| Help Yourself! |
All my newsletters are archived on my website on the Newsletters page. Here you'll find all my past creativity newsletters as well as my monthly marketing tips on topics like writing your elevator speech, creating a marketing plan and free and low-cost ways to market your business. |
| The Artist's Way starts September 8/9 |
Join me for a 12-week journey to rediscover your creativity!
This fall I'm offering two sections of The Artist's Way: Monday evenings beginning September 8 and Tuesday afternoons beginning September 9. Sign up by September 1 and save $30!
Please call or email me if you are interested. You can find more details about The Artist's Way on my website.
|
| The Wisdom of the Body |
Mark your calendar now for Saturday, October 11. Jan Motley, CHTP, and I will be teaching The Wisdom of the Body at Soul of Yoga. This is a class that is sure to give you a new understanding and appreciation of your wonderful body. Tuition is $75 if you sign up by October 1, $95 after.
|
|
| Greetings!
Many of you responded to last month's newsletter about the "nagglies," those pesky little things that never seem to get done and sap our creative energies. It seems like we're all clearing the way for new things to come into our lives-and there's nothing more energizing than letting go of the old!
After my first round with my own nagglies, I took a breath and started round two. Here are other areas I've identified where energy-zapping nagglies may be hiding.
|
|
Good and Not-So-Good Sentimental Stuff
Sometimes we hang onto something because of who gave it to us or the story behind it. But is it a story or a person you want to remember? What energy does that object hold for you? For years I held onto a wooden box that my father brought back from World War II. I had never stopped to think of it before, but this box had likely been left behind by a family who was fleeing the war zone. Out it went to the Community Resource Thrift Store!
 So look around your house and really study things. As you pick up each item, notice your energy. Does focusing on the item uplift you or bring you down a notch? Keep only those memories that are really special and meaningful to you. This goes for jewelry your ex-husband gave you (give it to your daughter or sell it), gifts that you never would have bought for yourself or old pictures that remind you of family dynamics you'd rather not remember.
If you feel a twinge of guilt about getting rid of these sentimental nagglies, say a prayer for the parties involved as you toss things or create your own ritual for letting them go.
Stuff No Longer Needed
This category includes self-help books you've long outgrown (celebrate yourself!), old medicine (if you don't want to affirm the fact that the ailment might re-occur) or business clothes that no longer fit your current career. As I donate my old power suits, I imagine them going to someone who interviews and lands a great job while wearing my clothes. This helps me feel even better about myself as I clean and clear.
Things You Put Off
These things are especially energy-zapping because they tend to become larger in our minds the longer we put them off. At the top of this list is the annual checkup you haven't had for three years. It classifies as a nagglie because every time you think about it, you chastise yourself and groan, "I've got to do that!" Then there's the letter you really should write to your great aunt in North Carolina, the DVD you borrowed from a friend, the budget you've been meaning to make and the cell phone plan you need to modify. These can be some of the worst nagglies of all because of their potential to make you beat yourself up, so make a list and vow to scratch one off each day.
Call for Help!
Maybe you need some outside help and motivation. A few hours of help with organizing could really give you a head start-not to mention a psychological lift! The Professional Organizer, Vicki Tripp, can help you find creative solutions to your clutter problems and regain control over your environment. Vicki's getting a call from me this week! And Karen Knight at Essential Concierge can help you with errands, party planning and a myriad of other hassles that keep you from your creative projects. Help like Vicki and Karen provide can pay for itself many times over as you gain time and free up energy for your creative projects. |
Celebrate your newly Uncluttered Life by Making A Creativity Altar
 You've gone through your house at least twice and exorcised every nagglie you could find. Now it's time to honor yourself for the wise, creative person that you are!
Find a special place and make an altar that will nourish and inspire you. Meo O'Malley of Altars Within guides people as they create these sacred personal spaces. The Resources section of her website is full of ideas and examples of beautiful altars.
|
|
|
|
|
Wishing you victory over your nagglies and a creative September!
|
|
About Excoveries
Excoveries is a word I coined when I was looking for a name for my creativity consulting and marketing business. It's a combination of the words explore and discover, which is exactly the way I think of the creative process.
I teach classes on creativity and personal growth including The Artist's Way, and I also work with individuals who are looking for ways to re-discover their natural creativity. For a complete list of classes, please visit my website.
In addition to my creativity classes, I host a monthly marketing support group and send out a monthly marketing tips newsletter designed especially for individuals and small businesses. If you'd like to be on that list, please email me or sign up on my website. You'll find all my past newsletters archived there.
|
|
|
