December 2018
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"Laughter is the sun that drives winter from the human face."
~ Victor Hugo


Greetings!

It's been a rough month for those of us living in California—shootings, fires, etc., but as I said in a recent social media post, we shall overcome. When faced with difficult times like this, it's so important that we join together as communities, and human beings, focusing on our common causes and struggles rather than on our differences. Sometimes we forget that we are a team and are all on this life journey together. This is especially important as we head into the holiday season. Perhaps you have a family you're connected with and feel your strength from that connection, but for those whose family has either passed away or become estranged, it's important to feel connected to the universe in other ways.

There are things you can do to increase your sense of interconnectedness. You can try to reach out to others in need. You can meditate on the importance of interconnectedness. One way to do so is to sit or lie down in a comfortable position in a place where you won't be interrupted. Gently close your eyes and pay attention to your breath. Remind yourself that you're inhaling oxygen provided by the greenery around you—the plants, the trees, and the grasses as you exhale the carbon monoxide or toxins from your body. Think of yourself as one with the green world as it serves to keep you alive and thriving. Spend time in nature to remind yourself of this. If you live in a city, consider connecting with a stranger as a way to feel interconnected. Find a snippet of conversation to tap into your commonalities. It's much easier than most of us think.

Let me know how it goes for you!
Wishing you a joyful December!

Creatively Yours,

dianaraab.com
December Writing Prompts
  • Write about what you love about December.
  • Write about your spiritual beliefs.
  • Write about your challenges this holiday season.
  • Write about someone who makes you laugh.
Coming in January!!


I’m very excited to let you know that I have a new book coming out in January:  Writing for Bliss: A Companion Journal. 

Developed for the seasoned storyteller and the emerging author, this interactive journal is designed to be used in conjunction with W riting for Bliss: A Seven-Step Plan for Telling Your Story and Transforming Your Life— or as a stand-alone workbook for self-discovery.

"The Fragility of Memory." (blog). Thrive Global. September 14, 2018.

"Living Fearlessly Despite the Demons." (article). Pink Panther Magazine. September 2018.

"Escaping Reality to Heal." (blog). Psychology Today . October 25, 2018.

"Shifting from Unhappiness to Happiness. " (blog). Thrive Global . November 1, 2018.

"A Veterans Day Honoring." (blog). Thrive Global. November 6, 2018.

"Honoring Our Veterans That Have PTSD." (blog). Psychology Today. November 8, 2018

"Creating a Sacred Space for Creativity." (blog). Pick the Brain. November 9, 2018.

"7 Days of Gratitude Journaling." (blog). Thrive Global. November 20, 2018.

"The Secret of Gratitude." (blog). Psychology Today. November 20, 2018.

"Muse on My Back. " (poem). Poets Unlimited. N ovember 30, 2018.
Workshops and Appearances
December 9, 2018
2 p.m. - 5 p.m.
28 Parker Way
Santa Barbara, CA

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"Writing a Compelling Memoir"
January 5, 2019
11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Community Room
91 West Tefft Street
Nipomo, CA

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"Writing for Bliss: A Companion Journal"
(book launch)
January 24, 2019
6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Ventura, CA

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"Writing for Bliss: Writing Workshop"
February 9, 2019
2 p.m. - 5 p.m.
28 Parker Way
Santa Barbara, CA

Suggested Reading

The Wine Lover's Daughter (memoir) by Anne Fadiman. What a delightful book about a daughter sharing her perspective of her beloved father, who was a renowned literary critic and editor, the founder of Cricket Magazine and Book of the Month Club, and a man with a deep passion for wine. The book shares the special closeness of father and daughter in a beautifully crafted memoir. A wonderful holiday gift for a wine lover and anyone interested in the father/daughter relationship.

Diana Blogs for
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