Diane Dreher Coaching & Consulting, LLC
Seasonal Newsletter: Summer 2018

Deep Creativity Newsletter
Summer: A Time to Flourish
In these long summer days, life flourishes around us. Roses bloom, tomatoes ripen in the sun, and corn grows tall in the fields.

This summer can also be a time for you to flourish, to live more joyously and vibrantly. Flourishing, according to positive psychologist Martin Seligman, is composed of P ositive emotions, E ngagement, R elationships, M eaning, and A chievement— PERMA (Seligman, 2018, p. 261).

Have you been flourishing?

Each day our lives are filled with sunlight and shadows. Do you find yourself dwelling in the shadows—caught up in nonstop busyness, mundane chores, worrying, and focusing on the negative “what ifs”? Or do you focus on the light and beauty around you. Research has shown that we can cultivate happiness by choice, by mindfully focusing our attention (Hansen, 2009, p. 177).
This summer, you can choose to focus on the light, cultivating more PERMA in your days.

Positive Emotions. Beginning today, pause to notice the beauty around you—a rose blooming in your garden, birds singing overhead, a glorious summer sunset. Or begin a new habit: at the end of the day think of three things you’re grateful for, focusing on the light in your life.

Engagement. When do you find yourself really engaged in what you’re doing, in a state of flow, one with the process? When you’re out in nature, reading, writing, making music with friends, or pursuing a favorite hobby? What can you do this summer to experience more engagement?

Relationships. Positive relationships enrich our lives. Who do you feel especially close to? Who are those people you can love and laugh with, people you can speak to from the heart? How can you cultivate more positive relationships—reaching out to connect with someone you know, to appreciate the people around you or to get back in touch with an old friend?

Meaning.  What brings your life meaning? Do you find inspiration in meditation, prayer, or a silent walk in the woods? Do you give yourself time to reflect so you can make more meaningful choices? What activities do you find especially meaningful and how can you include more of them in your life this summer?

Achievement. We do not exist for ourselves alone but to make our own personal contribution to the world. What achievements are you most proud of? Looking into your heart, what else would you like to achieve—and what’s been holding you back? What steps can you take this summer to follow the direction of your dreams?
What will you do with your golden summer days?
Coaching can help you unlock your hidden passion and potential, connect with your strengths, and clear the path to move forward with a new sense of joy and meaning. This month, I’ll be giving away a free coaching session to the first person who contacts me.
References

Hansen, R. with Mendius, R. (2009). Buddha’s brain: The practical neuroscience of happiness, love & wisdom. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger Publications.

Seligman, M. E. P. (2018). The hope circuit: A psychologist’s journey from helplessness to optimism. New York, NY: Hachette.
About Diane
I am a positive psychology coach, researcher, and best-selling author. My books include  The Tao of Inner Peace The Tao of Personal Leadership The Tao of Womanhood Inner Gardening:   A Seasonal Path to Inner Peace , and  Your Personal Renaissance: 12 Steps to Finding Your Life’s   True Calling .

My coaching uses the latest research in positive psychology, mindful listening, powerful questions, and other creative techniques to help people like you overcome roadblocks, achieve your goals, and discover greater joy and meaning in life.   
 
I am an Associate Certified Coach (ACC) and a member of the  International Coach Federation   (ICF) a leading global organization dedicated to advancing the coaching profession by setting high standards, providing independent certification and building a worldwide network of trained coaching professionals. 
I am also a Certified MentorCoach (CMC) with the internationally recognized coach training community  MentorCoach LLC.
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Diane Dreher, PhD, MA, ACC, CMC
Diane Dreher Coaching & Consulting, LLC
© Diane Dreher 2018