Dear Reader Column 11-12-08

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Dear Reader,

I'm a detailed person when it comes to planning events, right down to where the wastebaskets need to be placed. But when it comes to my life, which I guess is really the biggest event of all, I follow my heart.

It's funny because when I look at how I do things, I chastise myself for not doing it the way the experts recommend. "Plan for your future, lay out goals so you know where you're going and put into place ways to measure your progress." It's sound advice, but apparently it's not for me, because I keep coming back to following my heart.

My days aren't planned, so my heart doesn't know where it's going until it gets there. I'm sure it's not the most efficient way of living a life, but even when something doesn't work out, when I've followed my heart, I can look back and feel good about my behavior and choices.

Following my heart has brought me many joyful returns. I didn't set out to be a writer, simply started writing a note to readers every day, didn't plan to become a book club facilitator, or a woman who sews quilts, or bakes cookies for friends and strangers, or someone whose yard is filled with beautiful flowers.

But that's what happened to this woman who followed her heart.

Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com
http://www.DearReader.com

P.S. I love to hear from readers. Please don't ever think I'm too busy.

*This month's Penguin Classic book is: The Lost Estate by Henri Alain-Fournier. To start reading and enter the free Penguin Classic's Drawing. Go to:
http://www.supportlibrary.com/bc/v.cfm?L=drclass&V=Q1AFEFEEF19E&c=CLASSICS