connectingpoint
May
2007 The Monthly E-Newsnote for
Centerpoint Institute for Life and Career Renewal
…inspiring people to
discover creativity, passion, and renewed commitment in life and at work
“The first step towards getting
somewhere is to decide that you are not going to stay where you are.” –Unknown
Endings lead to new beginnings which then lead to
enhanced journeys and adventures. What
new directions are you ready to take? How do you want to be different? How can
you bring more of your passions into your life today? Read on for ideas and
inspirations…
In
this issue
Click
on the following links in order to jump ahead
From our new Managing Director
Life is Messy
Last month the cherry trees on the campus were
dropping their petals; this month the cottonwoods are just about ready to shed
their puffs. There are so many cottonwoods here that, each year, it actually
looks as though it has snowed! The “snow” covers the ponds and the sides of the
roads. While a bit messy (just like life J)
it is always a wonder to see.
OK, so let’s get back to this messy life idea… in last month’s e-newsnote you
learned about the many changes taking place at Centerpoint, especially around
staffing; further on in the e-newsnote you’ll read all about the exciting new
beginnings that are happening here from Steve, Megan, and Marcella. When we have the perspective that life is
cyclical and organic, not linear and tidy, as we do at Centerpoint, then the
quote about ‘every ending being a new beginning’ seems to make lots more sense.
Are you ready to make your life a bit messier?
Please consider helping Centerpoint in some way(s)! The Board has some specific
and concrete initiatives for this year that we desperately need your support
with.
Marketing, Media Connections, PR: We need to let people know we’re here to
help. I think Centerpoint is the best kept secret around! J We’ve been providing
the highest quality career counseling services for the past 15 years. Most of
our referrals come from word-of-mouth which is a very positive thing. However,
we need to find creative strategies to reach more people and organizations so
we can be of more assistance to them.
Developing a Sustainable Business Model for
Centerpoint: We need to
be a healthy business for the long haul. We’re looking to institute even more
operating practices gleaned from the for-profit world.
How might you be able to help?
1)
Tell everyone you know about the benefits of
working with Centerpoint.
2)
Suggest our services to your organization.
3)
Make a tax-deductible donation to Centerpoint and
get it matched by your employer.
4)
Renew your membership.
5)
Join the Board.
6)
All of the above! J
Last month I promised you an explanation of how
Centerpoint wants to make its big impact. Here are the main categories in which
we want to make a difference:
·
Change the Perspective to a Cyclical One and…
·
Recognizing
the value of stepping back and navigating the “time between dreams.”
·
Focusing
on renewable and sustainable choices for individuals and communities.
·
Encouraging
all to live each moment of our limited existences more deliberately, fully, and
compassionately.
·
Shift the Career Counseling/Life Planning Field
including…
·
‘Training the Trainers’ through our Cycles of
Change Certification Program and other future certifications.
·
Help Businesses and Employees Work Their Passions.
·
Create Centerpoint “Seedlings” Throughout the
Country.
There is so much to say about each of these. I’ll take
the next few months to outline them more fully.
Until then, new beginnings and warmest regards to
all!
Carol Vecchio
co-Founder and Executive Director
Hello to all of you. Well, this has been a very active month for me. A
highlight has been to recruit and hire Megan’s replacement. Marcella Van Oel
officially joined our team May 14th and is currently involved in a
slate of training activities. Her diverse background is a great fit for
Centerpoint and I’m confident you will enjoy her welcoming personality and
helpful outlook. Feel free to contact her if you’d like to deliver your own
personal welcome.
Other
activities include: conducting orientations; courtesy calls on past and current
clients; catalog deliveries; researching potential venues to post Centerpoint’s
website and becoming more familiar with daily office operations.
Our
second round of catalog deliveries is schedule for late May/ early June and we
could really use some assistance. Whether you live north, south, east or west,
we have a neighborhood for you!! Just contact us for more information.
A
closing note is to say a special thank you to our volunteer staff. Each of them
contributes to Centerpoint’s overall well-being and their good work and
commitment is truly appreciated.
Till
next month ~ enjoy your Spring.
All
the best,
Steve
Bullock
Managing Director
Ok, so here it is – my last e-newsnote blurb! I’m
not quite sure what to say, I’m sad, I’m excited, I’m having a hard time
stepping forward and letting go but at the same time I find myself anxious to
do so. Maybe I need someone to boot me out of my chair and make me leave
Centerpoint J
Good thing we have Marcella! Don’t worry; you’ll meet her in just a minute. For
now, you’re all mine!
I am so blessed to have had the opportunity to work
with all of you; you’ve helped shape me and send me on my way to something totally
great. Having someone as fabulous as Carol to work around has been a super
extra bonus as well! When I first came to Centerpoint I seemed so different. I
feel like I have really grown up and come into my own while I’ve been here. I
use to be much more shy, unsure and confused. Right now I know what I want, I
know what I have to do to get there and I’m going for it. I have learned more about
me, I’ve gained confidence and I’ve also learned boundaries! These are all
things I lacked before Centerpoint or at least they had been in hiding, but
thanks to Centerpoint and its community they have been released. My passion and
vision are in alignment with my life, which to be honest hasn’t really ever
happened before. In ten years I could go through this all over again but at
least I know where to go when it happens!
This last weekend my Mom sent me a Mother’s day card,
no I don’t have children – well, not human
children, but children to me and my partner. It was really cute, it had a dog
on the cover much resembling my own pup with a funny little message and on the
inside she wrote “to the momma of all animals”. I was pleased! I had never been
identified like that before but I loved it. It’s nice when things start to
finally fit, for once I feel like I’m moving forward, as hard as it may be to
let go, I’m still moving forward into something that I am destined for, helping
and caring for animals. So – cheers to you all, good luck in your own ventures.
This is not the end of Megan Murphy, you’ll see me soon enough—but for now,
here’s to new beginnings!
peace,
Megan Murphy
“Momma to all animals”
Now
for that Hello:
I first became acquainted with Centerpoint
Institute in April ’04. I knew I needed to be looking around and getting some
help with what to do next. My feelings about my work life were on shaky
ground. (My advice: Don’t wait until you
get to that point! Two months later I
was a free agent again.) I volunteered
as the office moved to the exquisite Talaris campus and sought counseling again
in December. By January I was in school
and reinvigorating my love of learning. Fast forward to spring ’07 and I see
Centerpoint is looking for an office manager. Now was the time for me to jump
in and be a spokesperson for a place I consider a sanctuary! I look forward to being a part of its mission
and benefiting from all the people who make this place “the field of all
possibilities”. It is very heartening
for me to see so many people embracing change in their lives, and wisely not going solo down that road. Stop in and say “hi” so we can swap stories.
Ciao Bella,
Marcella Van Oel
Front
Office Manager
Brand New! Carpe Diem, Carpe…Passion!
In this
intensive weekend format, seize this opportunity to define and better
understand your passions and talents. This workshop is designed to immerse you
in what you love, what you want more of, and what you need to live your
passion. It’s an especially helpful
format for those of you who haven’t taken Passion Search because you think you
don’t have the time. Now, there are no more excuses! J 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: the condensed session on May 23 from 6:15pm-9:15pm or
all-day session Saturday June 23 from 9:30am to 4:30pm both with Jill Boyd (condensed
session includes Associate Membership). Please call 206.686.5433 or email
us to register.
Uncover what gives your life meaning and purpose. Create a clear, compelling vision for your
next chapter. Upcoming classes: Wednesdays beginning June 6 from 6:30pm-9pm
with Cody Strauss or Fridays with Catherine Follett beginning July 6, 10am-time
varies. Please call 206.686.5433 or email
us to register.
Exploring Options
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.
Register Now! Come join the
launch of Next Chapter of
A
Conversation with Marc Freedman
In
partnership with CityClub, Next Chapter
of Puget Sound (of which Centerpoint is a founding member) is hosting this
luncheon meeting. The generation who wouldn’t trust anyone over 30 is now
running full steam into their 50’s and 60’s. The decision for retirement or a
career change is becoming a reality along with the question of what that will
look like. How can we make a difference in this next chapter of our
lives? Marc Freedman, cofounder of Civic Ventures, Next Chapter of
Puget Sound’s affiliate, has expressed his view in his new book ENCORE:
Finding Work That Matters in the Second Half of Life on how this generation
is crafting a new phase of work that offers not only continued income but the
promise of more meaning—and the chance to do work that means something beyond
themselves. Participate in the conversation with Marc Freedman, learn
about Next Chapter, and find out what exciting adventures lay just around the
corner!
To
register, visit CityClub’s
website or call them directly at 206.682.7395. You are considered a member of a co-presenting
organization (since Centerpoint is part of Next Chapter) so the cost to you is
$40. When registering, please include “Next Chapter” along with your business
name in the space that asks for Company Name. The event is being held at the Women’s University Club,
Support
Circle Update: Centerpoint is poised to begin offering support
circles again. These are small groups
that meet regularly to continue their process after classes have finished. If you are interested in forming a support
circle please join us for an Open House, Wednesday, May 30th at 6:30
p.m. We’ll help you with setting up time
and dates for your meetings.
Office hours: Through experimentation
with the office hours we have come to a solid conclusion of the best possible and
most convenient hours for all of you. We will be open Mon-Thurs 12-7pm and
Friday 12-5pm, Saturdays will resume in the fall. The sun has been shining, the
grass is getting greener, the pollen is circulating and the birds are chirping!
Please stop by to enjoy all of this for yourself.
Career forum: This trimester’s career
forum is creeping up and fast! It seems like just yesterday we were putting
together the writing forum, but that has come and gone. This trimester is going
to be just as fun, the topic is on working with animals and we would love to
have your help! We are currently looking for volunteers to help put together the
event and we’re also looking for experts in the animal field to join our panel
and speak on Thursday June 21s with the rest of the panel. The night
itself will go from 6:30pm-8:30pm here at Centerpoint. Please
call 206.686.5433 or email
us if you’re interested!
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 can be publicly recognized on
the Centerpoint website for your contribution.
Digital Audio Recorder (1)
Digital Camcorder with Internal Hard Disk Drive (1)
Adobe Creative
Upgrade to FileMaker Pro 8.5 (1)
FileMaker Pro 8.5 (2 @ $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 12:00 to 7:00pm, Friday 12:00 to 5:00 pm; Saturdays resume in the Fall
--
Copyright ©2007 Centerpoint Institute. All Rights Reserved.