Issue # 3, May 2003

Dear Impish One,
You are the reason for this newsletter. We are dedicated
to supporting the Imp in you - Your Inner Magnificent Potential,
The Incredible, Magical, Passionate person you truly are!

You're receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to it or
you are a member of "The Imp Community" online.
http://www.theimpjournal.com/membership.htm 

Unsubscribe information is at the end.

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1. Feature Article: Overwhelming Elephants
2. Coaching Q&A - "What Motivates Me?"
3. News, comments, success stories, winners
4. Inspirational Message to Ponder

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1. Feature Article: Overwhelming Elephants
You've probably heard the riddle before, "How do you eat an
elephant?" One bite at a time. We can approach any project
"one bite at a time". It is IMPortant to see 'the big picture',
(the elephant). In fact, the big picture is our motivation to
keep going, but we need to tackle it one bite (byte?) at a time.

When I finished writing 'The Imp Journal', the myriad of details
involved in self-publishing for the first time, and in planning
the website, sometimes felt overwhelming. After several
immobilizing bouts of 'overwhelm' I learned to avoid the
feeling. How? By refocusing on the present "mouthful I was
chewing on". Then I was back enjoying the process.
I've also learned to take play-breaks. Why is this IMPortant?

Well, your 'imp' and mine is that Inner, Magical, Playful
inner child - the source of our creativity, joy, playfulness
and zest! If I lose my 'Imp', then I lose my most IMPortant
focus, the heart and soul of my work - sharing and expressing
joy, inspiration, passion and playfulness.

What does your 'imp' mean to you?

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2. Coaching Q&A:
Question: for almost 3 years i have been looking, waiting,
pushing, pulling, teasing, attracting and resisting what
motivates me. it is elusive. i occasionally get glimpses as
something grabs in my heart or runs down the marrow of my
legs, but that is it so far. any suggestions?!
in gratitude, anne

Answer: First of all, Anne, I love your way with words! Our
basic motivation in life is to avoid pain or to
experience/anticipate pleasure. What we specifically link
pain or pleasure to is learned and is unique to each of us.
Our nervous systems 'record' these associations emotionally
and then we react. Whichever is stronger in the moment - the
feeling of pain or pleasure - will determine our actions.

The good news is you can learn to change what you associate
with pain and what you associate with pleasure. And in doing
so 'harness' motivation to work for you.

Write in your journal and explore these questions:
1. What is one thing you have wanted to do and haven't?
2. Ask yourself, "What do I feel is the pain associated with
doing it?" (if you think there is no 'pain', think again!)
3. What pleasure have you experienced by avoiding action?
4. What will happen if you don't do it? What is the 'cost'?
5. What do you FEEL about the cost?
Remember, what drives us is emotion.
So the next question is crucial!
6. What pleasure will you experience if you take action?
Get excited! Make a long list! Create a vivid picture in your
mind and fe-e-el the pleasure. Think of the IMPact - both
immediate and in the future. Make it compelling! Make your
vision irresistible!

By the way, you won't need willpower, a compelling vision works!
Focus on your vision every day.

"The Imp" is about making a fundamental shift in focus to
creating what you want. So take the time to answer these
questions. I'd love to know how this has helped you!

Personal coaching may be the support you are seeking to make
profound changes. Sign up for a free 40-minute "exploration"
coaching session.

What is your question? When your question is used
(anonymously), you'll receive a set of blank Imp notecards.
What kinds of challenges face you on your journey to
self-discovery?

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3. News, comments, success stories, winners

News: Povis Law, who so charmingly illustrated 'The Imp Journal',
has just graduated from Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design,
in Vancouver, Canada. Congratulations, Povis!

Comments: From K. Rose Lucas. "I intend to continue to recommend
your site to family and friends. It has exactly the right approach
and I've seen a lot of sites in the inspiration/transformation
genre. Despite voluminous information and great techniques, I just
wasn't motivated by them like I was by yours. Yours is an
unusually playful approach, completely affirming of oneself."

Spurred on by K. Rose's comment and in keeping with the
playfulness of 'The Imp', I've created a new web page for you.
Check out http://www.theimpjournal.com/play.htm

Winner: Jennifer Hicks of Powell River, B.C. is a new member of
"The Imp Community" and the winner of an Imp t-shirt. Jennifer
had requested Imp game cards. (You, too, may request cards and
help the Imp travel around the world.)
http://www.theimpjournal.com/where-in-world.htm
Jennifer writes, "I have put all my cards in random places and had
a really good idea for one. It was to put a card in a waterproof
wallet that normally holds a fishing licence and left it in
various secluded places that only hikers and committed fishermen
visit, what do you think of that one?"
The Imp and I love it, Jennifer!

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4. Inspirational Message to Ponder.
The Imp encourages you to write the message on a card, read it
regularly, and then journal about your thoughts, insights,
feelings, actions.

"We do not cease to play because we grow old,
we grow old because we cease to play." George Bernard Shaw.

Do you give yourself permission to play? Or do you find during
periods of relaxation that your mind is on your work?
(In the Imp Journal, the theme "Indulge in Many Pleasures"
has strategies for fitting some fun into every day.)

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The Imp Community is a place for you to share in the
journey of growing into your magnificent potential,
of discovering the Imp in you! Begin today.
Visit http://www.theimpjournal.com/membership

Share this "IMPressions" newsletter with a friend.
Just hit the forward button on your e-mail program...

Look for your next newsletter in June.
We will now be monthly rather than every second month.

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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