Greetings! December 2004 The holidays seem to creep up so quickly so I thought I would get my newsletter out earlier than usual this month. I invite you, in light of this month's theme, to take time out to just play and have some fun before the new year! We're never too old for that :-) If you interested in kicking off the new year with focus, clarity and renewed energy, feel free to check out ThinkPeople's annual Goal-setting workshops in January called "Take Charge of Your Life in 2005!" and a new one called "Take Charge of Your Business in 2005" for small business owners. Details are below. If, at any time, you would like to unsubscribe, simply go to the end of the newsletter. Warm wishes for a joyous holiday and a prosperous New Year! Jean M. DiGiovanna, President, ThinkPeople Monthly Theme Monthly Workout Monthly Poem Upcoming Workshops/ Events Time for Recess! I don't keep a lot of reading material in my bathroom, but I do have one book that transcends time called "Journey to the Heart" by Melodie Beattie. No matter what year it is, her daily thoughts seem to be just what I need to hear that day. In one of her recent passages, she says, "We make sure that our children take time for recess everyday. But we forget that we need recess, too". I suddenly flashed back to elementary school where I pictured the playground we had recess in, the jungle gym, slide, bars and the flying hat, a round metal structure that sat on a pole and you hung on with your hands and let your body swing out as you went around. Boy, you'd never see those around today with all the safety hazards, but then there were always the swings. We used to j-walk in between the swings trying to get from one side of the swing set to the other without getting hit. Until I got a foot in my chin and was sent to the emergency room! But still, I can always remember good times. We learned for a few hours, then we were "let out" to play. I couldn't wait for recess. Even if I were tired in the morning, suddenly, I was rejuvenated when recess came. We'd sprint outside as if running for the freedom to be. Even in below zero weather, it just didn't matter! There was screaming and running around playing tag (heaven forbid you were the last one "it") and hopscotch and four corners. Now, I really feel for the teacher's aids who had to watch us at recess :-) But what came back to me most when I was reminiscing was that feeling of freedom to move around and do nothing but play. The sole purpose of recess was to play. And then, once we left elementary school, it was over. No recess. No time set out to just play. Instead, it was study hall. Did they think we outgrew the need for playtime? In fact, we rarely even hear the term "recess" today, unless it has to do with the court system, the economy or our hairline! What's ironic is that we need time for recess more than ever before. When was the last time you had "recess"? Sounds funny, huh, but when I was brought back to that time, it really had me realize how important it was then and how important it really is now as an adult. I ask you, before the end of the year, instead of driving to the mall waiting an hour to park your car, then having to deal with the crowds, go to the nearest park and have recess! Give yourself the gift of freedom. Keep giving yourself that gift in the new year. And trust, that when you do that for yourself, everything else will be taken care of. Happy Holidays and a VERY PLAYFUL NEW YEAR! Warmly, Jean M. DiGiovanna Monthly Workout: Time for Recess!: Explore the following processes and questions below for this month's workout: What do you remember most about recess when you were a child? What's the kind of experience you want to remember and take with you today? How can you bring more time for recess into your daily life? What would that look like? Take time out before the new year and hold "recess" for yourself - time just to play and have fun! What kind of commitment would it take to incorporate "recess" time into your new year? What's one action you would be willing to take on in the new year? I challenge you to take that action item on and see what shows up for you. I look forward to hearing what you experience! (please e-mail me at jdigi@thinkpeople.com) Poem of the Month: Time for Recess! Remember the times you were let out to play, Every bone in your body, energized that day. Not a care in the world, No actions "to-do", but to roam freely with joy, and connect with what's true. Take time out for "recess", no matter how old, It will bring you alive, like you've just struck gold!                          ~ by Jean M. DiGiovanna Upcoming Workshops, Events, Announcements THINKPEOPLE's WORKSHOPS ARE BACK! LOOKING FOR A BREAKTHROUGH YEAR? Take Charge of Your Life in 2004! A workshop that aligns who you are with where you are going and your goals in 2005. A holistic approach to goal-setting that leaves you more focused and rejuvinated in the new year. Sunday, January 23, 2005 from 1pm - 5pm in Watertown, MA. Cost $75. To register or for more info, see http://www.thinkpeople.com/workshops.html LOOKING TO TAKE YOUR BUSINESS TO THE NEXT LEVEL? Take Charge of Your Business in 2004! A holistic approach to Business Planning that will focus your energy, align your business and maximize your results in 2005. For Entrepreneurs and Small Business Owners. Friday, January 28, 2005 from 8am - 12pm in Watertown, MA. Cost $85. Breakfast included. To register or for more info, see http://www.thinkpeople.com/workshops.html Boston Women's Network (BWN) invites you to "Getting Organized When Life Feels out of Control". Presented by Marilyn Paul, Management Consultant and author of "It’s Hard to Make a Difference When You Can’t Find Your Keys: The Seven Step Path to Becoming Truly Organized. You will explore the root of disorganization and establish new habits that will lead to less chaos and less stress.Tuesday, January 11, 2005 from 6:00pm - 9:00pm at the Sheraton Lexington Inn To register or for more info, see http://www.bostonwomensnetwork.org/news/011105_meeting.html Curious about ThinkPeople's other services? Check out Facilitation/Training/ Consulting" I hope you've enjoyed ThinkPeople's Monthly Workout and found value out of it! Feel free to forward to your friends, family and colleagues. To read past editions of ThinkPeople's Newsletters and to learn more about our services and products, visit us at http://www.thinkpeople.com/resources.html If you wish to unsubscribe, please e-mail unsubscribe@thinkpeople.com Copyright Info: ThinkPeople's Monthly Workout for the mind, heart and soul is ©2004 Jean M. DiGiovanna. All rights reserved worldwide. No part of this publication may be reproduced without express written permission from the publisher. Jean M. DiGiovanna, Publisher Amy Rewakowski, Editor ThinkPeople ~ Playground for Shifting Reality jdigi@thinkpeople.com http://www.thinkpeople.com/ 617.489.7494