Hello,

I am so pleased to have your subscription to A-Muse Letter! I hope you are enjoying receiving it.

As you know, each month I offer coaching tips, ideas and inspiration to support you in your writing, creativity and personal growth. Please send your comments and questions and I'll write back personally or respond in a future edition of A-Muse Letter.

NEWS:

[back to top]

UPCOMING EVENTS:

TUESDAY, AUGUST 4th, 2009 - VIRTUAL WRITING CIRCLE

Don't miss this great opportunity to receive group coaching at a fraction of the cost of individual coaching!

If you are:

A writer or aspiring writer, wanting to connect with other writers Looking for support and gentle feedback on your writing An experienced writer, wanting to jumpstart a writing project Needing to brush up writing basics and improve your writing habits

Then a Virtual Writing Circle may be for you!

You'll receive:

Two one-hour sessions per month of a professionally coached group writing experience A facilitator who is a licensed and experienced psychotherapist, as well as an experienced writer, coach and teacher A supportive community of other writers you can connect to virtually An opportunity to meet with Susan 1:1 by phone for monthly mini-sessions, as needed

Only $65 per month.

For more information: Click Here for a Q & A (pdf) document or contact Susan Borkin at susan@susanborkin.com or call 1.800.552.WRITE.

To register: Click here to register!

[back to top]

TUESDAY, AUGUST 18, 2009 COMPLIMENTARY TELESEMINAR

"Opt-in for Optimism - Write Now!"

Tuesday, August 18th, 2009 - 12:00 noon (Pacific)

Continuing with our 2009 Teleseminar Series, “Write, Creativity & the Pursuit of Happiness,” you will learn how science has determined that you have absolute control over your level of happiness at least 40% of the time. You will discover three specific ways to automatically experience a brighter outcome. Finally, you’ll learn a way to introduce yourself and feel better in minutes.

Between the economy and global warming you can find plenty of reasons to be pessimistic. In this hour-long teleseminar you’ll explore ways to feel happier and more optimistic in spite of what goes on in the world around you

In this teleseminar we will look at practical strategies to:

• Increase your level of optimism
  
  
• Write a Best Self introduction that gets results
  
  
• Keep a journal that will absolutely increase positive feelings
  
  And much more!

Never been to a teleseminar? A teleseminar is a virtual classroom. Accessible by telephone, you simply sign-up beforehand then dial in at the appointed time. No travel, no hassle. Listen or be part of a class from anywhere in the world!

Can't make the sessions? No worries. Sign-up anyway and we'll send you the recording.

RESERVE YOUR SPOT, NOW!

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 19th - VIRTUAL WRITING CIRCLE "OPEN HOUSE" - NO COST

If you've been thinking about joining the Virtual Writing Circle, but still have some questions, join us for a free Open House Question & Answer Session. This will give you an opportunity to experience a mini-session of the Virtual Writing Circle and get answers to any questions you might have.

Wednesday, AUGUST 19th, 9:00 am (PDT). Please R.S.V.P.

Can't make the Open House? That's OK. RSVP anyway and we'll send you the recording.

(Note: This is a complimentary session and when you checkout in the cart, your credit card will not be charged.)

RSVP HERE

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 21 - WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2009 Sangre de Cristo Center. Susan will present a 3-part workshop at Sangre de Cristo Center, an international Sabbatical center near Santa Fe, New Mexico. (Private Event).

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2009 - 3rd Annual Wellness & Writing Connection Conference. Susan will present a workshop at the conference in Atlanta, Georgia.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2009 - BEYOND DEAR DIARY - Full-day workshop: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm, De Anza College, Cupertino, California.

Feeling stuck, out-of-focus or confused in your life direction? Think there is something more for you but not sure what it is or how to find it? Bring a blank journal and a pen and be ready for some surprises!

Beyond diary type writing to record daily events, personal growth writing holds the potential for deep self-reflection, growth & personal transformation. Although often simple in methodology, it is a rich and powerful resource for contemplation, discovery and change. We will explore a variety of writing methods including Free Form, Inner Dialogues, Mind Maps and "Pen-Visioning." Be prepared for an experience that will transform, challenge and delight you!

For more information and to register, contact shortcourses@fhda.edu

If you are interested in finding out more about Susan Borkin’s availability to speak to your group or organization, click here or contact Susan at 408.973.7877

COMING SOON! - Available soon on Exceptional Wisdom Radio - Susan is interviewed by Kay Adams, Founder & Director of the Center for Journal Therapy

[back to top]

BOOKS TO STIMULATE YOUR WRITING AND CREATIVITY By Susan Borkin

Writing From the Inside Out: Using a Journal for Personal Growth and Transformation When Your Heart Speaks, Take Good Notes: The Healing Power of Writing

Both books are available for previewing and ordering at www.susanborkin.com. Sample chapters are only available to preview.

[back to top]

GRATIS CORNER

Find out! Just contact me for a Complimentary Coaching Consultation and we'll talk about it. Phone (800) 552-WRITE, that's (800) 552-9748 or write to me at susan@susanborkin.com to find out more.

• Need some journaling tips? Send for your GRATIS BONUS ARTICLE "JUMPSTART YOUR JOURNALING" Send an e-mail to susan@susanborkin.com, requesting the article by name.
  

[back to top]

THANK YOU VERY MUCH! - GRATITUDE AS A PATH TOWARD HAPPINESS

Last month in our teleseminar we discussed several new ways to increase happiness through the written use of gratitude and forgiveness. Read through this list and pick out a few new ideas to try!

BE GRATEFUL FOR GRATITUDE LISTS

You have probably heard, read about or even tried gratitude lists before. If you have, or even if the idea is completely new to you, consider writing a gratitude list once a week instead of every day. If a daily list works, keep going! But if you find your list has lost its punch, try writing it less frequently. New studies show that to be most effective, gratitude lists need to be kept innovative. If you find yourself writing the same things over and over, look for new things to be grateful for.

THREE GOOD THINGS

Martin Seligman, a major contributor to the positive psychology movement suggests a Three Blessings exercise. If you aren't comfortable with the word "blessings," just substitute the words "Three Good Things." After writing down three things you are grateful for, write down the impact you had on the situation. For example, if you are grateful your proposal was accepted; note what impact you had on the outcome. Think: "I really put in a lot of time and energy in on that proposal."

Why is this important? After a short time you will begin to notice how your actions influence your blessings.

KEEP A "WARM FUZZY" FILE

Hold onto especially meaningful greeting cards, nice notes or e-mails that people have sent you. When you need a "gratitude hit" read through the file and notice how it feels to be a recipient of gratitude!

MIND MAP FOR FORGIVENESS

Think of someone in your life you feel unhappy with or are holding a grudge against. In the middle of a sheet of paper, write the name of the person you have a grudge against and the primary thing that upsets you. Draw a circle around what you wrote. Next, write down something you like about that person. Draw a circle around what you wrote. Add several more circles containing positive things about the person. Now, hold the piece of paper in front of you at arm's length. What do you notice about your original circle?

The discussion of gratitude always brings up my own gratitude for you---my readers, clients and teleseminar participants. Whether I write it down daily or once a week, I am grateful every day for your presence in my life. I am grateful for being able to do work I love and have you join me on the journey.

In gratitude,

If you find yourself needing help managing your creative process contact me and request a GRATIS SESSION via phone or in person. Phone (800) 552-WRITE, that's (800) 552-9748 or write to me at susan@susanborkin.com to find out more.

ABOUT SUSAN BORKIN

[back to top]

You are receiving this ezine either because you signed up for it via one of my books, websites, classes or presentations or have otherwise indicated your interest. Please, if you would prefer not to receive it or I have sent this to you in error, let me know.

Subscribe - Sign up on our Website at www.susanborkin.com to receive your own copy of this monthly ezine. You may always click on the CHANGE link at the end of this ezine to update your email address or otherwise change your account.

Unsubscribe - If you wish to cancel your subscription, please click on the CANCEL link at the bottom of this ezine.