Issue # 10, December, 2003

Dear Impish one,
You are the reason for this newsletter. I'm dedicated to
supporting the "imp" in you - your Inner Magnificent
Potential; your Incredible Mental Powers and your
Inspiring, Magical, Playful inner child.

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 un^subscribe at the end.

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

============================================================

1. Feature Article: "Finding Joy"
2. Coaching Q&A:
3. News, Comments, Success Stories, Winners
4. Inspirational Message to Ponder

============================================================

1. Feature Article: "Finding Joy"

"It'll never be the same as Christmases I remember," said my
friend Loresah. Her parents and her husband's parents had passed
away. The children were grown up and gone. "Just the two of us",
she continued, "we need to be finding joy in what is there now."

Her comment sent me on a trip down memory lane. When my children
were toddlers, I started the tradition of baking gingerbread
cookies together - bells, trees, stars, and 'people'.
You'll find the gingerbread recipe at
http://www.theimpjournal.com/play.htm

When my son was in his late teens, rather than exchanging gifts,
we started a tradition of shopping together for toys to donate for
Christmas hampers. For many Christmases, my older sister's family
and mine enjoyed live theatre together.

Like Loresah, my children are grown up and gone from home. Those
traditions have not happened for a long time. My challenge, too,
is "finding joy in what is there now."

I live alone. This is the first year I've ever struggled with what
to do for Christmas. I've had Christmas Eve open houses for
Singles. I've sung in choirs. I've gone out of town to visit
friends or family. I've arranged Christmas dinners.

Until now, I used to think, "Just take the initiative and DO
something!"

That is still good advice and yet...

I now understand why many people find the Christmas season
difficult.

As I write this, I realize I need to let myself be open to the
true peace, love and joy of the season. It is an inner experience
not something found in the outer world with its pressures and
expectations.

This year rather than actively 'making' things happen, I'll
'let go' and let whatever happens be not just 'OK' but joyful.

In other words, I take full responsibility for how I think and
feel!

What expectations do you hold of how things 'should' be? Do you
strive for perfection? The perfect gift for someone on your list?
The perfect Christmas dinner with all the trimmings?

Do you have the courage to be IMPerfect?

Will you take time this festive (or frantic?) season to relax? Let
go of shoulds? Appreciate the people in your life while they are
still there? Rekindle a child-like sense of awe?

Will you be gentle with yourself if you do none of the above?

Whatever your Faith, dear reader, may you be blessed with Peace,
Love and Joy.

============================================================

2. Coaching Q&A:
Feeling stuck? Grappling with some issue? Ask for Bev's
perspective. A wider perspective means more options. When
your question is answered in this column, you'll receive a set of
whimsical Imp notecards. Last month a question from Anne T. of
Alberta was answered.

Go ahead!
(Your first name and last initial are used.)
What challenge are you facing on your journey to greater
self-empowerment?

============================================================

3.News, Comments, Success Stories, Winners

"Imagine Magnificent Possibilities" is the Imp slogan. These
words are also indirectly behind my 'Starting Life Over' program.

So I'm delighted to share with you Gail Lewis' story. When Gail
joined my 'Starting Life Over' pilot program last July, she
had "a severe crisis of confidence" and was feeling "helpless,
desperate and out of options".

Gail says, "Thanks to 'Starting Life Over', I am now back on
track, making progress and looking forward to the new adventure
ahead of me as I re-invent myself."

Her new adventure is Snazzi Plus - a consignment store for
women's clothing, sizes 14 and up. Gail expects to be open in
mid-January in downtown Courtenay, B.C. and is accepting items
now. If you are in the area and interested, call her at 703-6964.

"Starting Life Over" special offer. Limited to 10 people. Full
12-week e-mail program for only $40 CDN if you sign up by
December 23,2003. First segment e-mailed to you Jan. 5th.

January 1, 2004 is the target date to be online at
http://www.StartingLifeOver.com  Online special until Jan.31,
2004 will be $49.95US. Regular price is $149.95US.

A gift to yourself for a "New Year, New You". Act now!
Simply send your cheque for $40 (in Canada) or a Money Order in
Canadian funds, payable to Beverley Howden, and mail to
#155 2401 Cliffe Ave., Courtenay, B.C. Canada V9N 2L5. Include
e-mail address and phone number, (print clearly!) Then e-mail me
and let me know your payment is on its way.

The Imp Journal also makes a great gift to yourself for a "New
Year, New You". You can buy online (only $19.95US includes
shipping and handling in USA and Canada.)
http://www.theimpjournal.com/order-journal.htm 

In B.C., it is available for $26.95CDN at these fine stores:
http://www.theimpjournal.com/popups/where-to-buy.htm

Realtor Buz Kiefer, a subscriber from California, comments
"I really enjoy your newsletter and the links...very informative
and thought provoking. They help me have better days..." If you
just happen to be starting life over in his territory, his
website is http://www.BuzKiefer.com

Ernalee Alde from Powell River, B.C. writes, "You have brought
many smiles, laughs, joy and 'aha' moments into my life. I am
asking for the Imp Journal for Christmas and recommending it
to my friends."

Ernalee is a GeoTran Practitioner/Instructor. I will be learning
more about 'geotran' from her. It seems very compatible with
"The Imp" approach to creating a fuller life. Curious? check out
http://www.geotran.com 

These 'bouquets' are wonderful, of course. And to help me
IMProve - 'beefs' are welcome, too. I'd love to hear from YOU!


November's t-shirt winner is "Emjay" from Blackheath, London,
England. Yes, an Imp game card found its way there. "Emjay"
writes, "I tried to send the Imp to Wales last week on an inter-
city train but he stubbornly stayed in my pocket. Next time I'm
at Waterloo I'll try to get him on the Eurostar to Paris!"
Thanks, Emjay!

The 'game' is to not get caught leaving 'The Imp and I were here'
cards somewhere for someone else to find. The cards are getting
around the world! Check the guest map, read the comments and
join the game by requesting cards. You could be a winner.
http://www.theimpjournal.com/where-in-world.htm

============================================================

4.Inspirational Message to Ponder
If this quote resonates with you, The Imp encourages you to write
it on a card, read it regularly, and then journal about your
thoughts, insights, feelings and, especially, actions.

"There is no ideal Christmas; only the one Christmas you
decide to make a reflection of your values, desires, affections,
traditions."

Bill McKibben, Author - Hundred Dollar Holiday: The
Case for a More Joyful Christmas.

I came across this book after I'd written the above article!

============================================================

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

==================================

To subscribe,

To unsubscribe,