connectingpoint
September 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

Welcome to the latest edition of our e-newsnote!!

"Begin difficult things while they are easy. Do great things when they are small. The difficult things of the world must once have been easy; The great things must once have been small... A thousand mile journey begins with one step." --Lao-Tse

And, please let us know how we can help you to "Look forward to Monday again!"

In this issue
Click on the following links in order to jump ahead

From our Executive Director
A Note from our Program Director
Greetings From the Front Office
Not to be Missed!
Do You Have 4 Hours to Spare? and Other Items of Interest
Looking for...

See You in September...

Remember that song? It seems for most, September is a time of new beginnings and things to look forward to... beginning school, a shift to more brisk weather, the beautiful leaves turning on the trees.

For me, though, it has always conjured up the sense of endings... the end of warm sunny days, no more light into the late evenings, and those colorful leaves? Technically, it's a sign that they're in the midst of dying! OK, now I really don't mean to be morose or anything. My point is that, while endings may be difficult, they really are a natural part of the seasons of our lives.

I'm experiencing some challenging endings with a couple of family members right now. Some of the relationships I thought I had and could count on seem to be quite different than I had assumed. The depth of anger towards me has really taken me by surprise. I find myself grieving the loss of the images I had of these relationships and asking myself: what exactly is it that I need to let go of?

My dad always told me that when one isn't satisfied about something, it means that one's expectations about the situation are different from the reality of it. The solution? Either change your expectations or change the reality. It sounds really simple but I often find it an extraordinarily challenging thing to do. In this situation involving family members, it's even more difficult.

In letting go of the relationships I thought we had, I'm experiencing much grief. I am, however, very much comforted by the cyclical, seasonal approach we take here at Centerpoint. I can remind myself that:

... in letting go I know I'm creating space in my life for what needs to come next,

... I need to take the time to heal and to listen to what I'm learning on a personal level,

... I can see this opportunity to imagine the possibilities for different, more honest and authentic relationships.

Is there something in your life right now that you need to let go of? In the beginning of this fall season, what's ending for you? How can you give yourself time to step back from the treadmill you've been on and consider the possibility of doing things differently?

It's time to take that small step and begin to dream about what you really want. If Centerpoint can assist you in that exploration, we're honored to be here for you.

With warmest regards and much growth until next month,
Carol

Carol Vecchio
co-Founder and Executive Director

Attending to Clues and Following the Energy

Well, life always has a way to help us practice what we preach does it not? In Centerpoint's Passion Search class, we help people let go of what isn't working, discover and embrace their signs of renewal, gather clues that help them design a vision and to take the very next step towards that vision. I had been in decline (Fall/Winter) with my exercise routine. Having been a life long exerciser, I was bored with my exercise and let it go to an almost non-existent level this last year! I knew I needed a re-entry to exercise in my life, but I didn't know what it would look like.

In my current Passion Search class, there is a very lovely woman who belongs to a nearby local health club. She has been a member for years and sometimes comes to Passion Search after working out. My interest in exercise was re-sparked by her commitment to her physical health. At the same time, while leading Exploring Options, I used a so-called obstacle in my life as an example for the class of how we can imagine obstacles in our lives and really change how we view them through the act of creative questioning. The obstacle was - I'm a busy woman, with a job, two children, a husband and other commitments that pull at me - I can't seem to find time to exercise. And the Exploring Options members all had really useful questions for me that challenged my view!

Then, Shelley our Office Manager (who was also in the Exploring Options class) mentioned to me a couple of weeks ago that she was thinking of joining this nearby health club, would I like to too? Of course I would! We are encouraging Carol Vecchio to go with us now! I'm delighted by how all of this came together - a noticing of fatigue/boredom with my exercise, a letting go, some interest and signs of inspiration, letting others know about it - and it has turned into a new exercise routine that is working for me. What's helped? Paying attention, telling others, letting others help me, taking classes rather than exercising by myself, and a friend to go with! I know if I hadn't been involved with Centerpoint I would not have paid attention to all of these clues and opportunities right before me. It is the staff, faculty, and clients that make Centerpoint a truly alive place to work - and helps me to practice what I preach! I'm really pleased for this re-entry into exercise and I have a new commitment. Thank you everyone!

Catherine Follett
Program Director

Anticipation

Fall is upon us... it is getting dark earlier and the air feels differently than it did a month ago. Even though I haven't been a student in a while, I still find myself still thinking in terms of school semesters and trimesters. So, September always feels like a re-entry time for me. A time of preparation for all that the new year may hold. I still remember school shopping with my mom for new clothes and school supplies when I was little. I miss that. I miss the anticipation of the new and the openness to surprise (and someone buying me new clothes! :)

Maybe, though, we as adults can still hang on to that heightened awareness to the changing seasons of our lives. I am finding that the more I "pay attention" to my life, the more fulfilling it is. I often struggle with making decisions when I have many alternatives. Yet, the more I seek to listen to my inner life, the easier it is to make choices that come from the heart. That is one thing I really love about Centerpoint-- the space that the counseling and workshops give for looking at one's inner life. It has also felt like a spacious place for me to work and I love seeing people come to Centerpoint for assistance and leave with a renewed sense of purpose and life.

Feel free to call me in the front office to talk over choices that you are considering or to ask any questions about any of the services that Centerpoint offers.

With hopeful anticipation for all that this new season will bring,

Shelley Pearson
Front Office Manager

Coming Up

LifeWork Renewal
If you (or someone you know) are in need of gaining a fresh new perspective on the changes you have been experiencing in your life and/or work then plan to attend this workshop! Upcoming classes: if you're in a big life or career shift, plan on the all-day session Saturday, Oct 6th from 9:30am to 4:30pm or attend the condensed session on Tuesday, Oct 16th from 6:15-9:15pm (Condensed Session includes Associate Membership). Please call 206.686.5433 to register!

Passion Search
Uncover what gives your life meaning and purpose. Create a clear, compelling vision for your next chapter. Upcoming classes: Nine Tuesdays beginning Sept 18th with Cody Strauss (it's not too late to register... we have one space available and can work you into the second session), six Fridays (daytimes) beginning Sept 28th (2 spaces open) or nine Thursdays beginning October 4th, both with Catherine Follett. We also have a Passion Search section offered on Mondays beginning October 22nd.

If you would like more of an immersion experience in uncovering your passions, sign up for Carpe Diem, Carpe... Passion! on the weekend of October 13th and 14th. Please call 206.686.LIFE to register for any of these workshops!

Communicate Your Way to Success
Become more powerful and successful through proactive and clear two-way communication with your boss, colleagues, and employees. Break away from the office for this lunch-time workshop to learn some practical and effective communication techniques that will give you more power in the workplace that you can use immediately. This workshop, facilitated by Annie Kurz, is on Thursday, Sept 27th from 12pm-1:30pm. Tuition: $38 ($30 for Centerpoint Associate Members). (Box lunch is optional at an additional $11.) Please call 206.686.LIFE 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 call 206.686.LIFE for more information.

Other Items of Interest...

Do You Have Four Hours to Spare on Tuesday, October 16th? Centerpoint needs your help! We've volunteered to cover a shift for KUOW's Fall Pledge Drive. It's a great way to do a good deed and get free exposure for Centerpoint at the same time! Our shift is between 1:30 and 5:45 pm. It includes a free parking pass. We need about eight more people to round out the team. Please contact our Board member, Brian Randolph, at 206.223.1000 who's coordinating our efforts. We'd love for you to join in on a fun and easy way to spread the word about Centerpoint!

Nonprofit Career Fair (Oct 17) and Workshop (Oct 15) for People in the Second Half of Life: Idealist.org (a part of Action Without Borders), Civic Ventures, and Next Chapter of Puget Sound are all coordinating efforts around these events. (We're proud to report that Centerpoint has been very instrumental in developing the curriculum that will most likely be used nationally and Carol Vecchio is the workshop facilitator!) Here are the details:

Workshop: Work with Meaning: Considering a Non-Profit Career for Your Next Chapter?
In preparation for the fair, attend a free, 2.5 hour, practical workshop to:

Be inspired by someone who’s made the transition (speaker to be announced)
Evaluate your readiness level for making a shift into non-profit work
Get suggestions on how to use the upcoming career fair most effectively
Immerse yourself in a crash course learning about the skills you need to make the most of the career fair

Monday, October 15 from 6:30 to 9:00 pm at Seattle University (directions)

Nonprofit Career Fair: For those in the second half of life who are thinking about or have committed to working in the non-profit world on Wednesday, October 17 from 11 am to 2 pm also at Seattle University (directions)

Check back periodically on the Centerpoint website for additional details. They'll be posted as soon as we get them!

Legacy Leadership Institute: Are you ready for your next challenge? Participate in the Legacy Leadership Institute on the Environment, a professionally staffed lifelong learning program that develops informed, motivated and committed Washington residents age 50+ for community service in partnership with staff from15 environmental nonprofits throughout the state of Washington.

As a Legacy Leader you can:
• Use your leadership, energy, talent and skills to make a meaningful contribution to your community.
• Increase your knowledge and learn to do Community Outreach for Environmental Nonprofits.
• Meet new and interesting people who are also seeking challenges.

The Program itself begins in October at Antioch University Seattle. For more info, call the Antioch Center for Continuing Education at 206-268-4111 and/or visit the website.

Volunteer Opportunity Knocks: If you are interested in helping out Centerpoint by volunteering, please give Shelley a call in the Front Office (206.686.LIFE). Thank you!

We Really Could Use Your Help!

How might you be able to help?

Tell everyone you know about the benefits of working with Centerpoint.
Recommend our services to your organization.
Make a tax-deductible donation to Centerpoint and get it matched by your employer (see below).
Renew your membership.
Join the Board. (Meetings are by conference call on the third Tuesday of each month from 8:00 to 9:30 am and face-to-face once per quarter.)
All of the above! J

The Board has some specific and concrete initiatives for this year with which we desperately need your support:

Marketing, Media Connections, PR: We need to let people know we’re here to help. 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 can you help out to ensure Centerpoint’s future so we'll be here when you experience your next transition? J

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.

LCD Projector (our current projector is so antiquated it can't even work with our laptop!)
Digital Camcorder with Internal Hard Disk Drive (1)
Adobe Creative Suite 2 (1)
Upgrade to FileMaker Pro 8.5 (1)
FileMaker Pro 8.5

Centerpoint Institute for Life and Career Renewal
4000 NE 41st Street
Building D West, 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