Greetings! September 2006 The leaves are turning and the air is crisp - ahh..the feel of Fall! One constant thing about living in New England is change and this month's workout is all about changing and shifting your perspective, so I hope you enjoy taking on the shift! I am expanding my workshop offerings into Providence, RI next month, so if you or someone you know lives in the area, I invite you to check it out. Details at www.thinkpeople.com/workshops.html On a totally separate note, for those looking for a sale and who love accessories (or are married/connected to someone who does), i'm holding a jewelry show next Wednesday, Oct 4th, and an on-line sale for the month of October with my other business Flames of Grace. Details are below or at www.flamesofgrace.com If, at any time, you would like to unsubscribe, simply go to the end of the newsletter. Cheers, Jean M. DiGiovanna, President, ThinkPeople Monthly Theme Monthly Workout Monthly Poem Upcoming Workshops/ Events How Can I Serve? It’s amazing what happens when we come from the perspective “How can I be of service?” in our work and life. In any given week, there are things we say “yes” to and others we decline. Let’s face it, the bottom line is, “What’s in it for me?” It is a question we, as human beings, naturally ask before we dive into something. Businesses that market or sell to the direct needs of the customers do a great job at that. They put the customer first and come from the perspective, “It’s not about us, it’s all about them!” Yet, in our day-to-day activities, how often do you naturally come from a place of “It’s not about me, it’s about them!” This requires being fully present with the other person and understanding who they are, what they need and what they are thinking before seeing what you can get out of the interaction. And, more importantly, it’s about finding ways you can serve, assist or provide something they need. Yes, it’s important to get your needs met, but the question is, how are you going about that, and how does it feel to you? Is it a struggle to get what you need? Frustrating, or challenging? Or does it feel effortless sometimes? (Yes, that is possible!!) Your perspective before you dive in can make all the difference in the world in attracting what you truly want in your life and how much fun you will have along the way! To come from a place of service takes a shift in your way of being and how you relate to others. Next time you are interacting with someone, try out coming from the perspective, “How can I serve?” and notice what shifts in your conversation. Notice the level of your curiosity and listening. Notice how the other person responds to the various questions you are asking because you are genuinely curious, instead of thinking, “What can I get out of this?”. When you come from a place of wanting to serve, you may be pleasantly surprised with what you get in return. It is only through giving, with no strings attached, that you truly receive the gift of being served in all areas of your life. Cheers, Jean M. DiGiovanna Monthly Workout: How can I serve? Take on the following questions and process: Pick a person or situation in your life to practice a new way of being around. Before meeting this person or diving into the situation, imagine taking on the perspective “How can I serve?” and notice what you would need to give up or let go of to stay in that perspective. Are you willing to give up or let go of that? If so, try out the new perspective while you are in the interaction or during the situation. As soon as you feel yourself wondering "what’s in this for me?", reconnect with “How can I serve?” and notice what happens. Practice coming from this new perspective in future interactions. If you are not willing to give up or let go at this time, look to see what is in the way. Do not assess, judge or make yourself wrong for it. Instead, simply accept how you currently feel and practice staying curious in all situations. This will help loosen your hold on it. Remember, to continue to request what you need in your interactions as “serving” doesn’t mean giving yourself away. I look forward to hearing what you experience! (please e-mail me at jdigi@thinkpeople.com) Poem of the Month: Being of Service Being of service does not mean giving yourself away, for, it is important to be valued for your work. Coming from a place of truly wanting to help, Opens up the conversation to play. Listen intently, and continue to seek, More understanding from the person who speaks. Stay curious and trust that when you offer to serve, It will come back to you ten-fold, with energy and verve!                          ~ by Jean M. DiGiovanna Upcoming Workshops, Events, Announcements Introduction to Workshop Design Wednesday, Oct 25, 2006 6pm - 9pm   Providence, MA Co-Sponsored by the New England Holistic Chamber of Commerce (NEHCC) A highly interactive session for Entreprenuers interested in delivering workshops, but don't know where to begin or those in Corporate who are tasked with designing workshops. You will leave with practical tools and a reusable process to design and develop high-impact workshops. Cost $95 Early-Bird fee before Oct 17th $115 after. $20 off to NEHCC Members. To register or for more info, see http://www.thinkpeople.com/workshops.html PUBLIC APPEARANCES Package Your Expertise into Workshops and Increase Your Revenue! Tuesday, Oct 10, 2006 5:30pm - 6:30pm Waltham, MA Coaches Roundtable prior to ICF Meeting As Professional Coaches, much of our work is 1-on-1 and we provide extreme value to our clients. In addition to personal client work, there are ways to package your talent and expertise and impact more individuals, gain exposure for your business and position yourself as an expert in your field. Learn the benefits, common pitfalls, and steps to introduce workshops and seminars into your offerings and discover how to get your message out into the world! To register or for more info, see http://www.icfne.org/index.php?page=event_101006_roundtable EVENTS & OTHER WORKSHOPS Hold Onto Summer Jewelry Sale - Flames of Grace Wednesday, Oct 4, 2006 6:00pm - 9:30pm  Watertown, MA Come check out the Summer Collection and take 30% off all summer items and 20% off everything else. Light Refreshments served. To RSVP or for more details, see http://www.flamesofgrace.com Trust Your Gut: How Your Intuition can Lead to Success - Boston Women's Network Tuesday, Oct 24, 2006 6:30pm - 8:30pm   Brookline Holiday Inn Join us, as Lynn Robinson, Intuitive Consultant, teaches you how to make successful decisions when you don’t have all the facts, how to learn to be guided by what you feel, and grow your trust in using intuition for business success. To register or for more details, see http://www.bostonwomensnetwork.org 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 ©2006 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