Soul in Control
Reflections of a Reformed Superwoman
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Never Enough
There's a story about a man of great faith who was waiting on his roof for God to come and rescue him from the floods. He sent away the rescuers in the rowboat saying, "God will save me". He sent away the helicopter saying, "God will save me." Finally the flood waters overpowered him and he awoke in Heaven, sitting in front of God. "I don't get it, God," the man said. "I had great faith that you would save me and look where I ended up!" God answered, "I don't get it either. I sent you a rowboat and a helicopter..." Somehow I feel I'm relating to that man a little too much.
I don't know why I feel like I'm merely treading water these days, just biding my time until I can start to do what I'm REALLY supposed to be doing in this life. All this reconnection with my past of late has left me with the attitude of "well, sure I made a difference back then, but what am I doing now?" I can picture the conversation right now with God: I've arrived at the Pearly Gates and am feeling so sad that I didn't accomplish my mission. "What about your children?" he’ll ask.
"Oh, yes, well, I did the best I could. Look what they've been able to do for themselves!"
"Well, what about your work? The people you helped launch and grow their businesses? The ones who re-examined their lives because of your workshops and writings?"
"I'm truly grateful for that. But I never got to really be of service!"
"And what about the Sunday School teaching, the tutoring, the PTAs, the committee work, the boards, the car-pooling? What about the times you were there for a friend? What was all that?"
"Yes, yes, yes. But it wasn't ENOUGH!"
At that point I picture God throwing up his hands, shaking his head and walking away muttering under his breath.
OK, maybe I'm just where I'm supposed to be. At least for today.
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About the Book
By all accounts, Janet Neal was living the ideal life – or at least she thought she was. The reality was quite another story: She was exhausted, unhappy, and unsure of just who the real Janet truly was. Life and a liberal application of hair gel – to her face – helped to get her attention, forcing her to move from her reliance on her faulty thinking to listening to the wisdom of her soul. This collection of insightful and amusing vignettes chronicle a superwoman’s journey – fueled by her belief that she had to do everything and do it perfectly – to her awareness that there was actually nothing she had to do; she already had it all.
A must read for anyone who has thought “Is this all?” or “What now?” Janet gives life a new perspective - indeed a “soul perspective”!
—Nancy Aronie, Author: Writing from the Heart
Soul in Control is an engaging and entertaining reminder to stay focused on what’s important. Janet’s practical advice is sound medicine for a frenetic world overtaken by distraction and a false sense of productivity. Her wisdom offers hope in our professional and personal lives.
—Kenny Moore, Author: The CEO and the Monk: One Company’s Journey to Profit and Purpose
In her wonderful guide to living a deeper, richer life, Janet Neal takes us by the hand and shows us step by step how to give up the need to manage our life perfectly and find that serene, sunlit place where our soul is in control. With stories and lessons straight from the heart that we can all embrace, Janet is a wise and witty superwoman-turned-sage. If you want more joy, fulfillment, and fun in your life, then read Soul In Control -- you’ll be glad you did!”
—Karin Abarbanel, Co-author: Birthing the Elephant: The Woman’s Go-For-It!
Guide to Overcoming the Big Challenges of Launching a Business
About the Author
Janet has been writing her newsletter and blog, A Balanced Perspective, since 2002, when she left her corporate life behind and entered the world of entrepreneurship. She has been a columnist in regional publications and quoted in numerous mainstream media; she has also read her work on Writing from the Heart on Sirius Radio.
She is a single mother, entrepreneur, writer, coach, and speaker. Janet lives in New Jersey with her children and two dogs. Visit her online at www.janetmneal.com.