connectingpoint

 The Monthly E-Newsnote for Centerpoint Institute for Life and Career Renewal, December 2006
         …inspiring people to discover creativity, passion, and renewed commitment in life and at work

 
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 


“A New Year's resolution is something that goes in one Year and out the other.” J

                                                                                                          - Anonymous


Do you know someone who, each New Year’s, has set a resolution to find more meaning in her/his life and work? And then, as each year progresses, they stay in their comfortable routine and just “don’t get around to it?” Help them keep their 2007 New Year’s resolutions!

Consider sharing the gift of a Centerpoint service this holiday season with a “No More Excuses” Gift Certificate. They come in any amount: purchase one for a particular workshop (like Passion Search), for a few individual career counseling sessions, or choose a dollar amount and leave it up to the recipient to decide which services would fit him/her best.

Contact Megan by phone 206.686.5433 or email to arrange this special gesture. Wouldn’t it be great to help someone you care about take steps towards a more fulfilling and joyful life?

 

Please Note: Office Closure

The office will be closed for Winter Break from Friday, December 22nd at 3pm through Tuesday, January 2nd at 10am. Happy Holidays!

 


In this issue

Click on the following links in order to jump ahead

 

o       From Our Executive Director

o       Note from Megan

o       What’s New and Newsworthy?

o       Just Around The Corner

o       Spare Time?

o       We Need Your Help

 

 

Storms, Solstice, and Silent Nights


“It was a dark and stormy night.” How appropriate a description for the month of December!  This time of year always reminds me about the paradoxes of life… this year even more so because of the storms, power outages, and floods. Maybe it’s because I was born in December that it holds such important lessons for me; or maybe it’s because Centerpoint’s home is on 18 acres of nature that gave us some clear messages last week. Please indulge me as I share a couple with you:

 

Paradox #1: December 21st is the first day of winter and the shortest day of the year which makes it quite dark and dreary. From that day forward, however, the days keep getting longer and longer. So as winter progresses we are graced with more and more light.

Lesson #1: When thrust into the dark, even the slightest increase of light gives hope. Another way to say this is when I hit bottom, the only way to go is up.

              
For those who have participated in our LifeWork Renewal workshop or any of our Navigating Change seminars, you know that we use a seasonal metaphor as a map for traversing transitions. Winter is the time that we step back to learn more about who we are, what we want, and our meaning and purpose.


Winter can be a cold, dark time without much support. But when we realize that we get a few more seconds of light each day in winter, we can trust that spring is in the future. We can find comfort in understanding that our lives unfold like the natural cycles we find in nature and that winter is a necessary, natural step we have to take if we want to continue to learn and grow.

 

Paradox #2: The holidays are a time to celebrate the connections we have with each other and are also the most relationship-stressful time of the year.

 

Lesson #2: It’s always OK to fully stop and give myself time to look at things from different angles and a new perspective, and let patience and compassion rise to the surface.

 

This time of year encourages non-stop action: buy and make presents, get the packages in the mail to friends and family in other parts of the country and Europe, decorate the house, bake cookies, make jelly, oh, and work full-time too! No wonder we’re stressed.

The power outages really made us all slow down. We couldn’t do any of the above and we couldn’t even participate in all the usual things that help us relax: connecting online, watching TV, cooking on electric stoves, even reading. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard people say “I couldn’t do anything” or “It was so dark I couldn’t even see my book by candlelight!”

 

The storm and its aftermath made us stop. It made us ask for help and offer it to those worse off than we were. It provided an opportunity to connect and share our experiences with each other. It helped us remember that our health, homes, and families are what really count.

 

As this year ends and we prepare for 2007, Centerpoint wishes you hope for the future and time to step back when it’s necessary. Please know that we sincerely value your support – thank you to all who refer their friends, families, and colleagues and to those who generously donate to help Centerpoint achieve its mission! We plan to create opportunities in the New Year to connect more. Stay tuned!

 

Happy and Peaceful Holidays to All,

Carol Vecchio

co-Founder and Executive Director

 

A Note from Megan

 

What a month already! This time of year is typically so busy we hardly have time to step back, ponder, observe our surroundings, take time for ourselves, our family and others. Last week forced most of us to do just that. With no power, heat, internet or radio I had nothing else to do but slow down. I was able to talk with each and every one of my immediate family members back home, I spent time with my grandparents who were fortunate enough to have power and kind enough to take me in while I did not, I made phone calls to friends I have not had the time to speak with in months and I sat by candlelight and just made time to breath. As frustrating as the storm and its aftermath was I can look back on it now and feel a little gratitude for nature and all its power. Unfortunately sometimes it takes a big storm to force us all to stop, relax, realize what we do have and be greatful for it.

 

I wish you all the safest and happiest of times during this holiday season,

 

Megan Murphy

Front Office Manager

 

New and Newsworthy at Centerpoint

Professional Sabbatical: You Can Take One!
Want to step back from the hectic pace of work and take time for renewal? Taking a sabbatical doesn’t have to be just a dream. This two-part workshop helps you plan and finance your much needed time off. Two Wednesdays, January 31st and February 7th from 3:00 to 5:30 pm. Tuition: Non-members $99, Associate Members $79. Please call 206.686.5433 or email us to register.

 

KPLU Advanced Degree Fair

There is no single location where people interested in an advanced degree can go to find out all the local offerings and speak to representatives from colleges and universities.  Many people in the area are finding that they need that extra degree to compete in the workplace, but don’t know where to start. This event is designed for them - to allow them to interact with educators, get a true feeling about the programs as well as the people. 

The Details

When:  Tuesday, January 16, 2007, 3-8pm

Where:  Washington Convention Center, Downtown Seattle, WA

Who will be there:  Local, regional and national colleges and universities

Who will attend:  Puget Sound residents interested in furthering their education

What will happen:  There will be a combination of panels and a workshop along with the Universities present. Panels on practical matters such as “How to Your Degree with the Rest of Your Life.” Carol Vecchio of Centerpoint will provide a workshop on “How Does an Advanced Degree Fit Into Your Future?”

Fee:  $5 per person, Free for UW Alumni Association Members

More info: www.kplu.org/advanceddegreefair

 

UW Alumni

Have you read your December copy of Columns Magazine? Because of our on-going partnership with the UW Alumni Association, Centerpoint is featured on the calendar and on the page about Career Discovery Week. The workshop that Carol is facilitating at KPLU’s Advanced Degree Fair (see above), Early Career Passion Search, and some of our December offerings are highlighted. And don’t miss Carol’s photo on page 46!

 

Seattle Women Magazine Article

We try to keep our name in the news as much as we can. (Please contact us if you know any media people you think we should talk with!) Centerpoint was quoted in an article entitled “Investing in Your Education” in the November 2006 edition of Seattle Woman Magazine. Click here and check it out!


Just Around the Corner

 

LifeWork Renewal
If you or someone you know is in need of gaining a fresh new perspective on the changes you have been experiencing in your life and work then this just might be the right fit!  Upcoming classes: our all-day session on Saturday January 6th from 9:30-4:30pm with Jeaneen Schmidt or for those who are unable to commit to a full day we have a condensed session which includes Associate Membership on Tuesday January 16th with Cody Strauss at 6:15pm, both $139. Please call 206.686.5433 or email us to register.

 

Passion Search
Uncover what gives your life meaning and purpose. Create a clear, compelling vision for your next chapter. Upcoming classes: Saturday’s beginning January 13th or Tuesday evenings on January 23rd both with Vickie Chaffin. Please call 206.686.5433 or email us to register.

 

Early Career Passion Search
A Passion Search class designed specifically for people in their 20s and 30s.  Explore your own passion in a group of your peers. Join facilitator, Cody Strauss beginning Monday evenings on February 5th from 6:15-9:15pm. Please call 206.686.5433 or email us to register.

 

If you are interested in a class but have scheduling conflicts, Centerpoint keeps track of requests for date and time changes or additions.  Individual sessions are also available. Please contact us for more information.

 

 

Have a little spare time on your hands for a great cause?

Catalog Distribution: This is an essential task that has been extremely difficult to get volunteers for this trimester. These volunteers share information about Centerpoint with the community by distributing catalogs and posters to libraries, bookstores, career centers, and other community gathering places in various Puget Sound neighborhoods. Below are list of areas for which we are still in need of volunteers. Please call 206.686.5433 or email Megan right now if you can help; we really need your assistance and would be so very appreciative!

Areas in need of distribution volunteers:
1. Regrade/West Seattle
2. Madison
3. Edmonds/Mukilteo
4. Lynnwood, Mt. Lake Terrace
5. Sandpoint, Centerpoint Neighborhood
6. Montlake (only one stop)
7. Greenwood/Greenlake
8. North Seattle and Shoreline Community Colleges

Career Forum: We are still in need of one or two more dedicated volunteers to help assist us in putting together all the minor and major details in order to make this event successful. The work for the project begins today and the actual forum will be held on Thursday, March 29 from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. If you are ready to volunteer your time, energy and creative brainstorming capabilities then please, don’t hesitate and contact us today!


In Need!

 

As a non-profit organization, Centerpoint strives to serve the community in every way possible. We need your help to do that. Following is a list of items that Centerpoint will need to help us move forward technologically and in our services. We would love it if you could donate an actual item, but of course we’d also accept a cash donation to cover the costs! In addition to the tax deduction, you and/or your organization can be publicly recognized on Centerpoint’s website for your generous contribution.

 

Digital Audio Recorder (2) (~$40 each)

Digital Camcorder with Internal Hard Disk Drive (1)

DVD Player (VCR combo would be great!) (1)

Adobe Creative Suite 2 (1)

Upgrade to FileMaker Pro 8.5

FileMaker Pro 8.5 (3 @ $299)

 

 

 
Centerpoint Institute for Life and Career Renewal
4000 NE 41st Street
Building D, Suite 2
Seattle, Washington 98105-5428
tel/fax: 206.686.LIFE (5433)
www.centerpointonline.org
...inspiring people to discover creativity, passion, and renewed commitment in life and at work

 

Office Hours: Monday – Thursday 10am to 6pm, Friday 10am to 3pm

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