| "You have brought many smiles, laughs, joy and
'aha' moments into my life." Ernalee, British Columbia "I really enjoy your newsletter and the links...very informative and thought provoking. They help me have better days." Buz, California "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." K. Rose, British Columbia. "Hi, Bev, I read a lot of coaching newsletters and yours is among the best! Thank you!" Barbra Sundquist Life, Business and Mentor Coach http://www.BecomeACertifiedCoach.com |
Meet the Imp! New Journaling BookA review by Gina Forsyth-Dodd |
| "The Imp Journal: Guided Journal Writing for Personal Empowerment,
Volume 1" by Vancouver Island author Beverley Howden is one of the newest
additions to the rich collection of books on journal writing as a way to
self-awareness. The theme of personal growth is carried throughout the book with the aid of chapters built on the word "imp". Specific areas of focus that include writing exercises are "Indulge in Many Pleasures" and "Investigate Many Pathways". The writing is clear and well thought out and although the exercises are simple to do they are meant to help you get beneath the surface of what is in our hearts. There are 36 illustrations of an elf-type character (The Imp). These illustrations by Povis Law, although simple line drawings, go a long way to creating and maintaining the positive atmosphere of the book. The book, meant to be both read and written in, is much like a workbook but don't let that word frighten you. There's no pressure to finish a certain number of pages by a specific date. Work at your own pace, choose the exercises based on what attracts you, and above all strive to be willing to learn about yourself. The fact that the book lies flat while open and that blank pages have thoughtfully been included add to the book's ease of use. The chapters being numbered would have provided a sense of continuity and given a sense of flow to the exercises. However, that's a minor point and it doesn't detract significantly from the book's usability. It was heartening to see specific mention made in Howden's book that journaling cannot be done wrong - whatever works for you is 'right'. And working alongside the Imp feels right! Review by Gina Forsyth-Dodd. Gina, an avid journaler and manager of the "Journals and You" email list hosted at Topica.com, has been journaling for more than twenty-five years. To subscribe to her list send a blank email to: journaling-subscribe@topica.com |