We have a plan!

[dilyku]

Beginning in July 2003, we will begin exploring ways to make our lives righer, more inspiring and fertile grounds for our creative spirits. We will begin by supporting one another as we work through Take Time for Your Life by Cheryl Richardson, as we believe the first step is to clear the clutter from our paths. Then we'll move on to another book, then another, then.... Some of the books will be focused specifically on creativity, some may be more general self-help books. Whatever the group decides we want and need next!

Come join us if you're serious about your creative pursuits. You don't have to be a "professional," and you don't have to have lots of experience, publications, exhibits, or whatevers in your portfolio. But you do need to be ready to work to remake yourself into a truly Inspired artist, whatever your venue.

Sheila & Diana

If you are interested please contact sheilaboneham or dilyku.

[sheilaboneham]

Woops -- we didn't include the address for the information about InspirationSoup. My fault!

My email is perennialwriter@aol.com, or you can go directly to the group's home page at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Inspirationsoup/

Hope to see some of you creative types there!

Sheila

[dilyku]

August 1st will be when the Inspiration Soup group will begin the exercises in the book "Take Time for Your Life". Cheryl recommends reading the books straight through before beginning, and having done so, Sheila and I recommend that approach as well. (Even if you can't get through the whole book by Aug. 1, you can still make a start.) I think some of the chapters will be more difficult for some of us than others, and of course there's plenty of overlap.

If we spend a month per chapter, it will take 7 months to complete the book. Or we could try for 2 chapters per month, with a couple weeks at the end for summing up what we've accomplished, and do it in 4 months. For this we are asking feed back from members please! Personally we would prefer to try to work through the book in 4 months. I know that we will have to work on the suggestions in most chapters for a long time, but if we don't move ahead we may get bogged down. It would be better to keep moving and look for the synergistic effect of getting all our ducks in a row, not just one or two of them.

Again, after we finish with "Take Time for Your Life" we can have a poll to see what books might be good for us next and then poll to decide which one we will go through. Sheila and I were thinking "Stand Up for Your Life" or possibly another book with creativity in mind such as "The Artist's Way" by Julia Cameron. That is why we are looking for a group of artisans, a group of like-minded people.


Sincerely, Sheila & Diana

[sagithree]

Hi Sheila & Diana! :)

I applaud you for starting this group! I am searching for people to work with in achieving goals as well.

I've read both "Take Time For Your Life" and "Lifemakeovers"; I have the book, "Artists Way" but haven't read it yet.

Since you've asked for input about how much to do...I'll toss in my two cents ;) My experience has been that it takes longer than expected to complete some of the exercises.

In fact, Cheryl writes in "Take time..." that when working with clients she looks for at least a 3 month commitment; and, it can take 1-2 yrs to complete all the changes one needs to create the life they desire. (LOL Did anyone faint at that? We don't have to commit 1-2 yrs...)

Each of us will vary in how much we need to do (to change) and the amount of time it actually takes to complete these changes.

I totally understand wanting to have what you want "right now!" Personally, I've found this can overwhelm people to try to do too much too soon. We aren't just completing "to do" lists. There will be emotional obstacles & possibly other people we encounter in our lives who will interfere with our progress. Those interruptions will also be part of what we have to deal with to become creative & have the lives we desire.

It's important to keep momentum flowing too! You're absolutely correct! I think doing a chapter a month is a good place to start. If everyone is moving along well, you can always increase the chapters per month. I think it's really smart to use books like Cheryl's to help guide the group & give it direction.

I did try accessing the homepage you listed, but was unable to find it. Is it not up yet?

I look forward to hearing more....my email is listed in my profile here if you wish to contact me there. Writing me here is fine too. I'm flexible! :)

Sagithree

[dilyku]

The administrator of the community board says that you have selected not to be contacted through the board. You might want to check the specks. Anyhow feel free to contact me through the board, I think you have to make me your buddy first. I'm looking forward to emailing you and having you join us.

Sincerely, Diana

[sagithree]

Hi Diana!

I checked my specs and WHOOPS! I didn't have my email "turned on". It should work now. I also added you to my buddy list. I've not done this buddy & private messaging before, so I'm not sure if I'm doing this right. Guess we'll learn as we go! ;)

I am searching for a group to be a part of. I've been involved with 2 groups already. One was using "Lifemakeovers" but people didn't really commit. They were busy with their lives.

The 2nd group, didn't use any book for guidance and it's turned into an uneven exchange of a couple women doing the advising while others look to them to make them feel good. There's a lot of complaining about their lives/selves but not much proactivity to DO something about it.

Consequently, it gets draining. And not much is accomplished.

I'm hoping to find a group that meets regularly, setting goals, brainstorming ideas, and of course, offering encouragement & cheering each other on. Proactivity creates energy & a positive atmosphere.

Are you planning to meet once a month? Weekly? Do you have a specified day of the week to "check- in" with the group?

I'm looking forward to hearing more! :)

Thanks much!

Sagithree

[wzwoman]

Is it better to start with Take time or Life Makeovers? I have both books and there are groups beginning using both books. Any thoughts on this would be appreciated.

[dilyku]

I recommend which ever you like better or which ever you think you can learn the most from. I'm not a specialist on Cheryl's books but I have been told that the two are very similar.

Sincerely, Diana

[sagithree]

Hi Diana & Sheila! :)

I'm wondering if you have any further updates about "Inspiration Soup" - the life makeover group you're putting together.

I am interested in finding out more.

You can contact me here on the boards or email me at Sagithree@aol.com


Thanks so much! :)