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THIS WEEK'S TOPIC: Find the space and grace to relax

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THE 2005 BREAKTHROUGH WEEKEND RETREAT!
Join me July 8 - 10, 2005 in Washington, DC for an extraordinary weekend and take your life to the next level! Space is limited.
Early bird registration has ended, but you can still receive an "advanced" registration rate during the month of May and save $50.

Go to http://www.valorieburton.com/weekend.html.

* Get inspired with friends! Get 3 signed copies of my latest book, What's Really Holding You Back?, for just $33! Go to http://www.valorieburton.com/store.html .

IN THE NEWS:

* Join me in Nashville, Tennessee May 18 - 20th
Are you a woman in ministry? - Check out the National Women's Ministry Association event for which I am emcee, life coaching seminar leader and closing keynote speaker May 18 - 20 in Nashville, Tennessee. Visit www.nwma.net.

* SCHEDULE A SPEAKING ENGAGEMENT
If you lead a ministry or organization and want to schedule a date, fill out your request at http://www.valorieburton.com/request.html or contact Angie Steele at angie@valorieburton.com .

*WPGC-AM HEAVEN 1580 - I am now the "resident" life coach for Washington, DC's Heaven 1580 radio station. You can hear me on Mondays at 3:05 p.m.

Check out my Life Enrichment Challenge - weekly inspiration on Tom Joyner's Black America Web: http://www.blackamericaweb.com/site.aspx/Praise/challenge/newLEC

For more schedule information, visit http://www.valorieburton.com/vevents.html .
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THIS WEEK'S TOPIC: Find the space and grace to relax

Dear Friend,

Could you use a little more relaxation and peace in your life? As I type my message to you this week, I am sitting in the cockpit of our boat watching the sun set gently over the Potomac River. The yellow rays of light glisten and dance over the ripples that appear to glide towards the shore. It is peaceful and relaxing.

Throughout my life, I have often found water to be a haven of peace, rest and reflection. As a child in Florida, the Gulf of Mexico was my backyard. But even when I lived in Denver and Dallas, I gravitated towards lakes and reservoirs on sunny days. What environment creates a sense of peace and relaxation for you? How could you carve out more time to spend there?

This week, I want to encourage you to find a place that allows you to forget the hectic pace of life - even if for only a few moments - and enjoy that place regularly. Having an environment that nourishes you is essential to replenishing your energy. Just as importantly, a nurturing environment often helps you clarify your thoughts and deepen your connection with God and yourself. In that space, decisions become clearer and relaxation easier.

As you consider the environments that will help you relax, also consider adopting an attitude that will empower you to relax throughout your day. These three graceful ideas will get you started:

1. FORGET PERFECTION.

Do you have a hard time relaxing if your house is a mess or things are out of order? One of the best ways to relax is to learn to let go of perfection. The quest for a perfect job, a perfect mate, a perfect life - is a never ending quest that keeps you from relaxing and enjoying life. So what can you do to tame your perfectionism? Be willing to leave some things undone, recognizing that the world won't come to an end because there are dishes in the sink or your inbox still has work to be completed. It is often the imperfections of a situation that foster growth, laughter and even lasting memories. As you let go of your need for perfection, you embrace the perfect ways in which life lines up just the way we need it, just when we need it.

2. DON'T FIGHT EVERY BATTLE!

Do you sometimes feel as though you are constantly fighting battles? Whether at work, at home or with the rude person you encounter at the store, make a decision not to fight every battle. There are points in our lives when it feels like the world is against us. It can be natural to put up your defenses and head into battle. But if you stay in that mode, you will find yourself fighting so many battles that you are worn out and continually frustrated. So how do you know which battles to fight?

Ask yourself one simple question:
WILL THE OUTCOME OF THIS BATTLE MATTER A YEAR FROM NOW?

If the answer is "no," let the battle work itself out and save yourself the energy and stress.

3. SCHEDULE TIME TO DO NOTHING.

When is the last time you had absolutely nothing to do? If you're like most people, you probably can't remember! For that reason, I invite you to do something very simple for at least a few minutes a day: NOTHING. One of the best ways to decrease your stress level and enjoy the moments that are filled with the many things on your calendar, is to schedule free time just like any other important activity on your schedule. So ... go sit on the sofa and daydream for 15 minutes ... or stand in the backyard and breathe in some fresh air! You'll find that doing nothing can do you a
whole lot of good.

My challenge to you this week:
Make relaxation a priority. Give yourself a break. Put your life into proper perspective!

Journaling assignment:
What environment creates a sense of peace and relaxation for you? If none comes to mind, what could you do to create such an environment in your living space? When will you carve out time to spend there?

Until next time ...

Warm wishes,

Valorie

* Remember to register this week for the Breakthrough Weekend, July 8 - 10, 2005, at the Hilton Old Towne Alexandria. Register by May 31st and registration is just $245. I'm looking forward to meeting you there!

* CURRENT Special * - Signed copies of "What's Really Holding You Back?" Order multiple copies to study in groups and save! Visit our secure online store at http://www.valorieburton.com/store.html .

Signed copies will be shipped Priority Mail within 24 hours. You may find that working through the book with friends or loved ones provides you with valuable support on your journey!
P.S. Encourage your friends and family by sharing this newsletter and invite others to subscribe! Just send them to http://www.valorieburton.com where they can enter their email address on the home page.

Valorie Burton, a life coach and speaker, is the author of Listen to Your Life, Rich Minds, Rich Rewards and her latest, What's Really Holding You Back?. She has appeared in and on CNN, Essence Magazine, Black Enterprise, The 700 Club, The Los Angeles Times, and hundreds of other media outlets nationwide. Subscribe to her FREE, inspirational e-newsletter at www.valorieburton.com.
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Please feel free to forward the Rich Minds, Rich Rewards E-Newsletter to friends and colleagues, but please forward in its entirety.

The Rich Minds, Rich Rewards E-Newsletter is written and distributed by Inspire, Inc. Copyright (c) 2005 Valorie Burton. All rights reserved. http://www.ValorieBurton.com .

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Valorie Burton
INSPIRE, INC.
938 E. Swan Creek Road #202
Fort Washington, MD 20744