Dear Friends:
It's snowing here in central Ohio, the first real snow of the winter season. With Thanksgiving behind us and December holidays ahead, it's the perfect time to take a deep breath and think about what's important.
Ed's health crisis earlier this year, combined with the pandemic and the divisive national climate, prompted me to take a hard look at how I could be most helpful to others.
TRENDING TOWARD WELLNESS
For two decades, I billed myself as a writing teacher. I blogged about writing, taught writing to adults, and for eighteen years published Write Now Columbus, a newsletter
for central Ohio readers and writers.
While I continue in most of those roles (stay tuned for winter class announcements), the publication of my running and mental health memoir, Depression Hates a Moving Target, prompted me to change my focus.
People still ask writing questions, but more often they want to know how I got off the sofa and transformed my life. As a result, I'm shifting from "writing teacher" to "wellness author." I'm also
working on a new book. Stay tuned for that.
NEW FACEBOOK GROUP
In the meantime, if you're interested in emotional health and well-being, please join our Facebook group, Mind, Mood, and Movement. As wellness tools, I offer writing
practice, mindfulness meditation, movement, and occasional challenges. Also expect unicorns because, well, I adore unicorns!
MEDITATION CHALLENGE
Speaking of challenges, Sage Institute for Creativity & Consciousness is hosting a donation-based 28-Day Meditation Challenge free to front-line workers.
I'm currently taking Sage's 200-Hour Meditation Leader Training program to deepen my practice and enhance my 20 years of meditation teaching. As a result, I'm sitting daily for a minimum of 30 minutes. In just a few months, my focus has improved, I'm less reactive, and more productive. Expect to hear more about that too.
RUNNING
This season's running highlight was the in-person, socially distanced half marathon put on by our running club. With most races cancelled, this was only the second timed, in-person race I
completed this year compared to the ten to fifteen I usually run.
Jeff Henderson and the Fleet Feet + FrontRunner crew controlled everything but the weather. The 60 mph wind gusts, hail, and pouring rain caused some to bail. I was fortunate to finish right before Mother Nature let loose. I ran it slower than any half before, but savored each moment, tearing up as I saw the smiling eyes above the masks on each member of our running group, most of whom I hadn't seen since March. Depression STILL hates a moving
target.
FAMILY
Our family highlight was the Thanksgiving zoom with 22 family members including Ed's 103-year old mother. I think we blew her mind. Ed asked each person a question and that person passed the baton to the next. It gave everyone,
even the kids, a chance to speak.
That zoom, the turkey Ed dry-brined (I'm so spoiled), and my not-terribly-famous green bean casserole, made the day festive even if it was just the two of us and the pupperina in the house the way it has been since March.
UPCOMING EVENTS
I'm excited about the following events and hope you'll join one or both:
Wednesday, December 2nd at 1:30 PT / 4:30pm ET - Heart Wisdom Panel with Mango authors Marlena Fiol and Judy Ford. I'm moderating this panel hosted by Mango Publishing. We'll talk about Love and Forgiveness with lots of chance for audience interaction. Who can't use some
love and forgiveness right now! Email: debbie@mangopublishinggroup.com for the link.
Friday, December 18th at noon PT / 3pm ET - Brave Women: Revelatory Memoirs with Marlena Fiol and yours truly. In this discussion hosted by the San Francisco Chapter of the Women's National Book Association, Marlena and I will explain what prompted us to overcome difficulties and why we chose to
write about it. Register early as spots are limited.
REVIEWS PLEASE
Depression Hates a Moving Target and You
Should Be Writing continue to receive positive reviews. If you enjoyed either book and haven't had a chance to leave a positive review or rating on your favorite site, I'd love it if you would. If you already did, thank you!! I had no idea how important reviews were until my first book came out.
Don't forget! Books make great gifts!
IN THE NEWS
My books and I continue to be featured in the media and I continue to guest blog. Please check the "In the News" page on my website including a recent feature in the "Contributor's Corner" of Runner's Life Newsletter on Medium.
ASK ME ANYTHING
No. I'm not doing a Youtube Live—yet. But if I can help in some way, please reach out. Email is always the best way to reach me.
Take care and be well.
~ Nita
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