I ve had so many enquiries from people itching to know when the Happy@work book is coming out. I've even got a television interview lined up! I ve hated keeping everyone waiting so long especially when so many people are out of work or stuck in jobs they hate. My prospective publishers have been swamped with prechristmas deadlines and have promised a decision by the end of the week.

The timing couldn't be better! The global economy is showing signs of improvement and confidence is slowly returning. I'm having a re read of the book and can honestly say I'm loving it! It's an upbeat, inspiring, practical read and is really helping me personally as i crystallize my future career and life direction.

I believe in the power of this book with such a passion I know it's going to be a reality. Bring it on!

Thanks to all my followers who have pre ordered and to all the people I have coached over the years who have shared their transformational stories. If you haven't pre ordered I'd love your support:) plus stayed tuned to www.cassandragaisford.com for new happy@work interviews... Coming soon... From economics professor to tango teacher!

Labels: achieving goals, Book Launch, Communication, Overcoming setbacks, The Book

Several days ago I received this comment my powerful creativity blog from one of the artists I invited to participate in my Joy'ance exhibition.
:
"No wonder people respond to your art in such a positive way Cassandra - it is created by such a joyful and generous spirit.
It's been an absolute pleasure exhibiting alongside you in Joy'ance.
Thanks so much for your lovely comments. Deanna X"

I felt great! Creating more positivity and joy in the world is important to me. But then several days later I received this email -

Cassandra,

Please note your account has been deactivated. Being a privately owned and run forum, the administrators can and have made the choice to deactivate based on personal differences of which we feel there is no need to go into further detail with.

We wish you well in your other endeavours

Administrators

As one very positive and wise colleague and fellow artist Monika Welch (www.artdziner.co.nz) reminded me today:

Sometimes, doors close, and sometimes doors are closed on us. This happened to me recently and initially it hurt and I felt somewhat betrayed and extremely slighted. Eventually I got over it and realised that it was a blessing in disguise. I had been immersed in a negative situation and instead of leaving, I chose to remain, treading water, tip-toeing around and feeling unsafe and somewhat overwhelmed. There are many doors available for us to open but sometimes we just stay in the same room unaware that we all have the wonderful choice to open another and peek inside. We can OPEN as many doors as we like. We can go THROUGH as many as we like. There is no need to stay struggling in the same negative environment.

I have chosen to open some more doors today:)

Anyway this latest turn got me thinking about the destructive, toxic energy of negativity. Many years ago a colleague said to me, "The Directors like you more than they like me." She then set about trying to undermine everything I did.

So many of the people who took the "happy@work survey mentioned that the negativity of others killed happiness levels at work. Don't forget you can have your say by clicking on the link from my websitecontact page

So what is the impact of negative co-workers and alliances?
* Lower productivity: it is hard to perform at your peak when others bring you down
* Lower self-esteem - greater effort is required to feel good about yourself when others criticise you
* Diminished confidence - confidence, like plants, needs the right nutrients to flourish
* Unless you remove yourself from the influence of negative people it is hard to achieve your potential - negative people enjoy seeing you fail
* Diminished or destructive creativity

So what do negative people gain:
* By making others feel small they make themselves feel tall
* They take other people's dreams and positive energy - some people call this the energy vampire effect
* By playing the wounded party they gain attention and support - many people don't like to see others feel sad or down (something negative people prey on and use to maximum effect
* Often by remaining negative they can absolve themselves from taking action to improve their situation
* Negative people want you to be just like them - "I was once told by someone I worked with :"the problem with you Cassandra is that you are too positive!"


How do negative people lose?

* Negative emotions carry toxic energy - polluting themselves and the people they infect
* Negative people attract negative people - like attracts like
* Negative people seldom reach their potential
* Negative people don't know how to celebrate other people's success - success in others makes them feel less than successful


I would love to hear your views and additions to this very topical thread. Did you know that most people have 80,000 thoughts a day and 85% of these are negative! Wow - no wonder economies are in crisis!

Do you remember these images from "What the bleep do we know" ? Just look at how negativity changes the molecular structure of DNA of spring water.

ps you will notice I have edited this thread as the people concerned took offense and threatened me with legal action....I really couldn't be bothered with all the drama (see how negative energy sucks up time.....I am supposed to working on the edits of my book!) The point of this thread was not to embark on a witch hunt or criticise those with mental illness but to powerfully illustrate the destructive power of negativity. I am grateful for the many messages of support including:

Someone obviously doesn't like your success. That was my first impression. Reminded me of the painting that some family members didn't want you to enter into competition. I have no idea what went on during the exhibition except for great art displayed by very talented artists. I would have been honoured to be associated with you because of your positive outlook on life.

It is a reminder that not everyone will like us or our ideas and views. You may have triggered something in her and rather than address any issues she has taken easy option to cut ties.

I am unsure if no longer having an account with Arttalk will hinder you in your work or may be an blessing in disguise. It is hard at the time to see why things happens but further done the track (maybe years) it is always clearer.

I'm sure there are lessons you have learnt from this in regards to people changing. I feel for you as you are obviously shocked and disappointed however no one can take away the fabulous, motivating, inspiring, talented person you are. At the end of the day it is her loss. Keep smiling.

“I truly believe that absent the victim mentality, everyone - regardless of background, education, or ability - can carve out a good path for themselves in this tumultuous work place.” - Richard Bolles, Author

Labels: Communication, Happiness, Overcoming setbacks, Powerful thinking