connectingpoint  

The Monthly E-Newsnote for Centerpoint Institute for Life and Career Renewal    January 2007
        …inspiring people to discover creativity, passion, and renewed commitment in life and at work

                                               


"Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending."

-Carl Bard

We hope you enjoy this month’s edition of the e-newsnote. As we begin the New Year it has many reminders about and specific ways to make a “brand new ending” for yourself. Read on!

 

In this issue

Click on the following links in order to jump ahead

 

o       From Our Executive Director

o       Note from Megan

o       Office Closure

o       Don’t pass this up!

o       Planning Ahead

o       Want to Get Involved?

o       We Need Your Assistance

 


What Do You Have Energy For Right Now?

 

Wow… has your January been as hectic as mine? Past Januarys were busy but nothing like this one. And the pace just seems to keep escalating, not ebbing. Interestingly, the time has been filled with lots of good things for me, both professionally and personally — lots of facilitating for organizations, many large speaking engagements, fostering kittens (we’ve got these three great boys if you’re looking to adopt!), learning lots of new music in my chorus and quartet, gearing up to train for more half marathon walks this year — and these are just the major activities! You know, I feel tired just writing this all down! J

 

Then, there are other important things that I made a strong commitment to this year for which I don’t seem to have time yet to accomplish like writing the book on change and transition and working with a personal trainer to get stronger and firmer. This really raises conflicts for me… obviously there aren’t enough hours in the week to do all I want. Have I overcommitted myself? What do I have to let go of in order to get what I want? What if I don’t want to let go of anything!?! Life is sometimes tough for us over-achieving types. J

 

I’m reminded of some sage advice a friend of mine once gave me. She said “You can do it all… you just can’t do it all at once.”  So what steps do I need to do to navigate the busy-ness? No surprise here… it comes back to what we teach here at Centerpoint. I need to remind myself to ask “What do I have energy for right now?” The answer will lead me to what activity is most productive and right for me at the moment. And although I won’t be able to accomplish everything I want right away, I will be engaged in those things that will unfold into what’s next. Sometimes it’s just good for me to remember that life’s about the journey, not the destination. And, to remember that it’s OK to be gentle with myself.  

 

Thanks for the opportunity to step back to write this. I already feel a bit calmer. Even those of us who do this work every day need these reminders! So, what do you have energy for right now?

 

Carol Vecchio

Co-Founder and Executive Director

 

Plans

 

I don’t know what it is about January but it always has people in such a great mood! I think it’s the new feeling of the season, the chance at starting fresh, resolutions to be conquered, rooms to be organized, remodeling to be done and calendars to be filled. I really enjoy the month of January. I myself love change, renewed energy and, above all else, planning things! This month we’ve started buckling down and organizing some really great events at Centerpoint. I feel like I’m on committees left and right. If you’re interested in any of those events let me know, I’d love the help!

 

Megan Murphy

Front Office Manager

 

Office Closure

 

We will be closed Monday February 19th for President’s Day; see you on Tuesday!

 

Events you just can’t pass up

 

Get Motivated - Take Charge of Your Career in 2007

ATW Seattle invites you to join them on Thursday January 25th from 6:00-8:30pm for an evening with Carol Vecchio, Executive Director and co-Founder of Centerpoint Institute for Life and Career Renewal. The focus will be on the key to success in whatever you do… passion. It is possible to love your work! This engaging, practical, hands-on workshop will jump-start your new year and your passion search process.

·         Remember and experience what passion feels like.

·         Understand a framework for discovering your passion.

·         Receive feedback from others about your greatest strengths and share the clues you discover about them.

·         Leave with some tangible next steps.

You will also have the chance to win a one-year associate membership to Centerpoint, which includes 20% off workshop tuition, free Job Search Clinics and Career Forums and access to Centerpoint's lending library and resource center. Pre-registered attendees: $25 for ATW Members; $30 for non-members, Walk-ins: $35 for ATW Members; $45 for non-members. To register and find out more information please visit their website.

 

Professional Sabbatical: You Can Take One!

Are you feeling the need to step back from the hectic pace of work and take a little time to renew and regenerate your life? Maybe what you need is a sabbatical. The dictionary defines “sabbatical” as “any extended period of leave from one’s customary work, especially for rest or to acquire new skills or training.” Join Kari Knudson on January 31st and February 7th from 3:00 to 5:30 pm to find out how you can do this! Tuition: $99, Associate Members $79) Space is limited so call or email us and register today.

 


Coming Up

 

Passion Search
Uncover what gives your life meaning and purpose.  Create a clear, compelling vision for your next chapter. Upcoming classes: Tuesday evening’s beginning on January 30th with Vickie Chaffin or Friday daytimes with Susan Mason-Milks. 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.

 

Thinking About Becoming Your Own Boss 

Urs Koenig facilitates a three-hour workshop on the in's and out's of setting up and running a small business. It will be held on Tuesday February 6th from 6:15-9:15pm, please call 206.686.5433 or email us to register.

 

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: all-day session Saturday February 10th from 9:30am to 4:30pm and the condensed session on Wednesday February 21st from 6:15-9:15pm, both $139 (condensed session includes Associate Membership). 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 some time on your hands?

 

Family Law CASA

Children's needs get lost in the battle between divorcing parents.  Do you want to advocate for such a child?  Volunteer for Family Law CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) of King County.  Next 3 day training begins 2/1/07. Apply on line at  www.familylawcasa.com.   206-748-9700.

 

Alumni Reunion in March: We are putting together a committee of volunteers to help plan our gathering on March 24th. We’ll have snacks, drinks and live entertainment. If you want to get in on the fun, call today!

 

Catalog Distribution: Due to such fabulous volunteers all we have left to distribute to is Preston – yes, you saw right, Preston! It’s just one drop-off at the King County Library Administrative Building. If anyone is interested let us know ASAP.

Career Forum: Do you have a passion for writing? It can be anything from technical, creative, grant, freelance, musical, etc. You name it we want it! Next trimester we are sponsoring a career forum focused on as many aspects of writing as we can manage. We are in need of a few 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!


We Really Could Use Your Help!

 

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! Besides the tax deduction, you or your organization will be publicly recognized by Centerpoint Institute for your contribution.

 

Digital Audio Recorder (2) (~$60 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 (1)
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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