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. © 2009 Darla Arni

**************************************************************************
In This Issue:
     To Do or Not To Do
     Quote of the Month
     As You Like It"
     Mensa Moment

**************************************************************************

To Do or Not To Do

It‘s January, the start of a new year and the start of new lists. Or at least that’s what everyone says we should do. But we know from experience that the well intentioned lists of January often turn into the regrets of February, (OK, maybe March or April if you are really good.) Why does this happen? It happens because the sugar high from goodies ingested during the holidays impairs our judgment and we tend to get a bit too lofty in our goal setting. As reality sets in and we move into the implementation phase we back off, regroup, or just forget the list altogether. Not a good recipe for success is it?

 I first noticed this phenomenon in a kick-boxing class that met three days a week at our local YMCA.  All year long there was plenty of room in the class, in fact there was space left over so you could kick and box with all your gusto and never hit another human being.  I loved that! Then January rolled around. Instantly the class became crowded with people who apparently put ‘get in shape’ on their New Year’s Resolution list. I got elbowed, stepped on, punched and kicked from every direction. The exercise high of getting into ‘the zone’ was replaced by a ‘get this over and get out of here’ attitude.  By mid-February it all changed; while we maybe gained one or two class members the rest had either given up or decided to try another class. And so it goes, each year we set unrealistic goals, which are probably the same ones we had last year and the year before, get discouraged, and go back to our old habits.  Which makes me think the whole resolutions list is overrated. What if instead of resolving what to do in the year ahead we make a list of what we won’t do? Maybe it’s easier to get rid of a negative behavior than it is to add a positive one. So that’s what I have done. The difference my list should be adhered to for the rest of your life, not just 2009. 

Darla’s Top Ten “Not To Do” List

1. Do not take your blessings for granted. Practice gratitude for little stuff each day.
2. Do not be quick to judge, criticize or blame. Its 3 things but they go together!
3. Do not harbor negative thoughts. They are like poison and multiply fast!
4. Do not hold grudges. Let it go. Really.
5. Do not cause pain for yourself or others. There is already enough in the world.
6. Do not try to do it all. Asking for help is not failure.
7. Do not limit yourself. Expand and think big for yourself and others.
8. Do not be afraid. Fear is not fatal and comfort zones do expand.
9. Do not neglect yourself. Nurturing yourself is not indulgence.
10. Do not worry. It’s just a bad habit and keeps you from the reality of now.

I know this doesn’t cover everything, but it’s a start.  What would be on your Top Ten “Not To Do” List? Lets learn from each other and build the “Ultimate Not To Do List” by sending me your ideas and I will share the results in next month’s newsletter. Right now I’m going to make a copy of my “Not To Do” list and post it in a prominent place. Oh, and Happy 2009!

**************************************************************************

QUOTE OF THE MONTH

“Do or do not. There is no try.” 

                                      -Yoda

**************************************************************************

AS YOU LIKE IT

My 6” x 6” BE STILL canvases can now be personalized with your choice of background words.  For example, you can request specific quotes, scripture, or phrases and I will use them to create a unique motivational BE STILL canvas just for you. As an introductory offer to newsletter subscribers there will be no extra charge for customizing orders placed between now and April 1st. Take advantage of this and think ahead for graduations, Mother’s Day, birthdays, etc. Email or call me direct to order and be sure to mention you saw this offer in my newsletter. See an example of the 6 x 6 canvas and more at http://www.darlaarni.com/products.htm.

*************************************************************************

MENSA MOMENT

A shepherd says to another, “If I give you one sheep, you will have twice the number of sheep that I have, but if you give me one, we will both have the same number of sheep.”  How many sheep does each shepherd have?

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

Last Month’s Answer:

Last Month’s Answer:  I know this wasn’t the toughest Mensa Moment, but by the number of responses received you all enjoyed it! The answers were:

1. Happiness to the Global Ecosystem  - Joy to the Word
2. Small male percussionist – Little Drummer Boy
3. I am pontificating of a colorless holiday – I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas
4. Festoon the Corridors – Deck the Halls
5. A Non-summer fairytale area – Winter Wonderland
6. Oh holiday conifer – Oh Christmas Tree
7. Ten plus two twenty-four hour periods of holiday festivity – Twelve Days of Christmas
8. Hey tiny city in Israel – Oh Little Town of Bethlehem
9. In a remote location in a barn stall – Away in a Manger

Congratulations to Joyce Kalbakdalen for being drawn as our winner!   Joyce, send me your contact information so I can get your prize in the mail!

**************************************************************************

DARLA SPEAKS OUT

The blog: http://www.darlaarni.com.blogspot.com/

**************************************************************************

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

To unsubscribe, to change your address, or to add someone, e-mail Darla. This e-mail list will never be sold or shared.

This publication is copyrighted but we encourage sharing it with proper permission and attribution and if our copyright is included.
*********************************************************************
Darla Arni is a Professional Speaker, Artist and Author of:
30 Ways to Share Creative Energy at Home and the 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

Home | About Darla | Energizing Presentations | Darla's Store | Clients/Testimonials | Video | Contact Darla | Sharing Creative Energy E-Newsletter | Links | E-Newsletter Sign Up