Greetings! November 2008 As the holidays are here, this month's workout, Choosing Gratitude is a reminder that we have the ability to view life and situations differently. If you are in the Boston area, I invite you to a Holiday Open Studio on Wed, Dec 10th from 6-9pm in Watertown, MA to view photography from my friend Amy Rewakowski and jewelry designs I've created that will be deeply discounted for the holidays. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to help eradicate breast cancer. Details are below. If, at any time, you would like to unsubscribe, simply go to the end of the newsletter. Warmly, Jean M. DiGiovanna, President, ThinkPeople Monthly Theme Monthly Workout Monthly Poem Upcoming Workshops/ Events Choosing Gratitude We are living in very challenging and exciting times. The economic downturn has not been easy for many and everyone is feeling the pain in some way. At the same time, there is much hope for change and stability moving forward. During this holiday season, it can be easy to latch onto that negative spiral and ride all the way down. But, what would be possible if we chose a different spiral that could be moving upwards? The point here is that we have the ability to choose. We have the ability to act, think and feel differently about the current situation. Sounds simple, but it’s not always easy. As Thanksgiving is upon us, we are reminded of what we do have and are grateful for. I was moved by what Joseph Farah writes about the meaning of Thanksgiving as he says, “The Pilgrims recognized that everything we have is a gift from God – even our sorrows. Their Thanksgiving tradition was established to honor God and thank Him for His blessings and His grace.” In the midst of challenging times, it is a great reminder to take this month to reconnect with what you are grateful for in your life. It could be as small as having a pillow under your head to raising healthy children, from being able to pet your cat or dog to having great relationships. When we stop and take the time to be grateful for what we have, who we are, the freedom we have and what is available to us, something shifts in us. We feel lighter, more relaxed and can look at life from a more open view. The more we can all do that on a daily basis, the greater the shift to increased prosperity, fulfillment and abundance we will all have. This holiday season, I wish you and your loved ones peace in your homes, joy in your lives and much gratitude in your hearts. Happy Thanksgiving! Cheers, Jean M. DiGiovanna Monthly Workout: Choosing Gratitude Take on the following questions and process below for this month’s workout: Take a moment and find a quiet place and sit undisturbed. Bring along a journal or something to write on. Take a few deep breaths in and out and focus your attention on your body all the way from the top of your head down to the bottom of your feet. As you scan your body while breathing in and out, begin to relax each part. Now, take a moment to think about what you most grateful for in your life. This could be a person, place or thing. It could be an experience you have had or about to have, an opportunity that could be available to you. As you begin to think of these things, take a moment to jot them down. Keep writing until you have written down all your thoughts. Take another deep breath and go even deeper. What are you really grateful for? Keep going until you’ve written each thought. When you have completed journaling, take a moment to send love to those in your life and in the world in whatever way suit your style. Bless yourself and all others. Try this on a daily basis and notice what begins to shift in your energy and level of aliveness. I look forward to hearing what you experience! (please e-mail me at jdigi@thinkpeople.com) Choosing Gratitude The holidays are not always easy. And, especially during these times we are living. But, we do have something we can control, our own gratitude and level of giving. Take the time to reconnect with what you are grateful for. Open your heart and remember why you are here. For this is the time you can make a difference, To bring hope, change and prosperity near.                          ~ by Jean M. DiGiovanna EVENTS & OTHER WORKSHOPS Holiday Open Studio- Wed, Dec. 10, 2008 6-9pm Watertown, MA. View color nature photographs, cards and whimsical wish boxes by Amy Rewakowski of Amy-Art. See samples at http://amy-art.smugmug.com/ And, jewelry designs by Jean DiGiovanna of Flames of Grace at http://www.flamesograce.com . Portion of proceeds will support ArtBeCAUSE, an organization dedicated to helping eradicate Breast Cancer. Address is 27 Townly Rd, Watertown. More details,email jean@flamesofgrace.com Are you longing for a getaway to rejuvenate yourself...and reconnect with your partner, but don’t have anyone to take special care of your children? Are you dreaming of a holiday gift that will give you a chance to treat your spouse to a 2009 Weekend Getaway? (like a Vermont ski vacation or a quiet weekend at a B&B on the Cape or a NYC sensory splurge?) Then hire Morgaine Mary Beck, Certified Life Coach and Experienced Nanny, to move into your home for a weekend and take “Mary Poppins” care of your children while you get away and take magical care of yourself! Superb references, CPR training, CORI, excellent driving record. http://www.MyGetawayNanny.com or call (508) 548-6659 Curious about ThinkPeople's other services beyond Coaching? Check out Corporate 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 ©2008 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