Do you ever change your plans at the last minute to follow your gut? Last Thursday evening I did just that and am so glad I did! Two motivations came together to lead me to this event: I wanted to stay connected with one of my key communities, the Fearless Women Entrepreneur Network , and I needed a little fresh inspiration as I revisit my long-term vision for Zest for Life Today and related projects. Author Jennifer Lee’s session introducing her awesome new book, The Right Brain Business Plan: A Creative, Visual Map for Success, seemed the perfect place for me to be. And it was!

I want to share a little piece of it with you. Is there an element of your life where you could use a new perspective? Consider your relationships, finances, career, health, spiritual life…anything come to mind? Often, when something feels out of balance, we look for ways to “fix” the issue. Our left-brain goes into high gear coming up with solutions. This approach has its place, but sometimes it feels exhausting and hopeless. To quickly switch gears and get into the right-brain, try this simple exercise. It will help you access the feeling or the energy you’re going for, and from there, it may be easier to find a new approach. I’ll do it with you.

1. Name the area of life you want to consider. For me, it was my business, Zest for Life Today.

2. Fill in this sentence: If {topic under consideration} were a/an {animal, fruit, place, landscape, etc.}, it would be a {pick one you love} because {something that inspires you}.

This is what came to mind at first: “If Zest for Life Today were a fruit, it would be a lemon because it’s so refreshing.”

Maybe you’re wanting to redecorate your house and you want a sense for how it will be to inhabit the space. How about this? “If my home were a place, it would be a beach because it’s beautiful and relaxing.”

3. Try it a few times. I noticed the first one that came to me (see above) was the most obvious – I had to get it out of my system before something inspiring appeared.

4. How does it feel to have this image? Sit with it for a few days. See what may emerge. Your left brain will most certainly recommend some steps to take, and hopefully they will be aligned with this new vision your right brain created.

5. Share your metaphor with a friend to stay inspired.

Want to hear mine? This is what showed up on the second go:

If Zest for Life Today were a moment, it would be a sunrise because it brings fresh inspiration.

If I’m ever working and feeling low energy or wondering why I’m doing what I’m doing, I’ll come back to this. And I know I’ll be able to keep going with a sense of lightness and faith.

Want to share your metaphor with me? I can’t wait to hear it! Write to me here or post it on the Zest for Life Today facebook page.

Eat well. Be well. Thrive.

~Chloé

Photo credit: http://www.tropicalisland.de/