Issue # 19 September 2004

Dear Impish one,
You are the reason for this newsletter. I'm dedicated to
supporting the "imp" in you - especially, this month, your
Incredible Magnificent Potential.

You're receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to it,
you're a member of "The Imp Community" online, or a friend
passed it on. Sign up or unsubscribe at the end.

A special welcome to new subscribers! Earlier editions are
archived: http://www.theimpjournal.com/archives/

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1. Feature Article: An Unexpected Trip Down Memory Lane
2. Coaching Q&A: Could This Question be From YOU?
3. News, Comments, Success Stories, Winners
4. Inspirational Message to Ponder

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1. Feature Article: An Unexpected Trip Down Memory Lane

Last week my office got the most thorough tidying, sorting of
'stuff' and cleaning that it has had in months. (In preparation
for billeting two choir members over Saturday night. One slept
on the futon in the office.)

I came across a little envelope with "Daily Check Cards" printed
on it. Cards I had typed up when I was 19. I paused in my cleaning,
sat down and reread them. I was transported back to a time
when I was very shy, unsure of myself and determined to make
changes!

Two books that helped me so much as a teen were "The Power of
Positive Thinking" by Norman Vincent Peale and "How to Win
Friends and Influence People" by Dale Carnegie. The information
I wrote on the cards, and am about to share, must have come from
those books.

Some of the language seems 'quaint' now but the ideas are still
worth acting on. Which ones appeal to you?

The cards read:
#1 Force yourself to act enthusiastic and you'll become
enthusiastic. "Make a high and holy resolve that you will double
the amount of enthusiasm that you have been putting into your
work and into your life." How to begin? "To become enthusiastic,
act enthusiastic!"

#2 Important things to do concerning other people:
General:
Take a real interest in people; don't become set in your own
opinions.
Live at peace with others, live in harmony.
Show warmth; show willingness to let the other person have the
credit. Don't cherish exaggerated ideas of yourself or your
importance, but try to have a sane estimate of your capabilities.
Share the happiness of those who are happy and the sorrow of
those who are sad.

Specific:
Have the courage to apologize to D.C. Don't act snobbish
toward R.R. and B.M.

#3 Sincerity "Use no harmful deceit; think innocently and justly,
and if you speak, speak accordingly." "I will speak ill of no man
- and speak all the good I know of everybody."
Deserve Confidence: do you believe it, not will the other
person believe it?

#4 Appreciation and Praise
"If you would win a man to your cause, first convince him that
you are his sincere friend..." Lincoln
If anyone has inspired you, or helped you in any way, don't keep
it a secret. Tell him about it. Be a good listener.

#5 Smile!
If you want to be welcome everywhere, give every living soul you
meet an honest-to-goodness smile, from down deep inside.
When you are scared, admit it!

#6 Courage is not the absence of fear, it is the conquest of it.
Also, Tranquility - be not disturbed at trifles or at accidents
common or unavoidable.

Included with the cards was a piece of paper on which I had hand
written, "I cannot talk clearly. I do not stand up straight. My
face never has an interesting expression. Plan a definite
program to overcome inferiority." with a list of 10 to-do's.

1. Improve appearance.
2. Improve my speech.
3. Speak first, instead of waiting for others.
4. Express your gratitude to those who serve you.
5. Let people know you like them and are interested in what they
are doing.
6. Pay compliments when they are due.
7. Accept responsibility for leadership when asked to.
8. Be more interested in others than in yourself.
9. Invite people to lunch, a movie or home.
10. Read at least one good newspaper daily.

What an example of my Incredible Magnificent Potential yearning
to be expressed. How is your potential yearning to be expressed?
It is never too late to discover and take action.

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2.Coaching Q&A: Could This Question be From YOU?

Question:
"Even just thinking about using my potential is frustrating!
How can I get help?"

Answer:
Do you experience 'pressure to perform' as very stressful?
Do you feel like you are not using your talents and gifts?
Or do you feel stuck (knowing you 'should' do better)?

There is nothing 'wrong' with you that needs 'fixing'!
You do need encouragement, validation and support.

Your 'people' environment has a powerful effect on you. Do
others seem threatened by your uniqueness? Do you play dumb
to fit in with your friends?

Seek out people who share your interests and enthusiasm and by
whom you can feel validated. Who do you know that is willing to
be your 'encourager'? Who's willing to genuinely listen to you?

There is a presentation that explores how to understand your-
self more fully and your motivation, or lack of motivation, for
doing things. It delves into 25 things that Thomas Leonard,
founder of CoachVille, felt greatly affect what we do and don't
do as humans. Coachville is offering this as a free resource to
its members. Join Coachville (no cost) and get the PowerPoint.
Coachville is for anyone wanting to grow. You do not need to be
a Coach. (You do play a coaching role in the lives of others.)
http://www.cvcommunity.com/utility/showProduct/index.cfm?objectID=144&af=1246

You can also find a Personal Coach through Coachville. When I
first looked for a Coach, I e-mailed 10 Coaches describing the
type of support I wanted. From their responses, I narrowed it
down to 3 that I had a free introductory session with and
then chose one.

A Personal Coach provides validation, encouragement and an
empathetic ear; challenges and supports you in taking risks in
expressing your talents and living authentically (marching to
your own drummer).

There is a wonderful book, "Wishcraft" by Barbara Sher,
available free to download at http://www.wishcraft.com 
It provides many practical strategies to help you realize your
potential and find the necessary support.

In my Starting Life Over program, participants have the option
of requesting a "Coaching Buddy". Guidelines for listening and
supporting each other are provided. Until September 30th the
Course is only $69.95, a savings of $80. A great way to 'jump-
start' your Incredible Magnificent Potential.
http://www.StartingLifeOver.com

When your question is answered in this column, you'll
receive a complimentary 40-minute coaching session. (Only
expense is your long distance phone charge.)
What challenges are you facing on your journey to greater
self-empowerment? Go ahead! Click here:

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3.News, Comments, Success Stories, Winners

I love meeting people with an impish spirit. Recently that has
been Lou Milner at the stall next to mine at the Comox Valley
Craft Market on Saturday mornings. (As well as the Imp Journal,
I've been selling Imp notecards, t-shirts, Inspirational Memories
Packets and Imp playclay.)

Lou was selling her rain hats. See http://www.islandrainhats.com 
A multi-talented lady, Lou is also a writer with a great sense of
humor. Check out http://www.loumilner.com 

The opportunity to win an 'Imagine Magnificent Possibilities' Imp
t-shirt is happening again. You are eligible if you request Imp
game cards and mark your location on the guest map. Fun!
http://www.theimpjournal.com/where-in-world.htm
New members to "The Imp Community" are also eligible.
http://www.theimpjournal.com/membership.htm 
One t-shirt a month will go to an Imp. Could it be you?

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4.Inspirational Message to Ponder

Four quotes this month! The Imp encourages you to write the most
relevant one on a card, read it regularly, and then journal about
your thoughts, insights, feelings and, especially, ACTIONS.

"Man's main task in life is to give birth to himself, to become
what he potentially is." Erich Fromm (1900 - 1980)

"It seems to me that people have vast potential. Most people can
do extraordinary things if they have the confidence or take the
risks. Yet most people don't. They sit in front of the telly and
treat life as if it goes on forever." Philip Adams

"It is the creative potential itself in human beings that is the
image of God." Mary Daly

"When we treat man as he is, we make him worse than he is; when
we treat him as if he already were what he potentially could be,
we make him what he should be." Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
German dramatist, novelist, poet, & scientist (1749 - 1832)

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Please share this "IMPressions" newsletter with your friends.
Just hit the forward button on your e-mail program...

Look for your next newsletter in mid-October.
Warmly, "The Imp and I", Beverley ;-)

P.S. The Imp would love to know how this newsletter has made a
positive difference in your life. Reader comments are always
welcomed. A complimentary set of whimsical Imp notecards is yours
for doing so. Go ahead! Send to:

Warmly, "The Imp and I", Beverley ;-)

Beverley Howden, M.Ed.
"The Imp Lady"
Author, Speaker,
Personal Empowerment Facilitator,

1-250-897-0992

 

The Imp is the delight of my life starting over in 1993.
My other website is www.StartingLifeOver.com

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