary Anne Radmacher is the person who taps us on the shoulder and reminds us to pay attention in a way that no one else can. Her words give us the strength to march on and more importantly, to ask ourselves the right questions.

Lean Forward Into Your Life is full of heartfelt stories, life lessons and hope. Mary Anne has been dutiful in keeping a promise to her friend Frankie. She keeps telling us "what we should know but are forgetting."