Jody's Story

From the time I stepped foot inside Centerpoint I have felt like I was meant to be there. From the first phone conversation, to LifeWork Renewal™, to Passion Search™, with one-on-one sessions, and finally to the Cycles of Change™ certification program, I have felt very supported in my process of change and discovery.

I came to Centerpoint knowing I needed a change in my work/career, wanting with my whole heart to make a leap to something new. I had been with the same organization for over 20 years and needed to make a shift. Just making that first step gave me hope for change and set things in motion. I felt more open, more peaceful, and more attentive to myself.

Next came a mix of emotions when I was laid off. Though there was some pain, I was so thankful for the nudge and support to keep moving to a new place. It really was a blessing. I am so thankful that I was in process at Centerpoint when I got laid off. Much of what I’ve been learning helped me deal with my loss and stretched me for my future.

Besides feeling supported through the change, Centerpoint process and faculty have helped me face and embrace a dream that I’ve had for nearly 20 years. It’s the right time. I wasn’t ready 20 years ago, I wasn’t ready 10 years ago, or even five years ago. Now’s the time. I’ve landed in some rich soil that is allowing my dream to germinate and open up so that it can creep out from under the ground and reach for the sun. I need to take it slowly, not rushing it. I’ve spent so much of my life hurrying and rushing things. It’s time to slow down and…watch the flowers slowly bloom.

I recall a springtime Frog and Toad story that speaks to me right now. Toad wants to have a flower garden and asks Frog what he needs to do. After getting the directions from Frog, he then plants the seeds and sits by them waiting for them to come up. He plays music to them, waters them, and never leaves their side. When they don’t come up in a day, he wonders what he is doing wrong. He eventually falls asleep in exhaustion. Frog comes along and Toad complains that nothing is happening. Frog tells him that it takes some time, that he isn’t doing anything wrong. Toad asks when the flowers will come up and Frog answers: "Soon, very soon."

When is Soon? I want to know how long. Going into the unknown feels a bit scary. I have times of being frustrated with things not happening quick enough. I get frustrated that I don’t know more, or that I have so much to learn. The pressures of life want to force me to hurry up. But the most important lesson for me right now is to let it unfold in the right time and just focus on the next small step. I have hope, and I can take the next step. We see the flowers in spring, but we don’t realize how long they’ve been at work underground.

After finishing the Passion Search™ class I decided to take the Cycles of Change™ certification program. It has been an experience that has helped me really listen to my feelings, to pay attention to what my gut is saying. It’s been so easy for me to get lost in the fast pace of my job, and being busy with my kids, that I don’t take time to really listen to myself. I feel so much better paying attention to those nudges, feelings and taking time to listen to what interests me.

I am so thankful for the support and encouragement I’ve received from Centerpoint faculty. I’m looking forward to what unfolds in my future.