BOOK CORNER: Author offers guide to living  with compassion and purpose

Dianne Lawson

By Marissa Wells

Contributing Writer

“Unconditional Love: Timeless Benefits of Mutual Care,” by Dianne Lawson, is a heartfelt alternative therapy book that highlights the transformative power of unconditional love. 

Through personal experiences and life lessons, Lawson illustrates how embodying the golden rule — treating others with love, respect, kindness, empathy, an open heart, an open mind, and being non-judgmental — fosters a genuine atmosphere of acceptance and appreciation in every aspect of life. 

“My book was written at the request of family, friends and others to share lessons learned, life experiences and examples that may make you laugh, cry, see yourself in my words, require you to take action or appreciate being present in this day and the opportunity for tomorrow to be a better day,” said the author.

Each chapter explores different areas of life including family, spirituality, self-growth, education, friendships, romantic relationships, workplace dynamics and community. Some chapters are also focused on shareable life experiences that offer wisdom and reflection.

“Unconditional Love” is intended for readers of all ages and is especially valuable for therapists and mental health professionals, schools (K-12 and higher education), self-help and support groups, and probation departments.

The book can evoke laughter and tears, spark moments of deep self-reflection, inspire action and encourage gratitude for the present while embracing the promise of a better tomorrow.

“I hope readers gain new perceptions of unconditional love and insight in understanding how treating others as we want others treat us with love, respect, kindness, consideration, open-heart, open-mind, and being non-judgmental cultivates an authentic environment of acceptance and appreciation in all areas of life,” Lawson said.

One of Lawson’s favorite aspects of the book is the shareable lessons at the end of each chapter. The insights include practical advice, such as incorporating stress busters and “forced fun” into one’s life and limiting oneself to just 30 minutes of being upset.

“Stressbusters are good for your health and the wellbeing of others,” Lawson said. “If you cannot shake a bad mood and your choice of stressbuster doesn’t seem to be working, that’s when it’s time for forced fun.”

Beyond her work as an author, Lawson serves as a business continuity and disaster recovery analyst at USC. She’s also a grief facilitator and life coach. She lives in Santa Monica.

“Unconditional Love: Timeless Benefits of Mutual Care” is available for $24 (paperback) and $2.99 (Kindle) on Amazon.