In This Issue...

Reflections
Upcoming Workshops and Events
News/Announcements
Mini-Reflection Exercise
This Issue's Sponsor

Reflections

For the first time, I skipped a month for this newsletter. Life threw an unexpected punch, knocking the wind out of a close loved one. It took the breath right out of me, too. This real feeling and metaphor caused me contemplate what it is that pulls us back to center when we find ourselves doubled-over from these surprise life situations.

These are some of the factors that get us through:

• Letting the tears flow and allowing yourself to be still as you assess the situation
  
  
• Breathe as deeply as you are able even when you think you cannot
  
  
• Stating that you're not okay and need time to get back into the game
  
  
• Situating yourself in a safe and comfortable place
  
  
• Noticing those around you expressing their concern and lending support
  
  
• Recognizing that hindsight is 20/20 and not beating yourself up further for not being better prepared
  
  
• Remembering that you will get through this as difficult and scary as it feels

As much as we don't wish to experience having the wind knocked out of us, we cope by paying attention to what we need to catch our breath. I wish you safe space and support to help you through those times.

 Consider ways that specifically help you cope by using the Mini-Reflection Exercise.

Upcoming Workshops and Events

Universe Changers! -- Minnesota Women's Press First Friday Salon

How can women raise each other up? ...and not pull each other down? Bring your thoughts and opinions. Add your ideas to the mix. You can make a difference! Join the discussion on Friday, April, 6:30–7:30 p.m. This month's creative and interactive discussion facilitated by Teresa of Purple Crayon Factory. Location: Minnesota Women’s Press, 771 Raymond Avenue, St. Paul, 55114. To help us plan, RSVPs are requested (but not required) to magnuson@womenspress.com. No charge and materials are included!
 


Rise to the Top!
Join us for our breakfast networking event Tuesday, April 8, 8:00-9:30am. (Doors open at 7:30am.) Do you include yourself in the group of people you admire, those who have risen to the top of their professions or whatever they have chosen to do in their lives?

Presenter Joan Eleanor Gustafson of Success and Leadership Dynamics has risen to the top of everything she has decided to do in her life (award-winning international speaker, author, marketing consultant, leadership coach and more) and will share with you clear-cut action steps to help you to do the same.

Location: Downtowner Woodfire Grill,St. Paul. $30 ($20 for W.I.N. members). FFI or to register, visit www.mnwin.org or call W.I.N.’s director, Teresa Thomas-Carroll at 612-722-6931.

Fitting in Fitness
Get tips and tricks for having a healthier lifestyle, learn motivation techniques and get your morning workout in, all while learning a routine you can do on your own! Thursday, April 17, 8:30-10:00am. (Doors open at 8:00am.) Presentation followed by informal networking and light, healthy brunch.

Presenter Brenda Booth is owner of Body One Wellness, LLC. Brenda is NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine) certified and specializes in weight/lifestyle management, health eating strategies, weight training and cardiovascular endurance.

Location: Macalester Alumni House, St. Paul. $10 (gratis for W.I.N. members). FFI or to register, visit www.mnwin.org or call W.I.N.’s director, Teresa Thomas-Carroll at 612-722-6931.

Women's Wellness & Adventure Weekend at the Audubon Center of the North Woods

Greet the change of seasons with restored energy and creativity! 535 acres of beautifully varied landscapes provide the perfect setting for this complete holistic adventure. May 2-4, 2008. Spend this weekend with your friends or take the opportunity to get away by yourself, meet new people, and learn new skills. Professionals in the fields of health, exercise, crafts and nutrition will provide a variety of physical, mental, and spiritual activities to choose from. To kick off the weekend, Teresa of Purple Crayon Factory will facilitate Envision Your Ideal Future on Friday evening to help participants relax and get to know each other in a creative way. Enjoy meals that have come to be known as some of the best in the area; the chef carefully plans and prepares each healthy, wholesome, organic meal with creativity and taste. Don't delay, the retreat is already over half-filled. FFI or to register, contact the Audubon Center: 320-245-2648, 888-404-7743 or audubon1@audubon-center.org

News/Announcements

• As Teresa settles into her dual role between PCF and Women In Networking (W.I.N.), she is examining the ways each organization can best serve its audience. W.I.N. is a perfect and exciting complement to PCF as Teresa's values center around creating meaningful connections between people and possibilities. Don't miss out on the opportunities available through W.I.N. visit www.mnwin.org to view upcoming networking events or to sign up for Connect, W.I.N.'s newsletter to be kept posted. Check out the recent FM107 radio interview featuring W.I.N. on Transition and Networking.

• Do you need the Connection Concierge? Whether you are too busy, reserved, new to the area, or just unsure of how to tap into networking that would specifically help your needs, Teresa will help you efficiently and easily receive the fresh ideas and connections you need without breaking the bank. Click to request information.

         
 "(The Connection Concierge) totally exceeded my expectations. What first drew me to this service was the opportunity to tap into Teresa’s vast network of contacts. However, not only did Teresa connect me with several valuable contacts - both individuals and organizations - she provided creative ideas for networking and marketing my event planning business.  Teresa is passionate about helping people and businesses grow, and I experienced first hand her commitment to going the extra mile on their behalf." -  Ann Nelson, Founder of Ann Plans LLC

Mini-Reflection Exercise

What helps you cope when life deals you a blow? Consider the following:

• Where can you shed tears and have stillness if you need it?
  
  
• How can you remind yourself to breathe? (e.g. a cup of tea, a stop sign)
  
  
• Why is it important to give yourself space and time to recover?
  
  
• Who tends to lend you a hand when you need help getting up?
  
  
• When have you experienced this feeling before and what helped you through it?

This Issue's Sponsor

(Reach over 1,000 readers by featuring your business or event here. For details visit PCF’s sponsorship page.)

Subscriber Information

Purple Crayon Factory's refreshing workshops, networking events and services support you to create the life you want with resources you have. We value creativity and facilitating meaningful connections between people and ideas. Whether you seek big transformation or simply inspiration, we have something for you or your organization.

Teresa Thomas-Carroll is the publisher of this newsletter and can be reached at 612-722-6931 or teresa@purplecrayonfactory.com.

Purple Crayon Factory respects your privacy and does not give out or sell subscriber names and/or email addresses. You are welcome to pass this newsletter to your friends and colleagues as long as the entire newsletter is kept intact. If this newsletter has been forwarded to you, you are welcome to sign up to receive your own copy at subscribe-956609963@ezinedirector.net. If you wish to be taken off this list simply send an email to remove-956609963@ezinedirector.ne

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