November 2009
     Sent 11/30/2009

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:
     Holiday Havoc
     Quote of the Month
     Need a Last Minute Gift?
     Mensa Moment

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

HOLIDAY HAVOC

I come to you today in a very humble mood. Though I had the best of intentions and excellent weather, I failed the ‘get your house decorated for Christmas over Thanksgiving challenge.’  As I write this newsletter, my front porch is decked out in icicle lights hanging from the roof, lighted garland gaily running along the top of each banister, a large wreath of fall leaves hanging by the front door, and the floor is a hodgepodge of pumpkins, gourds, and assorted evergreen garland that hasn’t, as yet, found a purpose.  I see twinkling, decorated trees showing through neighbors windows and I have yet to bring the boxes of decorations down from the attic.  It is embarrassing for someone who is known for being creative; as I returned from my morning workout I seriously thought of driving past my house, parking on another block and sneaking in the back door so neighbors would think I had left town!

I am suffering from a common case of Holiday Havoc.  Magazines barrage us with holiday tips and ideas on how to buy the perfect gift, bake the perfect cookies, decorate the perfect table, be the perfect host/hostess, and do it all while wearing the perfect outfit.  People, (okay let’s be honest, actors), on commercials look happy and joyful, at least for the camera shoot and everyone on TV talk shows seem to be looking forward to the preparations, parties, food, and fun, so why don’t we all feel that way?

Rather than a time of joy and anticipation the holiday season can become a time of reflecting on what we don’t have as visions of what we should have, do, feel, or look like parade around in our heads.  To help you cope, snap out of it, or at least feel a sense of balance I am sharing with you easy tips and tricks to lift your spirits and restore a sense of balance.  Some are predictable, some are just fun!

10 Ways to Handle Holiday Havoc

1.  Hangout with a child under 5-years-old:  Being exposed to a sense of wonder vicariously through the eyes of a child will do you good.  We think it takes a lot to make us happy; they think pink eye shadow and their favorite chewing gum is an awesome gift.
2. Forgive yourself and everyone around you:  Holding grudges and blaming yourself drains you of energy and makes you no fun.  Disagreements will happen during the holidays because everyone is on edge; consider the stress factor and don’t take it so personal.
3. Be of Service:  Doing for others is a sure fire way to help you both. Don’t do it because you should, do it because it is a great thing to do.  Make it personal or join a group for a community service project.
4. Be Still and Breathe: This works 365 days a year. Periodically throughout the day stop what you are doing, sit back, close your eyes and focus on your breathing. Ten in through the nose out through the mouth breaths will do wonders; ten minutes of it will bring relaxation and clarity to your world.
5. Be Realistic:  Just because your mother made killer cinnamon rolls for the neighborhood and your father won the house decorating contest every year doesn’t mean you have to.  Scale it down and make your own traditions that your children will have trouble living up to!
6. Get to Know a Puppy:  I know a puppy and his name is Cratos. Just being around him makes me laugh and do ridiculously silly things, which makes me forget my troubles and alleviates stress. There is a reason research has found people with pets live longer, happier lives; it works.
7. Keep Your Exercise Schedule:  The stressful holiday season is not the time to abandon your exercise routine.  If you are bored, vary it a bit but do not quit. The time you save by not exercising will not make up for the positive results lost.  I have dodged a lot of pounds over the years by exercising through December.
8. Choose Wisely:  Three dinners and one open house on the same day? No way!  Start making wise choices, without guilt, about what events you will attend in the month ahead.
9. Have a Holiday Movie Marathon:  Sure, you can go with the classics like “It’s A Wonderful Life” or “Frosty the Snowman” but I like something a little different. “A Charlie Brown Christmas” is a good one because everyone is better off than Charlie Brown, right? Feeling really off beat? Then I would suggest: “Mixed Nuts” with Steve Martin or Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas”.  Happy viewing!
10. Get Enough Sleep:  Instead of staying up to finish wrapping presents or stay another hour at a party you really didn’t want to go to anyway, go to bed!  Sleepy people are testy, grumpy, make a mountain out of a mole hill people and that is one thing you want to avoid this time of year.

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

QUOTE OF THE MONTH

Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love.”

                                                                                        - Hamilton Wright Mabie

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

NEED A LAST MINUTE GIFT?

Be Still note cards are available in packages of 8 cards w/envelopes for $5 (plus shipping).  My online store also offers Be Still Canvases, booklets, e-booklets, and books!  Explore the store and pass the word along. Or contact me directly for orders, whichever you prefer: e-mail Darla or 660-529-2969.

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

MENSA MOMENT

Last winter, my cousin Ernest went on a ski vacation. At the airport, he read in the papers that a famous couple had been skiing and the wife had died in an accident. Her well-known husband was the only eyewitness. After talking to a travel agent, my cousin was able to deduce that it had not been an accident. What did he find out from the travel agent?

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:  36 cookies

Congratulations to our winner, Kelly Harker!  Email your address to me Kelly so I can get your prize in the mail.

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

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
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