Issue # 36, February, 2006

Dear Impish one,
You are the reason for this newsletter. I'm dedicated to
supporting the "imp" in you - especially this month your Inner
Music, your Passion. (Don't leave this world with your song
unsung.)

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: Squishy, Squishy!
2. Coaching Q&A: How Will I Ever Find The Time?
3. News, Comments, Success Stories, Winners
4. Inspirational Message to Ponder

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1. Feature Article: Squishy, Squishy!

Last Saturday night, my husband Wray and I attended a concert
by local singer/songwriter Joanna Finch. It was a special
concert to kick off the tour for her recently released CD,
"In the Arms of Morpheus".

Joanna's songs are sensuous. She even sings about slugs and toads
in a way that is sensuous (and fun!). Squishy, squishy!

As well as her CD being for sale, so were glass slugs!

At one point that evening, I could see myself in Joanna's place.
"What if" I'd become a Singer (with a capital 'S')? I love to sing
and have written several songs.

Squishy, squishy... Squelched!

My thoughts went back to the shy, inhibited teenage Bev.
The Bev with an older outgoing, flamboyant sister.
The sister who was a Singer.
I grew up feeling "eclipsed" by her so I chose a different path.

How many alternate lives might we all have lived?

In what areas of your life were you squelched?
What different paths might you have taken?

One of the themes in The Imp Journal is "Re-Inventing My Past".
One of the steps is about 'unsquelching'.

Another theme is "Investigate Many Pathways". There I suggest
that you imagine three of you - each with a different lifestyle.
How is it possible to bring something of these other lives into
your life right now?

Is there a long forgotten dream ready to awaken? A talent to
start expressing? The Imp says, "Go for it!"

Squishy, squishy...oo-oo-oh!

Are you ready 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/

For more information about Joanna, her CD and tour check out
http://www.joannafinch.com

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2. Coaching Q&A: How Will I Ever Find The Time?

“I’m too busy! Too many demands on my time. How Will I ever find
time for myself?" Noelle.

Dear Noelle, Under those words, what are you feeling? Pressured? Overwhelmed?
Stressed out? Are they caused by difficulty saying, “No"? Does
saying "No" bring up feelings of guilt? Or does it bring up fears?
That others will think you are uncaring? Or lazy?

And what feelings are there after you’ve said "Yes"? Resentment?
Dread? The pressure, the overwhelm?

Do you respond to demands/requests with an automatic ,"Yes"?
Next time, pause. Check in with you own feelings. Does it feel like
a sacrifice? A burden? A ‘should’? Or would you genuinely be glad
to do it?

Are you ready to take responsibility for your own wants, needs and
feelings? To make them known to others in a way that is respectful
of both your needs and theirs? Treating yourself with respect while
respecting others is assertiveness.

Imagine a line drawn between you and another. Aggressive behaviour
is when one steps over the line and dominates. Passive behaviour is
when you let the other step over the line and treat you disrespect-
fully. Assertiveness is stepping right up to the line and holding
firm. You protect your needs and at the same time respect the other.

An excellent book to learn assertive behaviour is "Coping Through
Assertiveness" by Rhoda McFarland. It is written for teens but is
valuable at any age.

Here are a few suggestions for saying, "No" from an article by
Ramona Creel of http://www.OnlineOrganizing.com

“I have another commitment" (So you are not available).
“I’m in the middle of several projects and can’t spare the time."
“I’ve had a few things come up and need to deal with them first."
“I’m really focussing more on my personal and family life right now."
or “I’m really focussing on my career right now."
“I’m committed to leaving some time for myself in my schedule".
You may want to use that last statement as an affirmation.
(Make an appointment with yourself!)

If you would like Ramona’s complete list, email me and request it.
I will send it as a Word document attachment.

Dear Noelle, "The Imp" chuckled and pointed out that the solution is
part of your name!

We do not “find" time, we “make" time.
How are you at setting priorities?
There is a difference between urgency and importance.
What can you delegate?

My favorite book on time management is "Time Management for
Unmanageable People" by Dr. Ann McGee-Cooper and Duane Trammell.

I'd also encourage you, Noelle, to read (and act on!) the book "The
Self-Nourishment Companion: 52 Inspiring Ways to take Care of
Yourself" by Matthew McKay, Ph.D., Catharine Sutker and Kristin Beck.

In the e-book I’m presently writing, “From Dreaming to Doing:
A Women’s Guide to Living a Life of Inspiration, Magic and Passion",
I have a chapter on “Making Time".

When that chapter is completed, I will be looking for several people
to read it and provide feedback. In return for the feedback, you will
receive a f-r-ee copy of the e-book (as a PDF file) when completed.
Email me if you are interested.

What challenges are you facing on your journey to greater self-
empowerment? When your question is answered in this column, you'll
receive a complimentary 40-minute coaching session by phone or
a set of whimsical imp notecards.

Client names are changed to protect identity and maintain
confidentiality. Go ahead! send your questions to:

Your question will be answered promptly.
No waiting until the next newsletter.

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3.News, Comments, Success Stories, Winners

Joanna Finch is a woman with the courage to live her dream! Are you
living your dream? If not, what is getting in the way?

I'm still seeking a few more women to interview who feel that their
dream is out of reach. The book I'm writing addresses how to get
past a number of barriers.

If you would like to be included, I have a questionnaire for you to
complete and then, for some, a telephone interview. As well, I may
ask you to review a specific chapter after it is written to provide
me with specific feedback. Each woman who participates will receive
a f-r-ee copy of the e-book when it is completed.

This month's totebag w-inner is new subscriber,Eva Kennedy of
Courtenay, B.C. Eva is the Proprietor of a charming downtown shop,
The Soap Box and Hemp Store. Lovely natural products. She was
delighted to receive the bag.

There are 3 ways to win a "Live a Life of Inspiration, Magic and
Passion" tote bag.
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 you can do when you purchase The Imp Journal:
Guided Journal Writing for Personal Empowerment, Vol.1

Did you know The Imp Journal provides a step-by-step plan for
personal growth with 23 weekly themes? And online bonuses!
http://www.theimpjournal.com/order-journal.htm

It was very heart-warming to get the following response in an
email from Cathy Riopelle of Gold River, B.C. She took The Imp's
Quick Quiz and received a complimentary 40 minute coaching session.
http://www.theimpjournal.com/quick-quiz/

"Dear Bev,
I just want to thank you for your wise interpretation and consequent
advice that you gave me during out phone conversation. That A-ha
moment allowed me to recognize a whole series of awarenesses and past
beliefs that I had been carrying around that ultimately ended up a
huge, cleansing ceremony for me during my afternoon meditation."

Even though I know that work still needs to be done I feel more
empowered by your recognition that my past beliefs and what I was
attracting had been crippling my forward motion. I really think you
awoke messages that Spirit had been trying to tell me, and I just
wasn't listening."

I can never thank you enough for being that voice of wisdom and
saving me possibly months or years more of grief."
Colourful blessings, Cathy

Thank you so much, Cathy, for sharing.

I also wish to thank Cathy for taking the time for an interview.
Many insights from her will be incorporated into my e-book.

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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.

It is our choices...that show what we truly are, far more than
our abilities.
J. K. Rowling, Harry Potter and The Chamber of Secrets, 1999

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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

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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