The Newsletter of

DIANA RAAB, Ph.D.

OCTOBER 2014

"And the day came when the risk to remain tight in bud

was more painful than the risk

it took to blossom."

~ Ana�s Nin

Dear Friends:

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and this year marks my 13th anniversary as a survivor.

I believe in the power of positive thinking. It's not about forgetting the trials and tribulations of our pasts; it is more about honoring and accepting them. It is about using our experiences as platforms and opportunities for growth and personal transformation. For me, it's also about identifying your passions and what makes your heart sing. Writing, reading, and the study of character have been my passions since childhood.

PERSONAL TRANSFORMATION

Writing is a great way to find personal transformation and all my books were inspired from a place of need. Writing is also a way to share with others what is going on inside you. Here is an excerpt from my memoir,

Healing With Words: A Writer's Cancer Journey.

"There are a number of messages I have taken from the cancer journey, but for me, the most important one is that the diagnosis of cancer should be considered a turning point that sets you free to fulfill or examine dreams that can no longer wait. It is a time when you feel infinite strength and are prompted to look inside yourself, not only for ways to cope, but for secrets to your happiness. It's about understanding what you really want in life."

PUBLICATION NEWS

"How Poetry Saved My Life." Trigger Warning: Poetry Saved My Life: Anthology. Swimming With Elephants Publications. August 2014.
"Our Temporary Universe. Diverse Voices Quarterly. Summer 2014.

"Why I Hate Guns. RiverSedge. September 2014.
"Writing Heals." Breast Cancer Awareness Magazine. Fall 2014.

READING SUGGESTION

Last week, while snooping around the magazine section in the local Barnes & Noble, this magazine caught my eye. It's the debut issue of livehappy and just looking at the photo on the cover and colors can make you happy. As you might expect, the articles are positive and upbeat.

The CEO and Co-Founder, Kym Yancey, says this in his editorial, "We understand the need for positive news, and we will continue to be your primary source for it. We enthusiastically embrace our role in translating both the latest and most relevant research from positive psychology and other sciences that relate to happiness and its impact on everyday life."

Highly recommended to brighten up your day and coffee table!

SIGHTINGS

During the first week of October, I will be in Crete at the Eurotas Conference for Transpersonal Psychologists. Stay tuned. In November, I promise to share my discoveries!

October 15th. Cultural Weekly will feature my poems, "Pick Up," "Leashed," "Coping," and "Younger Man and Older Woman." Thank you, poetry editor Alexis Fancher!

SUGGESTIONS ?

If there are any subjects you would like me to write about, or special interests you'd like to see discussed, please send me an email.

WRITING PROMPT

Write about what makes you happy. Where do you find the most joy?

Love, peace and lust,

Diana

P.S. Please send any comments to diana@dianaraab.com.
(Subject: Newsletter)

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