Greetings! October 2007 I hope you are enjoying this Fall. This month's workout is about shedding the old and bringing in the new. May you experience much joy this season. If, at any time, you would like to unsubscribe, simply go to the end of the newsletter. Happy Halloween, Jean M. DiGiovanna, President, ThinkPeople Monthly Theme Monthly Workout Monthly Poem Upcoming Workshops/ Events Clear out the old...bring in the new Have you been having less tolerance these days for things that no longer work for you? Have you been up against challenging people or situations that you are sick and tired of dealing with? If so, you are not alone! Just as the earth’s environment is going through many changes, we as humans are experiencing many changes as well. Although it may not feel great in the moment, it truly is all for the best. As the saying goes, “This too shall pass.” I believe that our mind and body has an incredible way to heal itself and if given the opportunity, knows exactly what it needs. When we are frustrated, challenged or resisting the same things over time, that is a good indication that something is no longer working for us physically, mentally or emotionally. When we feel drained, out of energy or just plain tired, more often than not, it may be time to shed some skin. It is only then that we allow for something better to come in. What I have discovered recently is it’s time to get rid of the crap!! It’s time for a mental and physical cleanse. It’s a good time to begin to ask myself, “What is no longer working for me? What or who drains me? What crap have I been tolerating or putting in my body that I no longer want to? Where do I feel most energized? Who do I feel most energized around? What feeds my soul?” When I dwell in these questions, the answers amazingly show up. We are constantly in a state of motion, but as soon as we stop, breathe deeply and ask ourselves some simple questions, our bodies and minds will tell us what we need. Our body and mind truly know what our soul desires. We just have to slow down enough to ask and wait patiently in silence for the answers. You don’t have to be a yogi or someone who meditates or who is “one” with the universe to experience this. You simply have to be willing to take a moment out of your day, take a few deep breaths and ask yourself a few targeted questions. Getting the answers, however, is the first step. You then have to be willing to take the action to bring in the new. That requires letting go of the old and creating space for the new. If you are ready to shed the old, and bring in the new (and often we may not even know what is in store for us), I challenge you to take on this month’s workout. When we begin to let go of what no longer works, we create the space for richer and more fulfilling experiences and people to fill our life and our soul. We all deserve to have rich and fulfilling lives! Cheers, Jean M. DiGiovanna Monthly Workout: Clear out the old...bring in the new Pick an area of your life you would like to be more fulfilled in. Perhaps you are currently frustrated, drained or stuck in this area today. Or, you simply would like to have more in this area (e.g. Work, Relationship, Money, Fun, Health, Family, Service, Home…). Using this area as context, take on the following questions and process below: As you think of this area, what specifically no longer works for you? What or who is draining or frustrating you? What would you like to have more of? Be as specific as possible. How long have you been tolerating this in your life? What has it been costing you? What has it been costing others? Are you willing to do something about this area of your life TODAY? If so, go to step 5. If not, what do you believe is the biggest barrier to having what you want in this area? What are you most afraid of? Do you have evidence that your fear is true? What might you need to let go of to break through this barrier? Keep dwelling in these questions and see what loosens up for you. And, then ask yourself, “How quickly do I want to have a rich and full life?” Be gently with yourself and free from judgment as you dwell in these questions. As you begin to feel more inspired to do something about this area, continue with this exercise. Find a quiet place free from interruptions and noise. Sit with your arms and legs unfolded, feet firmly on the ground, or if you are on the floor, legs crossed or in front of you with hands on your lap, palms facing upward. Just take a few deep breaths in…and then out. Take a few more breaths in….then out. Notice the stress of the day leaving you and begin to relax into your breath. Then, ask yourself the following questions. After each question, sit quietly and see what comes up. An answer may not come up and that is just fine. Just take a deep breath and ask the next one. There is no right or wrong result of this exercise. The most important is to stay open and free from judgment. After you complete exercise, take a few minutes to jot down what you heard. What does my heart know about this situation? What do I really want? What does my soul need at this time? If nothing came up out of the exercise, do not worry. What you have begun to do is open up your mind for answers to begin to show up. You now have opened the gates and as you go through your days, notice any recurring thoughts that come up and take on the exercise whenever you want. If something did come up, take on the answers like it’s the truth. Given your answers, what specific actions will you need to perform to realize your answer? Write down the specific actions with timeframes and any support or accountability that is required. Take on your actions and begin to notice your energy level. Repeat this exercise for anything you are currently frustrated with, tolerating or you simply want more of or less of in your life. I look forward to hearing what you experience! (please e-mail me at jdigi@thinkpeople.com) Clear out the old...bring in the new There are times when tolerating what we have is ok. But, as time passes, we begin to recognize how much richer our life can be. Our eyes open up, and we no longer will take the life we continue to see. We must dig deep down inside, let go of our pride and bring up what has yet to be seen. In order to create more room for much joy, much richness and happiness to glean. We deserve to be free, to have the life we desire, it is our divine right. So, take on what is required to let go of the old, so the world can see your bright light.                          ~ by Jean M. DiGiovanna PUBLIC APPEARANCES Mastering Confrontation by Jean DiGiovanna Tuesday, November 13, 2007 from 10:30am - 12:00pm BuildBoston - Convention & Trade Show Seaport World Trade Center Learn how to deal with conflict as it arises and overcome the barriers and utilize concrete tools and techniques for mastering confrontation. Details or to register: http://www.buildboston.com Building Effective Teams (even when you're not always in charge) by Jean DiGiovanna Thursday, November 15, 2007 from 1:00pm - 2:30pm BuildBoston - Convention & Trade Show Seaport World Trade Center Learn the critical success factors that distinguish high performing teams and how to impact change by inspiring and motivating others when you are not always in charge. Details or to register: http://www.buildboston.com Developing High Impact Training Programs by Jean DiGiovanna Tuesday, November 27, 2007 from 9am - 4:30pm Dedham, MA Maximizing Employee Retention & Job Satisfaction: Current Trends, Techniques, Communication and Training in Employee Recognition Learn the critical success factors to creating high impact training programs, the role of experiential learning and specific ongoing training programs you can implement that instill rapid change. Details or to register: http://http://www.lorman.com/seminars/seminar_details.php?sku=376646 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 ©2007 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