Diane Viola, Author | Counsellor

Diane Viola, Author

Phone: +61 417 683 006

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• Public figure
• Counsellor
• Author
• Motivational speaker

25.01.2022 Photo courtesy Elena Viola

24.01.2022 Sharing with you a prayer/affirmation from 2007 which I rediscovered yesterday. On the Orthodox Easter I hope these words bring some comfort and a gentle reminder to help along the way. As always, if 'God' is difficult for you, think 'love'. 'I move through each day with clarity and certainty knowing I am safe in Gods hands. My mind is ordered and clear and I am undisturbed by the distractions of the outside world. I am powerfully centred in my inner sense and draw to m...e only that which is for my highest good. I am free to contribute to the greater good as I maintain my focus and be about my business. No one and nothing can take the place that God has destined for me and I am even now being directed to the people, places and circumstances that will guarantee that I fill that place in the most efficient and timely manner. Thank You!' Diane Viola <3 See more

24.01.2022 I was blessed to have been able to train with these beautiful people as a gift from the Baha'i Education Office in Sydney in 1996 and incorporated many of the Virtues into the Peer Support Program I wrote - with the assistance of a wonderful team (including Sam Chadwick and Sue McGilvray) and many school communities - for Primary School children in my former role as Program Manager for The Peer Support Foundation NSW. I've been thinking a lot about that program lately which we called 'Good Citizens - the passport to our future' and how relevant these teachings are for today. With gratitude to Dan Popov, Linda Kavelin Popov and John Kavelin, the authors of The Virtues Project for their invaluable contribution to our parents and children over many years. <3

24.01.2022 Another quote from my writing back in 2012... 'Open yourself to the wisdom that lives within your heart. There is no truer voice or guidance by which to direct... the current of your life. Just as our physical life begins and ends on a heartbeat, we are tied to the Source of our Being through eternity from the strings of our heart. And so, no desire, no dream or longing, ever goes unmet, for it travels with us throughout time until the conditions prevail for the fulfilment of its need.' Have a glorious day. <3 See more

22.01.2022 The father who never held his child. The marriage cut short; a couple separated by war. The mother who never buried her son. The doting parents whose child represents the last in the family line. The returned soldier whose memories remain unshaken by drugs or alcohol; shell-shocked, traumatised.... The child left longing for a father or mother they never knew. The anxiety of not knowing or waiting in vain for a loved one to return home. These are the tragedies of war!... Among the most touching words from the Anzac Day Commemoration Services of 2015, the 100th Anniversary of the Gallipoli landings, were those of the representative from Turkey who said: After having lost their lives in our land, they are our sons as well. This speaks of how we are connected through fate; that when we experience significant loss or tragedy, it bonds us to one another. To go beyond just remembering and to give back what was needed to those on whose shoulders we stand is a profound and sacred privilege which a Constellation makes possible that I invite you to consider. https://positiverelating.com/honouring-the-fallen-going-be/

22.01.2022 'In the remnants of your Soul lie waiting your felt-most dreams and desires, the longings that you came here with and knew in the depths of your being before your innocence was denied and abused. The fulfilment of your destiny is not dependent on your past or who you think you are today but solely in your acceptance of the light of God within you and on your willingness to be a channel through which that love is radiated out into the world.' Diane Viola <3

22.01.2022 Nice to see the consideration given to our young ones - very clear messages and themes to help parents and caregivers with their children. You can download the PDF to read to them here <3 https://interagencystandingcommittee.org//My%20Hero%20is%2

22.01.2022 What a fabulous project to support!

21.01.2022 The power of words! Enjoy! Thanks for sharing Irmgard Rauscher. <3

21.01.2022 If, as Herod, we fill our lives with things, and again with things, if we consider ourselves so unimportant that we must fill every moment of our lives with action, when will we have the time to make the long, slow journey across the desert as did the Magi? Or sit and watch the stars as did the Shepherds? Or brood over the coming of the child as did Mary? For each one of us, there is a desert to travel. A star to discover. ... And a being within ourselves to bring to life. Author Unknown During these days where many of us are being gifted time at home we have the opportunity to really take care of ourselves and just BE rather than always looking at what we can DO, as challenging as that might be! This quote which accompanies my article 'Give Yourself Time' is one of my favourites. Enjoy both! https://positiverelating.com/give-yourself-time/ <3

21.01.2022 Feeling discombobulated? Finding it hard to focus or stay grounded? In the wake of the Coronavirus, it's no wonder! In this video, designed to support you through this time, I touch on what we need to do to be able to navigate our way through the demands of Coronavirus and the changes 'imposed' upon our way of life. I share my article 'Hang on to Your Hat' which has resonated so much with me recently which you can read here https://positiverelating.com/hang-on-to-your-hat/. ...If you prefer to skip it, go to the 5:30 minute mark of the video. Stay tuned for other videos where I will address some of the practical things to do as well as help to sustain and enhance our relationship and family lives moving forward. Please reach out to me if I can be of service to you. You can find me at https://positiverelating.com or https://dianeviola.com or on +61 417 683 006 Take care of you and your world. With Loving Kindness, Diane Viola

21.01.2022 After months of keeping most of my thoughts and writing to myself, ever aware of their limitations, I am pleased to be sharing my 3:00 am musings from Friday. Offered with love and recognition of NAIDOC week too. <3 Words Escape Me Words escape me! They come to me in the dead of night and slip past my fingers before I can capture them. I plead with God to visit me in some more respectable hour when sleep has had its fill. And yet, now approaches the witching hour when the wor...ld is still, and inspiration flows, uninterrupted by life's mundane demands. Words escape me to describe how I feel that life as we know it has been thrown to the winds; careers, livelihoods, dreams and lives hijacked. For what purpose do we live in fear of one another, of an invisible demon that threatens our former existence? For what purpose has it come to dominate and manipulate our freedoms and trust, and rob us of our futures? Silenced by fear, confusion, fury we are left scurrying to opposite corners, few prepared to admit that answers escape them too. When will this end? When will mothers and fathers be free once more to face their children and answer their prayers with confidence? "How did we get here?", is the question we need answer most, and yet that we already know. How many will it take to depart this world before we see what unites us beyond race and colour and status? Beyond our identity or religion or belief, beyond the divide of privilege and poverty, ability and disability? And all that makes us human? Perhaps that is in God's plan! Even as we are torn between wanting to know the truth and clutching to beliefs which soothe our fragile minds, will the last laugh be on us? Will God - or some divine influence - be patiently watching, waiting for us to wake up, to let go of the illusion that this world belongs to us and to surrender to the responsibility we have to it? When we can return to the Respect for Country and Life that all Indigenous peoples have lived by, then we will be free. Then we can be trusted with the gift of the life that breathes through every particle of this Earth and every living thing that inhabits it. When we can respect not only the seen but unseen forces that coexist, then once more, will we be entrusted with its stewardship. Diane Viola 10 July 2020 https://positiverelating.com/words-escape-me/

17.01.2022 Sharing my most recent Newsletter and article. Don’t wait ‘til you’re drowning to reach out and ask for help from family, friends or professionals. We’re all ‘feeling it’ right now. Start noticing what’s going on for you and those around you and start responding with loving kindness sooner rather than later. Blessings

16.01.2022 In this extract from Chapter 24 of 'Travels with Buster', 'The Things We Do For Love', I reflect on just how precious is our role as parents, sharing some of the journey I travelled with Buster over the course of his life, including the most difficult moments... 'I think that, like self-discipline, it is the willingness to do the things we really don't want to do but know are the right things to do, that allows us to surprise ourselves and others when we are called upon to s...tep outside our comfort zones. There are so many things we do for love and rarely do we consider them a burden or sacrifice. In this way, as we give to others, we grow and become more of the men and women we were meant to be. The sheer satisfaction of getting my job done as a mother to Buster, seeing this little creature be so happy and healthy, made every action worth whatever it took. This is the privilege of being a parent, and when we stretch ourselves to fill those shoes we are left with a sense of wholeness that nothing and no one can take away from us.' <3 https://dianeviola.com/ See more

16.01.2022 To help people to read more during this time, I've just reduced the price of my eBook to $9.95 AUD available directly from me and downloadable in 3 different formats. Enjoy and thank you for sharing. <3

16.01.2022 Mother's Day Gift Offer - extends to end May + four of my favourite articles on the journey of motherhood & my video 'Honouring Our Mothers' - links inside this newsletter. - https://mailchi.mp/dianeviola/phsjaqizzq-3400198

15.01.2022 Something to enjoy and share with your children! <3

14.01.2022 What an inspiration AND an example of what our young people are capable of when believed in and given the unconditional love and support of their parents, teachers and other trusted adults! Congratulations! Let's encourage all our youngsters to create a positive future for themselves. <3

13.01.2022 Introducing Buster's little sister, Eve, the newest member of our family, who wriggled her way into our hearts four weeks ago. I hope this article brings you a little mirth in a time when we can all use a good laugh or two! <3

13.01.2022 Sharing with you the first day of writing that is very close to my heart - written exactly as it came to me in December 2011. I trust you may find some peace in these words at this time. <3 'And so at last we meet again. Patiently have I waited for you to release the chains of bondage that have kept you from realising your true purpose, the very things that would give you joy, and free your heart to give that from which YOU ARE HERE NOW! There is much sadness I know for the ...Continue reading

13.01.2022 Perfect, delicate wisdom! <3

13.01.2022 I love this quote from Desmond Tutu which I included In Chapter 3 of Travels with Buster, 'We Are Family'... So pertinent for our times and the International Day of Families. Children learn about the nature of the world from their family. They learn about power and about justice, about peace and about compassion within the family. Whether we oppress or liberate our children in our relationships with them will determine whether they grow up to oppress and be oppressed or to liberate and be liberated. Desmond Tutu <3

12.01.2022 After LOTS of frustrations today I'm pleased to be able to share my Inner Sense News with you, and in particular the Video Meditation I recorded around Coronavi...rus to help us at this time. If you find it helpful in strengthening you for the road ahead, please share. Blessings & Gratitude, Diane Viola <3 See more

10.01.2022 There are so many wise men and women among us. I am privileged to know Susan Altschwager and share with you her latest blog with love. <3

09.01.2022 Today's Reminder from my article 'Go the Distance'... 'Each day we can do that which is before us with an intention that it serve not only our personal desires but also those which humanity itself desires. In that way, everybody wins. And without it, perhaps no one does!' Diane Viola Read more https://positiverelating.com/go-the-distance/ <3

08.01.2022 OMG! Exquisite! <3

08.01.2022 Wishing you a Happy Easter! Click on the link to read more! With love to you and your family. <3 https://mailchi.mp/dianeviola/phsjaqizzq-3392881

07.01.2022 Sharing my most recent Newsletter and article. Dont wait til youre drowning to reach out and ask for help from family, friends or professionals. Were all feeling it right now. Start noticing whats going on for you and those around you and start responding with loving kindness sooner rather than later. Blessings

07.01.2022 Congratulations to Libby Perkins on bringing this beautiful book into being and for the authenticity and courage with which she shares her journey. A gift of love! <3

07.01.2022 Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a 2021 unlike this in all good ways! May our hearts be open, our minds healed and our faith strong enough to see us through these times. May we weave light and love that gives new meaning to the story of our lives and sustains us as we move forward. With gratitude to all who have given so much this year and comfort to all for whom the pain of loss is ever-present. To read my Christmas Newsletter with links to articles you may find helpful, please go here

07.01.2022 In these uncertain times sharing a quote from my FREE eBook 'Being Resilient in Today's World' (June 2019). As we consider the many ways we can contribute to the healing process... 'Remember if you feel overwhelmed or at a loss as to what to do stop, be still and breathe! If only for a few minutes, focus your attention on just being. For every person who shifts their energy from fear to love; from outward action to inner calm, to that degree, the problems before us will be solved with love and wisdom. Then there will be much that we can do.' 20 articles to challenge, support and inspire you, including Resilience Strategies & Responding to Trauma & Loss. Follow this link https://bookhip.com/NPJRPL and share with my blessings. <3

06.01.2022 Sharing my voice recording of Chapter 4. - Love's Invisible Thread, one of my favourites. I've seen so many people sharing about their beloved fur-babies passing over in recent times and I know how much that loss hurts. I think especially in these times when not only are they tuning into how WE are feeling, but also providing the unconditional love that makes them so precious to us, that the loss is felt even more keenly. As anyone who has read 'Travels with Buster' will know..., I wrote and published this book and held it in my hands for the first time 11 months to the day that our beautiful boy left this world. I hope you find the recording and this reminder helpful. 'We are all, always connected, whether we know it, or believe it, or feel it, or not. Loves invisible thread unites us and brings us peace, especially with those who have travelled across the Rainbow Bridge to another time and place. It is this that tells us we are never really alone, that everything we need is always there waiting in the wings for us and encourages us to have faith, to keep going and to reach out to others when they are in need, as well as to ask for help when we need it ourselves.' With just one week to go 'til Father's Day, this could be a great gift for your dad available from me in paperback and eBook or from your favourite online bookstore. Diane Viola <3

05.01.2022 So pleased to be able to share this and hope to attend this event from someone who I believe must be heard! <3

05.01.2022 Extract from my Blog. Replace 'God' with whatever works for you! 'The fulfilment of your destiny is not dependent on your past or who you think you are today but solely in your acceptance of the light of God within you and on your willingness to be a channel through which that love is radiated out into the world.' We can ALL make a difference at this time - let yourself BE THE LOVE THAT THE WORLD NEEDS. Full article https://dianeviola.com/blog/ <3

04.01.2022 Nothing like being in front of a group of people enthusiastic to learn and passionate about their creative pursuits! Thank you to Rachael Johnson from Helensvale Library for the invitation to speak with the wonderful folk who attend 'Writing Fridays', to write and support one another in their writing process. It was such a delight to have shared time with them and hear about their writing projects and share a little of my own journey! I wish them all well - keep an eye out for their books in the near future! <3

04.01.2022 Remember when Mother's Day Gifts were made by hand with love and didn't cost the Earth? Let me help you out this Mothers Day with your online shopping by sending a copy of Travels with Buster - A Journey of Unconditional Love to your mother on your behalf with a beautiful eCard and link to download her eBook for just $12.95. eCards available for a regular mum or a dog mum! You choose! :-) Details https://dianeviola.com//travels-with-buster-a-journey-of-/ to place your order or call Diane on +61 417 683 006 with questions. Signed paperback copies also available though delivery will now be after Mother's Day. It will be my pleasure to include an eCard as part of the purchase to let her know it's on its way. Offer extends throughout May, 2020. Looking forward to helping make Mother's Day a special one for you and your mum. <3

04.01.2022 I have been MIA for a long time online and I wanted to take today to begin again. With love and blessings for the Festive Season and the year ahead! <3

02.01.2022 From December 2011 - time to share this.<3 'Call upon me in your time of need. Do not wait until the sands of time have passed and with them the want for life in you. Let yourself be lifted up when your heart is in turmoil or your mind polluted with thoughts of woe. Your sadness is but one facet of experience as valid as any other and will pass with ease once the fullness of its expression has been honoured. Life is abundant with feeling! That is what tells you youre AL...Continue reading

02.01.2022 Waking this morning to this hot-air balloon outside my window reminded me of this piece I wrote some time ago. I hope that it too lifts your spirits for this day. <3 Lighten Your Heart 'Do first each day that which lightens your heart that you may move through your day free of the burden wrought by errors of thought or perception. For judgement, guilt, procrastination, are based in the fearful need to escape that which would release you from the pain of holding on. It is onl...y your mind with its opinion that disallows the letting go when the very cells within your body would breathe easier through the spaces created in the shedding of that which has long-since served its time. To just BE where you are willing to wait until the next step is revealed, is an act of strength and character with which our tainted nature struggles to abide. For what has become the ‘norm’ is not where we began, in tune with the rhythm of nature, guided by the seasons and the coming and going of the tide. It was not man or woman who decided the future or lay waste the land to bring to fruition a crop before its time, or in manner or place it had no business to be. Rather, with our connection with the divine, we knew that ours was but a fragment of the bigger picture and each depended on the other for the closing of the circle of life. In all things, there is a time which prospers our gentle nature and the cooperation of all living beings with which we are inherently connected. In your struggle lies the key to your discontent; the forcing of your will or impatience of your heart. Though it is also in ‘our nature’ to strive for results, to reach our destination, the getting there only makes the reaching for yet another end-point the focus of our attention, leaving unseen a multitude of moments missed along the way. Were you to trust that no journey ends without your permission, and no thing can keep you from your Joy, then the road would be more fully and consciously witnessed with no more ‘One Way Only’ signs leading you home. Make your yard-stick the lightness with which you act; for only joy can lead you to Joy. And though you will have need for ‘serious work’ be not serious in yourSelf, which will constrict the channels of love and weigh heavily upon your soul. Let the seeking for ‘the answer’ alone no longer define your actions, but hold it in conjunction with the engagement of spirit and the open-hearted pursuit of living in the question.' Added 12 November 2020 Written 19 December 2011 https://positiverelating.com/lighten-your-heart/

01.01.2022 'Our job is to be the raft that leads to the far shore, to shine the light for another to remind them they are not alone, that we will get through this together one day at a time, and to be enlightened ourselves by the inspiration that all human beings are capable of when they refuse to let their spirits be broken.' Diane Viola from my April 2011 article 'Reaching Out With Compassion' here https://positiverelating.com/reaching-out-with-compassion/ <3

01.01.2022 On April 5, 2003 this beautiful being came into our lives and would soon become the inspiration for my first book, Travels with Buster - A Journey of Unconditional Love. Please see the original post and click on the photo of Buster to listen to me reading the first chapter The Journey Begins. <3