Issue #4, June 2003

Hello Dear Reader,

You are the reason for this newsletter. I'm dedicated to
supporting the 'Imp' in you - your Incredible Magnificent
Potential; your Intuition, Magnificence and Passion. Read on
to see how you can win an Imagine Magnificent Possibilities
t-shirt.

You're receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to it,
you are a member of "The Imp Community" online, or a friend
passed it on. Information is at the end if you wish to sign up
or uns^bscribe.

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

1. Feature Article: What is in Your Toolbox?
2. Q&A
3. News, comments, success stories, winners
4. Inspirational Message to Ponder

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

1.What is in your toolbox?

On one of my trips on the ferry between Vancouver Island
and mainland British Columbia, I happened to notice a father
kibbitzing with his about-10-year-old son. I was just reading
the message on the back of dad's t-shirt, "If the only tool
you have is a hammer, you'll treat everything like a nail,"
when he rolled up a newspaper and bopped his son on the head!

On the first page of the Imp Journal I write, "Your Imp
Journal is intended as a tool, to be used for your most unique
creative project - your life!" Perhaps it would be more
accurate to describe the book as a toolbox.

The more 'tools' or strategies and skills you possess,
the more choices you have and the more effectively you can
create the life you want.

Let's play with equating the hammer and other tools to
personal empowerment skills.

"You hit the nail right on the head". Someone has heard the
underlying truth about a situation, has clearly understood.
It feels good to be understood. Let's keep the 'hammer'
called 'listening skills'.

But how do you listen to "hit the nail on the head"? Start
with an attitude of genuinely wanting to understand. Think
of yourself like a mirror, only reflecting back what is there.
No added advice, criticism or negation in your response.

Listen for the underlying feeling. When you have accurately
reflected back to a person what they are feeling you have
"hit the nail on the head". Some words to use:
"Seems like you're feeling ..."
"Golly, that must be disappointing..."
"Wow! So you're feeling mighty pleased about..."
"See if I've got this right. Are you feeling...?"

"Ah", you say as you pick up the pliers, "Do I need these?"
Yes. With the pliers you "get a grip on" whatever you've
chosen to work on. The pliers are 'focus'.

Next you pick up the chisel. You recognize its usefulness.
Little by little you keep chipping away at whatever gets in
the way and step-by-step you keep going.
The chisel is 'perseverance'. Keep on keeping on!
. . . . . . . . . .
What skill/strategy/trait do you see related to other
specific tools? Wrench? Screwdriver? Drill?

Let The Imp and I, Bev, know and we'll include your comments
in a future issue and then post them for "The Imp Community"
online. As a thank you I'll send you a set of Imp note cards.

I'm very blessed at this point in my life. I have a full
'toolbox' of resources, skills, strategies, love and
encouragement to share with you. As "The Possibilities Coach",
I offer you a free complementary, no obligation 40-minute
"exploration" coaching session.

Coaching is a wonderful way to:
1) maintain focus.
2) get fresh perspective on the opportunities in obstacles.
3) be accountable for the actions you intend to take.

I listen!
==================================================

2. Q & A
What issues are you grappling with? Feeling stuck? 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 blank Imp notecards. Last month Anne T. from
small town, Alberta received a set of cards.
==================================================

3. News, comments, success stories, winners

On May 30th, I wrote a letter to Imp Community members
which included a challenge - to increase our membership
to 100 members by June 30th. That date is fast
approaching! We presently have 20 members.

Let's let the world know that Incredible Magnificent
Possibilities are within reach. My vision is a supportive
community where incredible things happen for YOU!

For those of you that subscribe to this newsletter and are
not yet an Imp Community member, why not join now? There
are a number of resources on the website available only to
members. http://www.theimpjournal.com/membership.htm

Tell your friends! Let me know names (not e-mail addresses)
of those you refer. For each friend that joins, your name will
be entered in a draw for an Imagine Magnificent Possibilities
t-shirt.

A number of you have shared that you are aspiring writers.
My friend, Barb Rees, in Powell River has a writers group
online and also has the goal of reaching 100 members (by the
end of July). To join her group visit
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/sassyscribe2003
Barb will have a draw in August. Someone will get a copy of
her book, "Lessons from the Potholes of Life".

Barb, and her husband Dave, will soon be on a cross Canada
trip in their motorhome to promote her book and sell his
driftwood sculptures. The Imp is 'hitchhiking' a ride
with them. You, too, can help the Imp travel the world.
Request game cards at
http://www.theimpjournal.com/where-in-world.htm

"Oh, wow, that's awesome", says Kenny Gourley of Coombs,
B.C., the happy t-shirt winner for May. Kenny works at the
Coombs Country Market, found a game card while cleaning tables
and now leaves cards on the tables for others to discover.
Thanks from The Imp, Kenny!

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

4. Inspirational Message to Ponder: "Great works are
performed not by strength but by perseverance."
-Samuel Johnson

"The Imp" encourages you to write this message on a card,
carry it with you and read it often. You may wish to journal
about your thoughts, insights, feelings and actions related
to it. "The Imp" supports you to keep on keeping on!

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

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

Beverley Howden
"The Possibilities Coach"
Author, Speaker, Personal Empowerment Facilitator
1-250-897-0992

P.S. If you have not yet bought the Imp Journal,
you are missing out on a step-by-step guide that takes
you on an uplifting journey of personal empowerment.
You can buy online (only $19.95US includes fr^e 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 

P.P.S. Together let's reach the goal of 100 members.
You could win a t-shirt! Benefit from the support and
sharing of others.

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

To subscribe,

To unsubscribe,