Issue #57, December 2007

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

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

"We wish you a soul-satisfying holiday season, however
you celebrate it," chimes in The Imp.

Are you this month's totebag winner? Check Part 3.

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1. Feature Article: What is Your Gift to the World?
2. Coaching Q&A: Embracing Courage, Embracing Change
3. News, Comments, Success Stories, Winners
4. Inspirational Message to Ponder

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1. Feature Article: What is Your Gift to the World?

A friend sent me an email about a guy, an individual like many:
Questioning his existence, measuring himself against others, never
believing in his own abilities or his worth ... wondering if
success is even possible for him.

Then one day, his passion outgrew his fears as he stepped onto a
stage, a stage that took him to a place beyond his self imposed
prison.

The link below, which is for a video of that initial performance,
no longer brings up the video on my computer. I don't know whether
that is because of recent upgrades to my Windows XP blocking it,
or whether it has been taken down. See if it works for you.

http://www.maniacworld.com/Phone-Salesman-Amazes-Crowd.html

The man is Paul Potts, now an opera singer. His album was released
on July 16, 2007. It has made over 250,000 sales around the world.
Paul is now a multi-millionaire, adored by fans and living his most
impossible dream.

Soon after I watched Paul's performance for the first time, I
thought of the article, "Squishy, Squishy" that I'd written in
February 2006. http://www.theimpjournal.com/archives/issue-36.htm

It's about being squelched. The Singer in me is re-awakening.
For many years I've loved Franz Schubert's "Ave Maria". The words,
however, hold little meaning. A long-time goal has been to write
my own words which I did this year and sang Acapella as a
meditation hymn at North Island Unity Church on September 16th.

I've had requests for a recording. Now it takes only a few minutes
to sing. That makes a pretty short recording. What I've since felt
called to do is to write a guided meditation that includes the
song. Last week I wrote the meditation.

I searched, without results, to find out if I am required to pay
royalties, and if so, to whom? One suggestion has been to change
the tune slightly. I have mixed feelings about doing that. Those
mixed feelings are saying, wait... There have been other reasons
for the delay, too. I had hoped to have the recording ready by now
to offer to you as a Christmas gift. In 2008 the recording of
"Oh Blessed Spirit - a Guided Meditation" will become a reality.

What is your gift to the world? Maybe you haven't a clue! Maybe
you think other people have a unique gift but you don't...

You do!

How do you figure out what it is? "And," says The Imp, "I think
you may have more than one gift to share with the world!"

I will lead a group through a process of discovery if a minimum
of six people are interested. If this resonates with you, e-
mail me  with "gift to the world" in the
subject line.

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2.Coaching Q&A: Embracing Courage, Embracing Change

Sometimes a title comes to me that I like before I even have a
clue what I'm going to write about! That is the case here.

But let me backtrack a little.

Since my husband had a heart attack last June, I have made no
effort to get coaching clients. And no one sent in a question to
be answered in this column.

Last month I was grateful to Linda Hamilton for permission to
reprint a Q&A from a column she writes.

This month I made a request to another Coach (whose focus is
courage) and she declined because she works with groups and no
longer coaches 1-to-1.

I wanted a Q&A about courage because to offer one's gift to
the world takes courage!

"Courage" is the root word of both encourage and discourage.

Are you in a supportive, encouraging environment? Or in very
discouraging circumstances? To muster more courage, learn to
let go of fears and worry. You have all you need within you
(linked to a Divine Source) for courage to emerge. And seeking
out positive, encouraging people to be around helps, too!

I came across a free e-book, "Confidence and Courage Tips...
To Help You Realize Your Dream". If you would like me to send
it to you, e-mail me with "Courage Tips e-book" in the subject
line.

I've often mentioned Barbara Sher's book, "Wishcraft". It's
downloadable for free from http://www.wishcraft.com/

The "gift to the world" discovery group (mentioned in the feature
article) will use Barbara Sher's book as one of our resources.

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! E-mail me your question:
with "Coaching Question" in the subject line.

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

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

Next month look for a new feature here in Part 3, "Introducing
Member Profiles". This is an opportunity for you to tell us a
little about yourself - name, where from, career or family and
answers to such questions as:

What is IMPortant to you? What are your Interests? Motivation?
Passion? What is an Inner Magnificent Part of you yearning to
express? (This is one way of putting it out to the Universe!)

Send me an email with "Member Profile" in the subject line.

Oh, feel free to include an URL of your own website, if you have
one, or the website of any cause you are passionate about and
support.

Gina Forsyth, a long time subscriber, recently emailed me about a
journaling conference. She plans to be there. If you would like to
deepen your journal writing experience, this is a unique
opportunity. Journal Conference 2008 is from June 18th to 21st in
Lakewood, Colorado.
For details go to http://www.journaltherapy.com
Thanks, Gina!

The Christmas holiday season is very stressful for many people.
Resilience Expert, Michael Licenblat has an e-book, "7 Ways to Prevent
Yourself becoming...Stressed-out, Overworked & Run Down".
If you would like a copy of it email me with "7 Ways" in the
subject line and I'll send it to you.

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 2 months as a new subscriber.

3. 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

This month's totebag winner is Linda Parker who purchased The Imp
Journal. I encourage you to check out her website at
http://www.goodvibrationsenergy.com

In 2008 the monthly prize will be The Imp's wee 'dreams to reality'
pillow (using The Law of Attraction). Includes a booklet on how
to use your pillow.

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4. Inspirational Messages to Ponder

Not limited to just one this month!

"Courage is not the towering oak that sees storms come and go;
it is the fragile blossom that opens in the snow."
- Alice Mackenzie  Swaim

"Courage is acting in spite of fear." - Howard Hunter

"It is not because things are difficult that we do not dare;
it is because we do not dare that things are difficult."
- Seneca

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

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I mention a lot of great books. If you are interested in having
a copy for yourself, just use my direct quick-link to Amazon:
http://www.theimpjournal.com/gotoAmazon

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Who do you know that would enjoy this issue of "IMPressions"?
Just hit the forward button on your e-mail program...

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

Beverley Howden, M.Ed.
"The Imp Lady"
Author, Speaker, Personal Empowerment Facilitator
1-250-897-0992

The Imp, the delight of my life, came to me during the bleakest
period of my life. If you're rebuilding your life or reinventing
who you are, check out my other website
http://www.StartingLifeOver.com

Facing health challenges?
Life too stressful?
Concerned about the environment?
Seeking a deeper spirituality?
Explore a comprehensive program that will alleviate concerns and
offer dramatic answers.
It's so much in line with all "The Imp" stands for!
http://www.consciousplanet.net/theImpLady