May 2011
     Sent 5/31/2011

Sharing Creative Energy Newsletter
By Darla Arni

Sharing Creative Energy Newsletter is a free monthly, or whenever Darla can get it out, publication for clients, friends and subscribers who want to be more creative, energetic and productive in their life and work. © 2011 Darla Arni

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In This Issue:

          Up Thinking In A Down World          
          Full Plate No Fork Update                     
          Quote of the Month
          Mensa Moment   
          Pass It Along

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UP THINKING IN A DOWN WORLD!

Is it just me or does it seem like everywhere I turn there is an abundance of negativity being spouted via individuals I come into contact with, national media outlets and people I listen in on when they don't know I'm listening? (Yes, you heard me right, occasionally I do a little eavesdropping but I have rules; I must have my eyes closed and it must be while using public transportation!)

To make it simple, I am sharing the gist of these messages in two categories!

It's all about ME!

If you take time to listen I think you will notice a trend of statements like the following:

• I was never good at that.
• I could never speak in front of a crowd.
• Communication has always been hard for me.
• I have no creative talent.
• I was never good at science.
• I'm too old to learn a new skill.
• I've always been overweight.
• I'm too uncoordinated to play a sport.
• I've always struggled with reading.
• I never seem to be on time.
• I just can't get a break!

Putting yourself down is a bad habit that has become socially acceptable. Often mistaken for modesty, it is in reality what I call 'poor little me on steroids'. Negative 'I' statements will continue as long as someone will listen and sympathize. When we encounter someone spouting negativity our job is to stop listening and move the conversation along. Awareness is necessary for change to happen and is often best left in the hands of professionals or at least someone objective to prevent damaged friendships and egos.

Is it Really All BAD NEWS?

I live in the Midwest and you'd have to live under a rock to miss recent coverage of the devastation created by repeated bouts of rain, damaging thunderstorms, and violent tornados. Bad things do happen and the weather can wreck havoc in a variety of ways.

If we go by the headlines, natural disasters in general are on the rise in 2011. In the last five months headlines have reported:

• Earthquakes in Argentina, China, Chile, Iran, California, Japan, Thailand, Burma, Mexico, Fiji, Spain, and Indonesia.
• Floods in Queensland, Wollongong, Philippines, Southern Africa, Rio de Janeiro, Mississippi, and Baluchistan.
• Tornadoes in New Zealand, Bangladesh, Philippines, and numerous US locations including: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Indiana, South Carolina,Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia.

News outlets and small town coffee groups daily ponder the question "Why are there so many natural disasters?" Perhaps disasters are no more frequent or severe than before but appear that way because they receive more news coverage. We can now be aware of what is occurring where we live while following events across the planet at the same time. As a result we see the development of "disaster fatigue" as requests from numerous relief efforts never seem to end. While scientists and pundits grapple with the 'why' of it all we are left to cope with the results.

Negative input will always be present, how we deal with it is what counts. I deal exclusively with this topic in my presentation, "Up Thinking in a Down World!" We can switch out of doomed mode to possibility mode and discover new solutions to old problems, innovative ways to improve our life, and strength of character that comes from surviving.

One important tip is, become a problem solver and look for multiple solutions to every dilemma. This can be done as a pro/con list or maybe a brainstorming session with a trusted friend or family member. I suggest and try out various techniques with attendees and encourage them to test drive the tips and tools I share and choose what works for them. Implement this tip today as you encounter what you perceive as a negative roadblock and you may find more than one way to turn your thinking around!

Are you an Up Thinker? Send an email to me and request a free copy of my evaluation quiz to find out. I have never offered this tool to subscribers; until now it has only been available to presentation attendees. But hey, its summer and I don't want yours to be full of negative thinking! Progress starts with awareness and this is the tool to get you started!! Email me today.

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FULL PLATE NO FORK UPDATE

Full Plate No Fork will soon be available as an e-book! You can download it to your favorite e-reader and be ready to go. Watch your inbox for availability! Want a signed copy you can put your hands on instead? Purchase it now through my website store or my Etsy shop /www.etsy.com/shop/DarlaArniCreates.

Great gift for Father's Day and Graduations!

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QUOTE OF THE MONTH

"What we focus on, we empower and enlarge. Good multiplies when focused upon. Negativity multiplies when focused upon. The choice is ours: Which do we want more of?"

~Julia Cameron

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MENSA MOMENT

Insert the missing letter: J ? M A M J J A

E-mail your answer to Darla. The first 15 correct answers will be entered in our prize drawing. Good luck!

The answer to the last Mensa Moment was:  
Detroit, Michigan.

Congratulations to Becky Britton! Send me your mailing address and I will send your prize!

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PASS IT ALONG

Share this newsletter with a friend! If they sign up for my newsletter and give me your name you will be entered in a monthly prize drawing!

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You may contact Darla with your comments or questions. There is no fee for Sharing Creative Energy and we welcome new subscribers.

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This publication is copyrighted but we encourage sharing it with proper permission and attribution and if our copyright is included.

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Darla Arni is a Professional Speaker, Artist and Author of:
30 Ways to Share Creative Energy at Home
Sharing Creative Energy Newsletter.
Co-Author: Life Compass for Women
Co-Author: 66 Secrets to Less Stress

Sharing Creative Energy
e-mail Darla
660.529.2969 voice
660.815.7262 cell

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