Dear Impish one,

 

You are the reason for this newsletter. I'm dedicated to
supporting the "imp" in you - especially this month the part 
of you that offers gifts that are Inspirational, Memorable
and/or Protect our beautiful planet.

 

Oops! The Imp is elbowing me with an IMPortant message. "So what!"
he says, "Do readers really care what's in this newsletter?"

 

So what? The Imp is asking you to notice: when you're reading this
newsletter, what are you thinking to yourself?

 

Any "so what"s?

 

If you read anything that doesn't hold value for you - if you find
yourself thinking "So what?", please let us know.

 

The Imp is insistent, saying, "Bev, ask readers to emphatically
write, "What I REALLY want from you, Imp Lady, is......."

 

Go ahead! Email so-what@theimpjournal.com and you may win one
month's free coaching! Help us IMProve!

 

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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Do spiritual things matter? Do you want to share inspiration and
joy with others?

 

I remember words to an old song, "Memories are made of this". Do
you enjoy creating special events that become treasured memories?

 

Do you value the environment and non-renewable resources? Human
rights? Justice? Fair trade?

 

Gift giving occasions, such as Christmas, are a great time to
support organizations and people whose values are in line with
yours and reflected in questions like the ones above.

 

So here is "The Imp's Suggestion List" for starters:

 

I = Inspiration:
The works of Eckhart Tolle include a workbook to accompany his
original Power of Now book, an inspiration card deck and audio
products.
The Spirit Matters by Michael Lerner,
Joy:The Happiness That Comes From Within by Osho.
These Are The Gifts I'd Like to Give to You: a Sourcebook of Joy
and Encouragement by Douglas Pagels.

 

M = Memories:
Tickets to a special event such as a hockey or baseball game; the
ballet or theater; whale-watching; a trip to 'The Old Country'.
1001 Ways To Be Romantic by Gregory J.P. Godek.
Let's Celebrate: Creating New Family Traditions
by Susan Abel Lieberman.
Little Things Long Remembered: Making Your Children Feel Special
Every Day by Susan Newman.

 

P = People and the Planet's well-being:
http://www.tenthousandvillages.com has fairly traded handicrafts
from around the world. Or support local arts and crafts people,
especially those who are environmentally aware. Some create art
from recycled materials.

 

Or have fun creating something of value  from recycled materials
yourself! I remember, when my daughter was 11, taking several
pairs of her old socks, using the sections from the ankle to knee
and  making a 'snake' which I stuffed with clean old pantyhose. This
was a gift for her baby cousin, Michelle. Michelle now has a baby of
her own and that snake is still a much beloved family member!

 

Reduce the use of paper and plastic. Cloth napkins, cloth gift
wrapping bags, a slim carry-everywhere mug, an old-fashioned
beautiful hankie.

 

Treat new parents to a Diaper Service using cotton diapers. The
mountainous use of disposable diapers is appalling...

 

Once, from a magazine, I clipped out a list of "Gifts for a living
planet" compiled by the Worldwide Home Environmentalists Network.
I did a search for this organization and it appears they don't have a
website of their own but I found many references to them. Here are a
few suggestions from their list:

 

A sack of wildflower seeds to sprinkle in the Spring, a handmade
basket of organic fruit, a wooden clothes-drying tree, a gift
certificate from a garden shop, an afghan, walking shoes, a cloth or
metal coffee filter with organically grown coffee, outdoor equipment
with which to venture into and enjoy the wilderness.

 

Make donations to charities tailored to individuals on your gift list.
For example, for pet lovers, the SPCA shelter.

 

"Whatever your Faith," pipes up The Imp, "May your gift giving be
a time of connection and joy!"

 

If you experience the 'festive' season as stressful, consider the ideas
in the book, Unplug the Christmas Machine: A Complete Guide to Putting
Love and Joy Back into the Season by Jo Robinson and Jean C. Staeheli.

 

Talking about unplugging, you might also be interested in
Unplug! 101 Ways to Pull Your Kids Away from Television
by Wanda Kanten Hartfield.

 

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My client, Penny, recently discussed how unexpectedly stressful
it was settling into a new job. One unexpected stressor was having
to learn to use a Mac computer. She'd get so frustrated!

 

We explored Penny's 'learning history'. Growing up with Attention
Deficit Disorder (ADD) meant she had memories of many negative
learning experiences. We scheduled a coaching session just to
focus on getting into 'learning mode'.

 

1. First we explored the role of feelings. Feelings play a far
stronger role in learning than many people realize. Feelings
developed during school years, long ago, can block learning today.
Anxieties get triggered. You can change your feelings! Use positive
emotions to help learning - recall memories of positive learning
experiences. Penny remembered a kind elderly neighbour who taught her
how to fish. The important thing is to re-experience the FEELINGS.

 

2. Pay attention to physiological conditions - light, temperature,
posture, hunger and whether you are wide awake or groggy/sleepy. 
Drink water!

 

3. To get into 'learning mode', you want to get into 'flow'.
‘Flow’ is absolute absorption in an activity. Some how-to's:

 

a) Use relaxation techniques just before starting a learning activity.

 

b) Tap into your inner learner - recall a time learning went well.
Key point: HOW IT FELT.

 

c) Use a learning affirmation. Examples:
I find each step in my learning enjoyable.
I enjoy adding to my knowledge and understanding.
The more I learn, the more exciting it gets.

 

d) Invoke the muse: (Use 1 or more or all.)

 

Invocation 1: Fall in Love
When you tackle any new topic, think of the first, get-acquainted phase
as one of discovery and delight.

 

Invocation 2. Stir your soul
Refresh your awareness of the enormous potential of your mind.  (Your
brain is constantly growing new cells and connections!)

 

Invocation 3: Use your experience
You have an immense data base for learning to help you cope with
current problems. Locate lessons learned that apply to the present.

 

Invocation 4: Energize your brain
'Brain Gym' exercises help here.
Also be alert to signs of fatigue, tension or irritation. Stop!
Attend to them, then get back into the learning process.

 

4. Learning style - One aspect is to know your peak and valley
times for learning. Arrange your schedule when possible to be ‘up’
for learning. Shut down before you run out of gas. Valleys- relax or
do routine work.

 

Resources that can help you learn more effectively:
The above strategies are from the book Peak Learning by Ronald Gross.
Another great book is Learning to Learn by D. Trinidad Hunt.

 

For relaxation techniques, The Relaxation and Stress Reduction
Workbook by Martha Davis, Matthew McKay and Elizabeth Robbins Eshelman.

 

'Brain Gym' physical activities are designed to IMProve learning abilities.
http://www.braingym.org

 

For Learning Style resources check out
http://www.creativelearningcentre.com

 

'Think Right Now' audio programs teach you actual thought processes,
attitudes and beliefs of people who are already the best at a number
of things. http://www.StartingLifeOver.com/-think-right-now.htm

 

I love the paraliminal tapes I bought about 10 years ago from
Learning Strategies Corporation. The series are now on CD not tape.
Check them out at http://www.learningstrategies.com

 

"Structure of Intellect" (SOI) materials are based on a proven
theory of human intelligence and are equally useful for the
learning disabled and the gifted. http://www.soisystems.com

 

I invite your questions for this column. What challenges are you
facing on your journey to greater self-empowerment? When your
question is used, you'll receive your choice of a complimentary
40-minute coaching session by phone or a set of whimsical Imp
note cards.

 

Client names are changed to maintain confidentiality.
Go ahead! Send your question to: QandA@theimpjournal.com
Your question will be answered promptly. No waiting to read it
in the next issue.

 

Do you really have what it takes to live a life of Inspiration,
Magic and Passion? To find out, take The Imp's Quick Quiz and
apply for a complimentary 40-minute phone consultation.
http://www.theimpjournal.com/quick-quiz/

 

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3.News, Comments, Success Stories, Winners

 

This month's t-shirt winner is Shirley Cheng of Wappingers Falls,
New York. Shirley exemplifies the Imp spirit! Find out more about
this courageous, young blind woman at http://www.shirleycheng.com

 

Starting in January 2006, winners will receive an Imp tote
bag rather than a t-shirt. (One size for all!)

 

The new tote bag has not yet been designed. You are invited to be
part of that process! Suggest a slogan of three words using an I,
an M and a P. Those of you that have a copy of The Imp Journal may
also suggest a graphic. Which illustration from the book would you 
like to see on the tote bag? Just tell me the page number.

 

When your slogan and/or graphic is chosen, you'll win a tote bag.
There may be more than one winner. Please let me know your
suggestion(s) ASAP. Deadline November 30th.

 

The monthly winner is drawn from one of the following:
1. Request game cards and mark your location on The Imp's guest
map. It's fun! There's only one rule to this game - don't get
caught doing it!
http://www.theimpjournal.com/where-in-world.htm

 

2. During the first month as a new subscriber.

 

3. When you become a member of "The Imp Community" online,
which happens automatically when you purchase The Imp Journal:
Guided Journal Writing for Personal Empowerment, Volume 1.
http://www.theimpjournal.com/order-journal.htm

 

On November 10th I facilitated a 20-minute roundtable discussion at
the local Women's Business Network meeting ( http://www.cvwbn.org )
on "Five Keys to Successful Online Marketing". If you would like a
copy of the resource materials I provided, just email me.

 

Did you know the opportunity to share your experiences journaling
with "The Imp" is part of your online Imp Community? For those
that have the book, explore the online Forum and resources! The
Imp Journal is much more than just a book!

 

The day she received her book in the mail, new member Pam, emailed
me to express her disappointment with a lack of postings on the
Forum. Of course, I'm disappointed, too. I'd love to see a vibrant
interactive community where Imp Journalers are helping one another.
Do you have suggestions?

 

Or is this a "So what"? "Remember," chirps The Imp, "write: What I
REALLY want from you, Imp Lady, is......."

 

And what The Imp Lady would REALLY appreciate from you is feedback.
Help us IMProve! There is a set of whimsical Imp notecards for
you when you provide feedback or share a concern. And this month
you also have the opportunity to win a month's personal coaching!
Thanks, from the bottom of two hearts!

 

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4.Inspirational Message to Ponder

 

The Imp encourages you to write the quote on a card, read it
regularly, and then journal about your thoughts, insights,
feelings and, especially, actions.

 

"Can you give yourself permission now to be IMPerfect? When you
start to learn any new skill, it is worth doing it IMPerfectly.
As you continue, you IMProve."

 

"Yup!," The Imp says, "I bet you can guess where this quote came
from - The Imp Journal!" Order your very own copy at
http://www.theimpjournal.com/order-journal.htm

 

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I mention a lot of great books. Should you choose to purchase any
through Amazon, I'd appreciate you going through my affiliate
program. Thanks! http://www.theimpjournal.com/gotoAmazon

 

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The Imp would be delighted to have you share this "IMPressions"
newsletter with your friends. Just hit the forward button on your
e-mail program...

 

Look for your next newsletter in mid-December.

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

P.S. Remember to write:

"What I REALLY want from you, Imp Lady, is......."

and send it to so-what@theimpjournal.com

You could win one month's free coaching!