MY ENERGY IS MY SUPERPOWER

Photo by Võ Châu: https://www.pexels.com/photo

One of my favorite things about myself is my inspiring, cheerful, and enduring energy. Over the years, many people have told me it’s contagious.

Just recently, one of my longtime girlfriends called me in distress. After a brief phone conversation, she asked if she could come over. “I just need to be in your presence,” she said. “I need to feel your joy.”

I’ve heard comments like that most of my life. And it’s one of the many reasons people tell me coaching is my purpose. I believe it, too—because I genuinely love cheering others on. I don’t just celebrate with people when they win—I root for them every step of the way.

It took me years to fully understand the impact my energy has on others. In a world where so many are consumed with comparison or competition, I offer something different: presence. Peace. Encouragement. Care.

I coach because I want people to feel valued and seen—unconditionally.
To remind them they matter.
To cheer them into victory.
To be that steady, joyful voice when the world gets too loud.

YOUR TURN: What is your favorite thing about your character?

 Read My Memoir: [The Invisible Child on Amazon](https://bit.ly/TheInvisibleChild)

A true story of energy, survival, and choosing joy in the face of adversity.

Schedule a coaching conversation with Coach Diane @ writerworkscoaching.com

HOME:A GIFT I USE EVERY DAY

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The oldest thing I own—and use every single day—is my home.

And every day, I give thanks to God for her. She has sheltered me, comforted me, and held my family through seasons of growth and transition. I often say, “I belong to her just as much as she belongs to me.”

My home is the perfect size: three bedrooms and two bathrooms. Spacious enough for a family, yet peaceful and practical for an empty nester like me. It’s where I rest, reflect, create, and coach.

Over the years, I’ve heard the same thing from many visitors: “Your home feels so peaceful.” One mother brought her daughter over for tutoring—and she never wanted to leave! After several pick-ups turned into long chats, I gently had to set a boundary. Later, she asked if she could just come by to “sit in the calm.” That’s when I knew: this home holds something special.

On the very first day we moved in, two of my dear spiritual friends came and blessed the home—room by room. They prayed over my family, and over every soul who would ever step through the door.

And now, I keep that blessing going. Every single day, I send out love, light, and positive energy to anyone who visits. This home is more than a roof and walls. She’s my sacred space.

And yes—she’s the oldest thing I own, and the most cherished.

YOUR TURN: What’s the oldest item in your life that still holds meaning?

Read My Memoir: The Invisible Child on Amazon
A powerful story of belonging, space, and sacred healing.

Work With Coach Diane: I help creative minds find their peace, purpose, and path—starting from wherever they are. Let’s schedule a coaching conversation. Contact me at: writersworks@gmail.com

WHEN MY BYLINE MET THE WORLD

Photo by George Milton: https://www.pexels.com

There are many favorite moments I could name, but today I want to be intentional about honoring the one that has stayed with me the most.

I’ll never forget the moment I saw my first paid byline in a national publication. I was overwhelmed with joy and gratitude. I made copies of the article and sent it to everyone I thought would appreciate it. It felt like a full-circle moment—proof that my passion had found a home in the world.

Writing has always been in my soul. When I first enrolled in college, I chose to major in writing and carefully mapped out my courses to support that dream. But then came freshman year—and with it, my first English class. I poured myself into the first assignment… only to receive an “F.”

I was devastated. Confused. Up until that moment, I had consistently earned A’s on my writing assignments. I had received awards, encouraging notes from teachers, and even offers to submit to school publications. But after that conversation with my professor—someone I trusted—I allowed his opinion to shake me.

That grade left an indelible mark on my spirit. I stopped writing. I changed my major.
But the urge to write never left me.

No matter how hard I tried to silence it, the craving to write chased me down. Eventually, I surrendered. I returned to writing, and later, pursued graduate studies in journalism. To my surprise—and delight—I won an award for one of my articles.

I learned how to pitch, and I became a freelance writer. Then it happened:
My byline appeared in the table of contents of Guideposts, a national inspirational publication read by millions.

That moment still thrills me. It warms my heart and reminds me to keep moving forward—no matter what detours or doubts may come.

Because when a calling keeps chasing you… you were never meant to run from it.

YOUR TURN: Have you ever almost given up on your passion?

Read My Memoir: “The Invisible Child on Amazon”
Discover how purpose, persistence, and voice always return—even when silenced.

Coaching with Coach Diane: If you’ve left your dream behind, it’s not too late to reclaim it. Let’s reconnect with your calling.
Contact: writersworks@gmail.com

TWO QUESTIONS THAT CHANGED MY DAY

Photo by Elena Kloppenburg on Unsplash

As a personal development coach, I believe in continuously sharpening my skills and staying current—not just to serve my clients better, but to grow as a person, too.

Every Friday, I attend a standing personal development mentorship group. Today, to my surprise, we had a guest speaker. His insights were both timely and transformational.

He reminded us that many people set goals they genuinely want—but never reach them. Eventually, they give up. Not because they didn’t care, but because they lost clarity or momentum.

As coaches, he said, we need to model the personal development we teach. One simple but powerful habit he recommended was this:

Every day, ask yourself two questions:

  1. What did I do well today?
  2. What did I learn today?

That struck a chord. I journal regularly—but I usually ask myself those questions annually, monthly, or weekly. Today, I realized the impact would be even greater if I asked them daily.

Starting now, daily journaling—with those two questions—will be a non-negotiable part of my routine.
Because when I grow, my clients grow too.

YOUR TURN: What did you learn today?

Read My Memoir*: [The Invisible Child on Amazon](https://bit.ly/TheInvisibleChild)

Every page is a lesson in rising through challenge—and growing forward.

“Coaching with Coach Diane”: Are you ready to reflect, grow, and live your potential? Let’s partner together.

Contact: writersworks@gmail.com

WELLNESS ON A PLATE

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What’s the one luxury you can’t live without?

The one luxury I absolutely can’t live without is delicious, nutritious food.

I call it a luxury not because it’s fancy, but because it’s often expensive to buy, time-consuming to prepare, and sometimes hard to find. The food I seek out is raw, fresh, and organic—carefully chosen for both flavor and health benefits.

For example, the produce I buy is usually picked the same day it’s sold. It’s crisp, vibrant, and immediately delicious. The meats are fresh from cold-tempered warehouses, and the vegetables often come from farmers markets, grown with heirloom seeds that preserve their natural integrity. Fresh seafood? Straight from the ocean to the table.

These aren’t just ingredients—they’re investments in my well-being. This kind of food doesn’t just taste better; it helps prevent illness and can even support the body in reversing certain conditions.

But like all luxuries, it comes at a price.

A pound of green seedless grapes at my local supermarket costs $3.99. That same pound at a specialty shop? $14.99. That’s the price of eating clean, and for me—it’s worth every penny.

So yes, delicious, nutritious food is my must-have luxury. It fuels my body, nurtures my health, and brings joy to my plate.

“WHEN THE WORLD WAKES UP”

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What’s your favorite season of the year—and why?

Mine: SPRING.
More sunlight. Fresh blooms. Beach walks. Lighter clothes. Smiling strangers. Selling books in the park. What’s not to love?

It’s when I find myself getting out more, enjoying the elements, slowing down, and taking in the miracles all around me. Spring reminds me of the beauty our Creator gives us daily, free of charge: the mountains standing tall in quiet strength, the ocean breeze dancing across the beach, the fresh air scented with blooming flowers.

This is the season when the earth wakes up. Grass turns greener, trees fill with leaves, and vibrant flowers color the world again. It’s a time of natural renewal—and personal renewal, too.

I love the lightness of spring, including the chance to wear lightweight clothing and feel the sun on my skin. People seem more cheerful and open. I notice more smiles, more conversations, and more connections.

Spring is also when I’m most active—I visit parks, meditate, walk, exercise, meet neighbors, socialize, and even sell my books. There’s always something new unfolding in the spring.

It energizes me, connects me, and reminds me that life, like nature, is always blooming. Every year, spring reminds me: life is meant to be lived out loud.

YOUR TURN: What spring rituals or habits lift your spirit?

Read My Memoir*: The Invisible Child on Amazon
A powerful story of renewal, resilience, and rediscovering self-worth. Perfect for your spring reading list.

Coaching with Coach Diane: Spring is a season of transformation. If you’re ready to grow, shift, or start fresh, let’s have a coaching conversation.
Contact: writersworks@gmail.com

“BE ALIVE:LIVE LIFE FEARLESSLY”

If humans had taglines, what would yours be?

Mine would be: “Be alive. Live life fearlessly.”

It’s one thing to be living, but it’s something greater to truly be alive—to go after what you want without letting fear stand in the way.

Is there something you’ve always wanted, but fear kept you from pursuing it?

I’ve spoken with so many friends in their 60s, 70s, and 80s who reflect on their lives and quietly admit their regrets. They now have more years behind them than ahead, and often say, “I wish I had…”

Just the other day, a dear friend and I talked about one of her biggest regrets. At 73, she shared that she had always wanted to buy a home and become a real estate investor. Early in her marriage, she and her husband were in escrow on a property—but then he passed away unexpectedly before the sale was finalized. The heartbreak and fear that followed kept her from ever trying again.

In that moment, I wanted to offer her more than sympathy. I wanted to share my tagline: “Be alive. Live life fearlessly.”

It’s never too late to pursue something that matters to you. The only thing fear ever guarantees… is regret.

YOUR TURN: What would your life tagline be?

“Read My Memoir”: [The Invisible Child on Amazon](https://bit.ly/TheInvisibleChild)

If you’ve ever struggled to find your voice, your courage, or your purpose—my story may inspire your own.

“Work With Me”: I offer 1:1 coaching to help you move through fear and into bold action.

Let’s create your next chapter together.

Contact me at: writersworks@gmail.com

HEALTH AND WEALTH:TWIN PILLARS OF A GOOD LIFE

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What are the most important things needed to live a good life?

For me, the two most important things needed to live a good life are health and wealth. The two are deeply connected—your health can create wealth, and your wealth can protect your health.

When your health is compromised, especially by a severe condition, your ability to work at full capacity is often limited. Medical care, treatments, equipment, and around-the-clock attention come at a high cost—one that many simply can’t afford. Over time, that financial burden can become overwhelming.

Both health and wealth have a compounding effect: the more you prioritize and nurture one, the more it tends to grow. But the reverse is also true. If you’re constantly fighting for your health without real progress, the decline can be swift and irreversible. It’s a harsh truth—but one we can’t ignore.

On the flip side, someone who is wealthy may lose it all, but wealth-building skills and mindset are hard to erase. They often find ways to rebuild. It’s rare for someone to go from wealthy to completely broke, and even rarer for them to stay there if they’ve mastered how to rise again.

When you have both health and wealth, you’re not only able to help yourself, but you’re in a position to uplift others as well.

“Which do you prioritize more: health or wealth? Tell me why.” –

“TIME WELL SPENT: CONVERSATIONS WITH MY DAUGHTER”

Photo by Photo By: Kaboompics

Who do you spend the most time with?

I spend most of my time at home with my lovely daughter—we both work from home, so our days often overlap. One of our favorite parts of the day is sitting down for lunch together. We share not only food, but great conversations.

My daughter is a wonderful conversationalist—knowledgeable, curious, and deeply thoughtful. She’s not afraid to share her unfiltered opinions, and sometimes that leads to a spirited debate between us. One of the things she believes strongly is that we are the result of how we were raised. I see things a little differently.

For example, one day we were watching as a woman in a wheelchair was being helped off an elevator. A young lady was holding the door open for her. Just then, a man—maybe in his early thirties—rushed out past the woman in the wheelchair without acknowledging her or even saying thank you. My daughter remarked, “If no one ever taught him to hold the door or be considerate, how would he know?” She sees this kind of behavior as a direct reflection of upbringing.

I see it another way. Yes, our parents shape us, but as adults, we have the power—and responsibility—to choose who we become and how we treat others.

Despite our differences in opinion, I deeply value the time we spend together. My daughter is adventurous, compassionate, considerate, and undeniably brilliant. She challenges me, teaches me, and brings joy to my every day.

Your Turn:
Who do you spend the most time with—and how has it shaped you?

The Day I Thought I Made the Bestseller List

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If you had to change your name, what would your new name be?

I’d choose Taylor Brookes—and one day, I plan to use it as my pen name. It has a nice rhythm, it’s easy to spell, and it sticks in your memory. My hope is that if someone forgets the title of my book, they’ll at least remember the name Taylor Brookes.

My real name, Diane Williams, is much more common than I realized. A few years ago, friends spotted a best-selling book by someone named Diane Williams and called to congratulate me. I was stunned—had I made the bestseller list without knowing it? But when they sent me the link, I had to laugh. Yes, it was Diane Williams, but it wasn’t my book.

Something similar happened again when President Barack Obama read a book titled The Invisible Child. That’s also the title of my memoir. Friends reached out with excitement, thinking he’d read my story—but it was a completely different book with the same title.

That’s when I knew: I needed a name that would stand out. Taylor Brookes feels simple, elegant, and unique enough to spark someone’s memory.

Your Turn:
If you had to choose a new name—or a pen name—what would it be and why? Does your name reflect your identity or your writing voice?

What would your pen name be? Share it below!”

  • “Ever been mistaken for someone else with your name? Tell me your story.”
  • “Writers, have you chosen a pen name? Why or why not?”