In This Issue...

Reflections
Upcoming Workshops and Events
News/Announcements
Mini-Reflection Exercise
This Issue's Sponsor

Reflections Obstacles Are the Stepping Stones of Success

Guest columnist, Harvey Mackay, #1 best-selling author of Swim With The Sharks Without Being Eaten Alive and Beware the Naked Man Who Offers You His Shirt.

A man was walking in the park one day when he came upon a cocoon with a small opening. He sat and watched the butterfly for several hours as it struggled to force its body through the little hole. Then it seemed to stop making any progress. It looked like it had gotten as far as it could, so the man decided to help the butterfly. He used his pocketknife and snipped the remaining bit of the cocoon.

The butterfly then emerged easily, but something was strange. The butterfly had a swollen body and shriveled wings. The man continued to watch the butterfly because he expected at any moment the wings would enlarge and expand to be able to support the body, which would contract in time. Neither happened. In fact, the butterfly spent the rest of its life crawling around with a swollen body and deformed wings. It was never able to fly.

What the man in his kindness and haste did not understand was that the restricting cocoon and the struggle required for the butterfly to emerge was natural. It was nature's way of forcing fluid from its body into its wings so that it would be ready for flight once it achieved its freedom. Sometimes struggles are exactly what we need in our lives.

If we were allowed to go though life without any obstacles, we would be crippled. We would not be as strong as what we could have been. And we could never fly.

Click to read the full article.

From PCF’s director, Teresa Thomas-Carroll:
This past year, I've gained much understanding from the butterfly as metaphor. I have also wanted to write about the connection between struggle and thriving. I was delighted to see that Harvey had already beautifully captured into words what I’d wanted to convey and even used the story of the emerging butterfly to do so. A special thank you to Harvey and his agent, Cathy Paper for contacting PCF and giving permission to include his article in our newsletter. What a lovely synchronicity!

Use the Mini-Reflection Exercise to consider how your own struggles lead you to thrive.

Upcoming Workshops and Events

Creativity & Tea: open creativity studio in St. Paul
Reserve your space at this fun, non-intimidating session where you can collage and let your imagination go. 2nd Saturday sessions will resume on September 9. In the spirit of "back to school", you'll have the option of creating a book journal (or as always, you may create whatever you'd like). Don't want to wait? Book your group for a fun gathering or celebration! Order Online - or- Print registration form for above session

The following workshops have registration through a venue other than PCF:

Small Business Marketing Jam
26 businesses attended the first Jam and unanimously requested we continue to offer this exciting and collaborative forum. Join the excitement Thursday, September 28 at 6:30 p.m. We've created an amazing evening for you with a new small group segment, large group brainstorming and networking, too. When was the last time you had five other people focused on your business with pen in hand? You're not going to want to miss this event! Details at: meditatingmamas.com/jamsession. Limited seating – register today!

Women's "Train"-Storming offered by Marketing on the Playground(TM)
Depart on a beautiful fall train trip while you participate in an energizing and productive guided brainstorming session. PCF Facilitator, Teresa will be facilitating fun networking during the breakfast portion of the day. Come with your marketing or business question and leave with some great ideas and ready to take action. October 13, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., Osceola Train Station, Osceola, WI. Info at: www.marketingontheplayground.com/Trainstorming.htm

A Kindness Keynote for Moms
The Mothers’ Connection hosts Deborah Dora for a heartwarming evening that coaxes moms to defy an angry world by being Ambassadors of Kindness in their own lives. Receive original ideas to not only light up the lives of those around you but light up your own life as well. November 16, 2006, 7:00 p.m. Details will be posted soon at The Mothers Connection.

News/Announcements

• Attention mission-driven small business and healing professionals: Are you interested in a facilitated "ideal business" group that supports participants to pursue and achieve their business aspirations? As the centerpiece for our conversation and action, we'll use Lynn Grodzki's Twelve Months to Your Ideal Private Practice: A Workbook If you'd like to be included, please e-mail your name, type of business and best days/times to meet (and anything else you'd like considered such as if you'd prefer to meet virtually through an e-group or conference call). If there is sufficient interest, we'll set this up for 2007.
  
  
• Now booking! Are you aware of an upcoming conference or an organization that could use a refreshing session through PCF? If so, let us know who to contact and we'll be happy to send information. Word of mouth is our best marketing tool, thanks to you!
  
  
• Having a tough time reaching or maintaining your goals? Our life coaches, consultants and professional organizer can help you get and stay on track.
  

Mini-Reflection Exercise

Remember a time when it was necessary for you to get through obstacles in order to thrive. (How about when you were born? That was certainly no easy task!)

How did the initial obstacle end up helping you become stronger or more successful?

Think of an area you are struggling with today. Consider the ways that the difficulty you are facing might be a gift in disguise. What are you learning? How are you growing?

This Issue's Sponsor:

Subscriber Information

Purple Crayon Factory's refreshing workshops and services support you to create the life you want with resources you have. Whether you are looking toward big transformation or simply seeking inspiration, we have something for you or your organization.

Teresa Thomas-Carroll is the publisher of this newsletter and can be reached at 612-722-6931 or teresa@purplecrayonfactory.com. Check out: PCF's blog to get to know us better.

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