My Cup Runneth Over

Thank you for taking the time to join me on my journey back to my childhood lake cabin. It is a magical place for myself and my family... where memories are made to last a lifetime.

My Cup Runneth Over

Greetings from Steamboat Lake near beautiful Walker, MN. Steamboat Lake is my childhood lake cabin where my roots run deep. My parents have retained our modest cabin in the woods of Northwest Minnesota for my siblings and I to enjoy with our own children and friends. It is where I come to rejuvenate my soul and fill my cup of life.

The modest cabin boasts two small bedrooms, bathroom, living area, kitchen and three season porch which sit only 20 feet from the water's edge where you can almost see fish swimming through the clear waters off the deck. The property is expansive with towering pines that if stories they could tell would be much taller then they currently stand. There is nothing fancy about the dwelling and actually it is how I prefer it. The property has not changed in the thirty years I have been coming here.

Stacks of games and books adorn the bookcases and an old tea cart made by my husband in shop class holds the 13 inch television and VHS. The television is an upgrade from my childhood, but it does not have reception and is only used for rainy days where VHS movies are the only vintage accepted. Of course you would have to know how to tap the top of the start button twice and push down simultaneously on the play button to watch an old classic, but to hear Rhett Butler's voice this is a small effort. Instead of purchasing an upgraded television/VCR, our family has trained the children in on the VHS method and I suspect they too will write about the lazy days and the not so modern conveniences of summer and their memories of Steamboat Lake.

The beauty here remains the view of the pristine waters where an occasional fishing boat trolls by. The same wooden swing sits in front of the fire pit and has not been moved in thirty years. It was originally stained and polyurethaned every other summer. It now boasts a weathered look where moss clings to the bottoms of the legs. Since childhood that swing was affectionately named the "love swing." My grandparents who have long since passed would come to visit and sit together holding hands rocking back and forth watching the loons and stoking the fire. Since then, couples have come here for honeymoons, get- a ways, grandchildren have packed the swing for family pictures and in each photograph, you can almost feel the love as a familiar smile comes across all who have swung and intertwined fingers.

It was always customary to unpack the car and as soon as that was accomplished, one of us kids would build the fire that would be perpetually stoked throughout our stay. We gathered around the fire pit day and night and the flames and umbers became a source of many stories, laughter and tears. It is where we felt safe in the dark of night to spill our insides to all who would listen. The perfect marshmallows were roasted and sticky fingers and gooey chocolate clung to our lips and chin as we had s 'more eating contests. Licking off our fingers, we wrapped the nights off by cupping our fingers together and blowing out loon calls trying to have the loons bid us good night.

Thirty years later, it is no surprise that this sacred place of solitude is where I come to rejuvenate my soul and fill my cup of life. Each year at summer's end, I pilgrimage to Steamboat Lake on a retreat for one. Alone, I pack a meager amount of clothing and food, my kayak, computer and work related projects.

Upon arrival, I immediately turn the clocks around, build the perfect pot of coffee in the old percolator and begin laying out my materials to review and plan for a busy fall speaking calendar. My business plan is edited and updated to reflect changes and re-prioritized business opportunities. New material is developed as I gaze across the water and garner inspiration and material for upcoming engagements. Outlines and stories are written for upcoming publications, books and radio segments. I become laser like focused and have a reward system built into completed projects.

When a major task is completed, I head out for a 30 minute kayak adventure or walk in the woods where I pick raspberries, eating them faster than I can fill my small bucket. At the end of the day, I remove the fishing rod that I used as a little girl off the wall, grab the leeches from the refrigerator and head out in the old Lund fishing boat. With several tugs on the original 10 horse motor, I usually get it started. I hit the throttle and journey out to my "honey hole", my old fishing hot spot. I dip my fingers into the plastic container and remove the juiciest leech and watch it squirm as I put it on the hook, spit on my line and release the bale on my reel. As I do, I am convinced that today will be the day I catch "Walter" the pet name of the coveted largest walleye on the Steamboat Lake. Most evenings I have thrown a handful of pan fish, maybe a small walleye and northern back deciding the effort of cleaning them was too big a job to tackle. As always, I make a mental note to self; "have my husband show me how to properly clean a fish."

As the day is near completion and darkness sets in, I go to the familiar place, The "Love Swing". I remove the long hand carved stick that leans against the tall pine and stoke the coals. I discern the possibility of strong winds and most often throw another large log on sure to get the fire through the night. I sit, gaze into the fire, reminisce and rehash the day in my mind. I admire the accomplishments of the day and end with prayers of gratitude. I cup my hands together, interlocking my fingers, draw them to my mouth, softly pushing air between them as I bid good night to the loons.

Opening the windows, I crawl into my childhood bed, smell the fire and listen to the night sounds. As I drift off into the best sleep of the summer, I am reminded that my cup of life runneth over.

Questions to Ponder?

Where is your sacred spot when you need to fill your cup and rejuvenate your soul?

Do you take time to replenish your cup? If not, why not?

Do you take time to dream about how you see your life unfolding?

Do know how to take the next steps from visioning to creating a life plan?

Do you know where to find the resources to move from vision to creation?

Are you the architect of your own life or are you part of someone else's blueprint?

For more information on life planning and creating a life by design, contact Renee at renee@reneerongen.com.

Does your next event need the WOW factor? Are you looking for a hilarious keynote speaker with a powerful message? If so, Renee Rongen is your speaker. She has spoken to thousands across the United States and abroad empowering them with her signature strategies for living their best lives NOW! Renee's messages transcend genders and generations. From board rooms to kindergarten class rooms, audiences are found laughing hysterically as she teaches them to live life from the inside out.

Renee's business is 95% repeat or referral based. This simply put means that clients are thrilled with the content, delivery and end results. Clients know that Renee offers 9 different programs, however each presentation is tailored to meet and exceed their needs. Renee is well known in the industry for her client and organizational research. Her pre conference due diligence is why she hits a home run with her audiences every time.

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Life's Your Legacy...LIVE IT! - No Fail strategies for stopping the rat race, prioritizing and living your best life NOW!

RX: Prescription for Success

Walking the Tight Rope is a Spectator Sport: 8 key strategies for family, work, life balance

News Flash! You are the Customer Service Department: 7 strategies for retaining and gaining customers

Caring for the Caregiver: Are you on the To Do List?

High Tea At 103: Life lessons from a centurion

Success To Significance: Made for More

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Who is the Architect of Your Life?

For more information on the programs above, cut and paste the link to your web browser http://www.reneerongen.com/pages/Programs/ or feel free to contact Renee Rongen and her staff to discuss your program needs. They would be delighted to hear from you and will answer any questions you may have.

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Life's Your Legacy...LIVE IT!

Renee Rongen is an inspirational and humorist keynote speaker, author and successful entrepreneur. She engages and inspires audiences to become architects of their own lives.

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