1. Workplace Creativity Contest: Enter to win one free spot in my 4 day retreat at Hollyhock, books, CD’s and other great prizes.

Email us a description of an innovative way you do your work, creative décor, a fun at work activity, or anything that has helped inspire more creativity in your workplace. Entries must be received by July 31st, 2009. Email to carla@carlarieger.com

2. Vancouver Public Library: I will be doing a free public event at the downtown library on Tuesday, September 8, 2009 (7:30-9:30 pm). It is an author reading from my new book http://www.thechangeartistbook.com

3. Hollyhock Retreat – 4 days of making the impossible possible with me on Cortes Island, B.C. (Oct. 1-4, 2009), in one of the most beautiful and nurturing places on earth.

More information about  my events can be found at this link: http://www.thechangeartistbook.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=8&Itemid=7

I thought you might like to know that I will be leading 3 events open to the public this year. I have upcoming events in Edmonton, Canada in April,  Cortes Island, BC, Canada in October, and Winnipeg in May.

See below for more details and also feel free to forward this information onto your networks:

During this entertaining and practical seminar you will be introduced to Carla Rieger’s tools for staying creatively adapted in uncertain times. You will also be introduced to her latest book in which she outlines these habits in a compelling story format.
$25 more than 2 weeks in advance, $40 at the door. $20 per person for groups of 6 or more (plus one free ticket).

Just before a recent presentation in Baltimore, my PowerPoint Slide Show would not appear on the screen, no matter what the A/V tech person tried. The meeting planner and I both threw our arms up and yelled out “Excellent!” which amused the technician enough that he went on a coffee break.

This opened up my brain capacity enough to re-think how to deliver the presentation without the slides (with only 5 minutes to spare). However, I needed something more so that I would be my best self for the incoming attendees. So I tried the Sedona Method which is a process taught by a colleague named Hale Dwoskin. It is a simple 4 step inquiry.

1.    I became aware of any negative feelings (I noticed annoyance and anxiety).
2.    I asked myself if I could let those feelings go (I answered–yes, I could).
3.    I asked myself if I would let them go (I answered–yes, I would).
4.    I asked myself when I would let them go (I answered–now).

Strangely enough all the negativity dissolved and I presented without my slides and felt both fine and confident about it. I know this seems far too simple to actually work, but you would be surprised.

If you have a story or tip about how you re-invented yourself after a crises, feel free to let us know. We are always looking for great case studies.