Greetings! June 2005 Summer is finally here and I hope this month's workout will bring you clarity to move in the direction of what you most desire this season! If you are looking for some inspiration, fun and creativity, check out Create Your Own Soul Cards workshop on Monday, July 18th from 6:30pm - 9:30pm. Details are below. If, at any time, you would like to unsubscribe, simply go to the end of the newsletter. Happy 4th of July!! Jean M. DiGiovanna, President, ThinkPeople Monthly Theme Monthly Workout Monthly Poem Upcoming Workshops/ Events Clarity - The Key to Moving Forward As I was sharing with a friend an area of my life I was working through and what I needed to do, she responded “I know you always honor your true feelings once you get clarity, which has brought you so much success in so many other areas of your life.” When I heard her response, the word “clarity” seemed to pop right out for me. I had been on a roller coaster and wasn’t sure which direction to take, but once I got clear, it seemed so obvious what to do. Even though what there was to do was difficult, I knew it was what was best. Gaining clarity allowed me to move forward. Just knowing a situation doesn’t feel right doesn’t necessary cause movement. Think of the times in your life when you knew you needed to move on and you had the desire to move or you felt the frustration of staying in one place, but you felt paralyzed. The sheer desire or feeling of frustration is not what often calls us to action. It’s really what calls us to begin to seek clarity. Not knowing what’s next paralyzes us, but the million dollar question is “How do we gain clarity?” First and foremost, physically step away from the situation to see it from a different perspective. When we are “too close” to the situation, we are less likely to see clearly. Plan a short retreat for the weekend on your own, take a sick day to “heal your head”, go to a place that comforts, soothes you and makes you feel good. We need time for the “chatter” to quiet down and in the silence of “not doing”, we begin to know what we feel. Secondly, tap into those feelings. Our emotions never lie. They are the pulse to how our life is going. Our thoughts and words alone do not dictate how we are really doing. The emotion behind our words is our truth. Take the time to explore your feelings, what is REALLY there and tell the truth to yourself. Look to see where your feelings misalign with your values. What values are being stepped on? What needs to be restored? When we confront what’s really there and what we truly desire, we can gain clarity and begin to move forward. Lastly, seek out support! Telling the truth is not always easy, especially for those who keep things inside. Showing emotion is not considered “strong”, “manly” or “powerful”, yet it’s the core of what it is to be human. During this time, it is so important to seek the support of those you trust, respect, who share your values and know you well. They don’t judge, tell you what direction to take or make assumptions of what you truly want. They listen, ask questions and guide you to seek the answers from within. If they are not in your life, seek out assistance from professionals who can help. Gaining clarity is not easy. It takes quieting the mind to feel the feelings, being with your feelings, no matter how scary or unpleasant, and digging deep enough to see what your own needs and desires are. Honor what is true for you. It will never lead you astray. Cheers, Jean M. DiGiovanna Monthly Workout: Gaining Clarity Think of an issue or area of your life you are currently struggling with. If you haven't already, take some time to yourself to look at the issue, be it an hr a day, a day off of work, a weekend day and spend time alone. During this "down" time, explore the following questions below for this month's workout: A look at your feelings: How does this situation make you feel? What values do you think are being stepped on right now? What in you is not being honored? What’s in the way of you not moving forward? What are you afraid of? A look at what you desire: What is it that you are truly looking for right now? What values do you need to honor at this time? Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths and focus your energy on your heart. Imagine all your thoughts releasing out the top of your head and move your focus to your heart. When your head is quiet, ask yourself “What does my heart know deep down inside?” A look at support: What support do you need at this time? Who can provide that support? How can you get that support? What is one action item you are willing to take on to help you move forward? I challenge you to take that action item on. I look forward to hearing what you experience! (please e-mail me at jdigi@thinkpeople.com) Poem of the Month: Clarity Calm confidence in knowing what is right for you, Loving desire and passion to become more clear. Alas, you realize it takes time and commitment to dig deep down inside, Realize your true feelings, uncover your fear. In the quiet of your mind, and the depths of your soul, Trust that you have what it takes, and You will know which direction to go.                          ~ by Jean M. DiGiovanna Upcoming Workshops, Events, Announcements THINKPEOPLE's WORKSHOPS Create Your Own Soul Cards - A fun and soulful workshop that taps into your creativity and spirituality! Learn about and create your own set of soul cards to use as a tool to help you access answers from within. Monday, July 18, 2005 6:30pm - 9:30pm at The Self Center in Winchester,MA Cost $45 To register or for more info, see http://www.thinkpeople.com/workshops.html PUBLIC APPEARANCES Effortless Networking New England Women Business Owners - Wednesday, July 13, 2005 6:30pm - 8:30pm    Newton Holiday Inn Many of us relate to networking as hard work, a struggle, pushing our services or products and that dreaded word..."selling"! It doesn't have to be that way! In this networking event and workshop, you will practice techniques in a safe environment and will leave with increased confidence, renewed energy and concrete connections to pursue future business opportunities. To register or for more details, see http://www.newbo.org Curious about ThinkPeople's other services? Check out Facilitation/Training/ Consulting" I hope you've enjoyed ThinkPeople's Monthly Workout and found it valuable! 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 ~ Bringing Individuals and Organizations Alive! jdigi@thinkpeople.com http://www.thinkpeople.com/ 617.489.7494