Last night I gave a talk to the Midcoast Women's Connection that gathered for the fall kick off meeting at The Common Table in South Harpswell. The long winding drive to the retreat space which doubles as a B&B, was pleasant and provided a welcome transition from my busy day of clients.

The women seemed eager to hear me address the topic of the evening: "How To Feel Renewed in Your Work and Life". It is a subject about which I am frequently asked to speak. The requests for this topic no longer surprise me since I'm keenly aware of the research that cites that Americans are too busy, overcommitted, and caught in a cycle of overwork.

As I began to address the women, I veered from my prepared notes—a tendency with which I'm becoming more and more at ease as I trust in my ability to respond in the moment to what is most relevant. I spoke from my own personal story about times when I have felt the mystery of life with its array of unplanned experiences and how they had been a source of renewal for me.

I explained how the charming French village of Biot shifted from a mere vacation destination to my deeply comforting home away from home. I was totally taken aback by the turn of events that led to my tender and unexpected feelings toward Biot. First came the experience of being robbed by gypsies in Italy that, in a bizarre set of circumstances, totally cut off my money flow for a week, A "chance" meeting with a Marymount sister just days before proved to be my ticket out of Italy as she loaned me more than enough money to pay for my hotel bill and gas to retreat to France where Biot awaited.

Having settled into Biot for just two days, I received word that my mother had died unexpectedly, leaving me only a day to depart for her funeral after being abroad for 8 months. Once again I did not anticipate the next turn of events that proved to be significant in my life—an Air France pilots' strike prevented my departure to attend her funeral and I was faced with the question of how to mark her death hundreds of miles from my family and friends. I will forever remember the 14th century church in the village dedicated to Mary Magdelene where I brought yellow roses, a favorite of my mothers. I sat in stillness and silence as I remembered and grieved. There is a peacefulness that comes with giving in to the present moment and I was grateful for the calm.

The women who attended my talk last night did not know how I would approach the topic, nor did I plan the way it unfolded. Yet, their response was favorable and many shared their own examples of experiencing the mystery of life and its accompanying sense of renewal.

It's not a coincidence that I'm writing this blog on my way to my flight bound for my beloved village of Biot where I hold an annual women's retreat. I just now realized how this venture recreates for me and other women an environment where we can open to whatever life presents and be supported and guided.

My intention is to continue the tradition that I began last year of sharing excerpts of my time in Provence in my blogs. I hope you will enjoy the journey too.

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