In This Issue...

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

Reflections (by Mary’n Hallock)

"If you can learn from hard knocks, you can also learn from soft touches."
-- Carolyn Kenmore

Does this sound like you?

• Do you believe getting organized requires massive, uninterrupted periods of time to perform "marathons" of cleaning up and clearing out?
• Do you wait until your spaces make you cringe (and you are truly embarrassed by them) before you choose to do something about them?
• Do you have crises in your life as a result of disorganization (lost money, unpaid bills, frantic hunts for things you need now?

If you answered "yes" to any of these, you are probably an industrious student of the School of Hard Knocks (SOHK).

For whatever the reasons, those of us who are part of the SOHK often believe that the hard way is the only way. Some SOHK students were raised with that old work ethic that holds that we must work both hard and long or the end product will be valueless. (Sweat equity is all.) Others live for the dubious (but real) adrenalin rush that inevitably comes with crises. Some have simply sopped up SOHK values from a role model and have never stopped to question them.

So, what does it take to become a graduate of the old SOHK?

First, own it. Knowing that being a bit rough on yourself is a tendency will free you to make other choices; probably not every time, but at least once in awhile. Awareness gives you the freedom to "down-size" your harshness quotient.

Ask a great question. Replace an assertion (such as, "I'm just so disorganized and I can't help it") with an inquiry that will get you somewhere (such as, "What is the simplest, easiest thing I can do about this today?")

Get help. Go on. Bite the bullet and get the best help you can find. A coach, teacher (or even a professional organizer) can not only assist in handling some of the life situations you face, but can even aid you in overcoming the need to make things hard!

Alumni of the School of Hard Knocks keep on learning and growing -- they just have more fun doing it. Determine to become a graduate today!

Do some easy homework with the Mini-Reflection Exercise and graduate from the SOHK.

Upcoming Workshops and Events

In pursuit of our own ideal lives, we aren’t planning to offer public workshops until fall. We continue to book individual sessions and group workshops throughout the year.

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. 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:

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

News/Announcements

• Support others to pursue their ideal lives. We regularly receive scholarship requests for our services. It's easy to develop the scholarship fund. Donors of $25 or more will be recognized in an upcoming issue of this newsletter.
  
  
• Having a tough time reaching or maintaining your goals? Our life coaches, consultants and professional organizer can help you stay on track.
  
  
• 2006 Referral Appreciation: 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. Once this group has booked and paid for its PCF session, you'll receive a relaxing travel candle as our thanks to you.
  

Mini-Reflection Exercise

Contemplate the following to become a graduate of the SOHK (School Of Hard Knocks).

Own it. Note a way that you tend to be rough on yourself (e.g. "I'm so disorganized"):

Ask a great question. Take the above assertion and turn it into an inquiry that will move you forward (e.g. "What is the simplest, easiest thing I can do about this today?"):

Get help. Brainstorm ways to get the help you need. Then choose the one that feels most doable and make it happen!

This Issue's Sponsor

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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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