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Be the Magic
This world is constantly nudging us―pulling, pushing, cajoling us―toward our heart’s longing and our true expression of joy. Yet our stubborn and conditioned mindsets can resist these signals, too often dismissing synchronicity and serendipity (magic’s very language) as little more than accident or annoyance. Playful yet potent, BE THE MAGIC nudges us too, showing how to open ourselves to this ever-present guidance to live a more peaceful, passion-filled, and enthusiastic life. Diane Pienta serves up personal stories and lessons learned, in a smorgasbord of actionable daily practices designed to train us―our minds, our bodies, and our hearts―to become joyfully tuned-in to the guidance presented to us at every turn. If you’ve been struggling to find your purpose, to bring more love, peace and play into your life, BE THE MAGIC may well become your most welcomed daily companion. Start reading and put a smile on your face! A renewed zest for life is right around the corner.
264 pages, Paperback
Published February 25, 2023
10 people are currently reading
6608 people want to read
About the author
Diane Pienta
1 book53 followersDiane Pienta is a writer, artist, creativity mentor and forest therapy guide who loves to help others see and share their own unique Magic
She weaves Nature, Creativity, Sound and Movement in her work and believes accessing one’s gifts and sharing them with the world is a pathway to peace, purpose and healing.
Her debut book, Be the Magic, has won multiple awards including "Spirituality & Enlightenment" Gold Medalist from Living Now Book Awards; "Gift Book" Silver Medalist from Independent Publishers Book Awards and Finalist in "Self-Help" from the International Book Awards.
She weaves Nature, Creativity, Sound and Movement in her work and believes accessing one’s gifts and sharing them with the world is a pathway to peace, purpose and healing.
Her debut book, Be the Magic, has won multiple awards including "Spirituality & Enlightenment" Gold Medalist from Living Now Book Awards; "Gift Book" Silver Medalist from Independent Publishers Book Awards and Finalist in "Self-Help" from the International Book Awards.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
September 4, 2023
The perfect book at the exact perfect moment!
An incredibly inspiring and heartfelt read! Perfect timing as I’m faced with aging parents and I find myself often frustrated. This book is an honest & heart filled look at all the messy parts of life and it’s beauty. The book shines a light on the gift of being alive & seeing our potential to be a positive and radiant light to others.
Well written, full of personal stories, wise lessons and inspirational quotes, this book will be a lifelong favorite. A gift of a book that I will gift to others! Thank you Diane Pienta-Brava!
An incredibly inspiring and heartfelt read! Perfect timing as I’m faced with aging parents and I find myself often frustrated. This book is an honest & heart filled look at all the messy parts of life and it’s beauty. The book shines a light on the gift of being alive & seeing our potential to be a positive and radiant light to others.
Well written, full of personal stories, wise lessons and inspirational quotes, this book will be a lifelong favorite. A gift of a book that I will gift to others! Thank you Diane Pienta-Brava!
November 9, 2024
Really enjoyed this one!
March 9, 2023
“Do you want more magic in your life? Do you want more of that excited yet contented feeling when you wake up in the morning, curious to see what wonders the world has in store for you today? As I write this, there’s a pandemic in full swing, inflation is the highest it’s been in fifty years, and there’s a war in Europe that many fear is the beginning of World War III. There’s not a whole lot of harmony and cooperation in politics and then, there’s climate change. Some say that magic has gone a-missing these days,” writes Diane Pienta, in her new book Be the Magic: Bite-Size Nuggets of Wisdom to Feed Your Joy, Nourish Your Soul, and Open Your Heart. “We might consider that the outer world is simply reflecting our inner state of mind. Maybe you are a happy peaceful person, and, maybe your inner landscape is also forested with anxiety, turmoil or apathy. Although we want to live happy, purposeful, creative lives, our hearts and minds can be so darn turbulent,” she continues. “And yet, the world never stops sending us guidance, nudges, bricks-over-the head towards what our hearts are longing for, for what would bring us the most joy. If we could just remove the blinders from our eyes, we could attune to the guidance and the beauty...we could see the magic.”
Do you want more magic in your life?
See the magic.
That seems to be an operating term for what Pienta continues to ruminate upon further in the pages. What I really appreciated as a fairly sardonic human being is how Pienta never comes across as precious, or spouting maudlin drivel. She writes genuine, deep, and wholesome stuff – things that challenge my considerably dark view on things, justifiably or unjustifiably so. If someone can do that, in a way that never feels like it’s coming from a place of convincing or shaming, then there might just be hope that we as a species can do something right. And frankly, my reaction comes full-circle back to Pienta’s point in the first place.
“Einstein tells us we can’t solve a problem with the same level of consciousness we used to create the obstacle in the first place. So, if we want to remove the blinders, if we want our hearts and our world to be joyful, we need to develop a new level of consciousness—and fast....seeing with new eyes, hearing with new ears, speaking and thinking in new ways. I propose that we can do this with ease, and yes, friends, even fun,” Pienta writes. “Maybe you’re now asking yourself some of the age-old questions that have been asked for millennia—Who am I? What am I here to do? What’s my truth? How can I be a positive part of the larger picture? They’re part of the human experience, independent of ethnicity, race, gender, or political leanings. And they’re infinitely more difficult to answer when we’re engaged in negative thinking.”
Grade: A
Do you want more magic in your life?
See the magic.
That seems to be an operating term for what Pienta continues to ruminate upon further in the pages. What I really appreciated as a fairly sardonic human being is how Pienta never comes across as precious, or spouting maudlin drivel. She writes genuine, deep, and wholesome stuff – things that challenge my considerably dark view on things, justifiably or unjustifiably so. If someone can do that, in a way that never feels like it’s coming from a place of convincing or shaming, then there might just be hope that we as a species can do something right. And frankly, my reaction comes full-circle back to Pienta’s point in the first place.
“Einstein tells us we can’t solve a problem with the same level of consciousness we used to create the obstacle in the first place. So, if we want to remove the blinders, if we want our hearts and our world to be joyful, we need to develop a new level of consciousness—and fast....seeing with new eyes, hearing with new ears, speaking and thinking in new ways. I propose that we can do this with ease, and yes, friends, even fun,” Pienta writes. “Maybe you’re now asking yourself some of the age-old questions that have been asked for millennia—Who am I? What am I here to do? What’s my truth? How can I be a positive part of the larger picture? They’re part of the human experience, independent of ethnicity, race, gender, or political leanings. And they’re infinitely more difficult to answer when we’re engaged in negative thinking.”
Grade: A
June 7, 2024
First I want to say thank you for the book, I entered the Goodreads giveaway for it and was selected and that's very exciting!
I read this book very slowly as it was full of little anecdotes, tasks, and thought provoking items. Some of the highlights for me were:
The "What If" Game
Failure is Your Friend
On Adaptability
The World of Comparison is Never a Good Place to be
The Power of Shhhhhhhhhh
It's Never Too Late
and Diane's poem "You are the one who calls in happiness and joy"
There were a couple times I kind of scoffed at Diane's ploys to try new things as she sold her house and moved into a camper van and I scoffed because I don't have that sort of financial security to do so. However, when I thought about it, that's Diane's journey and not mine, you know, "the world of comparison is never a good place to be", and thought of how I could get to the same place as Diane but take a different journey there.
There were many moments where I shouted out "yes, that's so me!", or "that's exactly what I needed to hear right now". This book was like a hug from an old friend in the end. It was what I needed to hear and provided me with lots of food for thought.
I read this book very slowly as it was full of little anecdotes, tasks, and thought provoking items. Some of the highlights for me were:
The "What If" Game
Failure is Your Friend
On Adaptability
The World of Comparison is Never a Good Place to be
The Power of Shhhhhhhhhh
It's Never Too Late
and Diane's poem "You are the one who calls in happiness and joy"
There were a couple times I kind of scoffed at Diane's ploys to try new things as she sold her house and moved into a camper van and I scoffed because I don't have that sort of financial security to do so. However, when I thought about it, that's Diane's journey and not mine, you know, "the world of comparison is never a good place to be", and thought of how I could get to the same place as Diane but take a different journey there.
There were many moments where I shouted out "yes, that's so me!", or "that's exactly what I needed to hear right now". This book was like a hug from an old friend in the end. It was what I needed to hear and provided me with lots of food for thought.
March 28, 2023
Be the Magic of Diane Pienta is a refreshing read if you think your life has been dimmed by the events around you. The world of today is blinded by rage, hatred, war, cold strategies, hidden motives and profits – we humans have forget to see the light and magic around us. The disappointment and discontentment turned as vapid and pessimistic.
Born to WW-II parents and having roots from Europe, Pienta brings an exclusive gamut of life experiences through vignettes of wisdom for all of us. Unlike other books which are often self-centered or partly memoir, this book sounds holistic with a voice for all. The author remembers that her mother endured a tough time thus she’s so filled with negativity that she succumbed to dementia. Pienta is different. She believes that the magic is everywhere; we need to open our eyes to see it, to live with it.
The book is highly readable due to its unique storytelling structure. It isn’t banal that goes on ranting stuff non-stop. Pienta has put an element of charm in her narration. She kept it short. Attention grabbing headlines, quotes before the beginning of each topic, and finally in the end that conclusion with a few sublime words that will for sure touch your heart.
The book covers up many elemental aspects of life…such as love, self-love, value of life, comparison, envy, failure…and so on. However, let it course through a string of topics, she kept the candle of magic lit throughout the soul of the book. Isn’t it amazing?
The author touches upon the wisdom in a simple adorable way. The short stories/anecdotes from her life are not only funny and witty but also meaningful. For example, she asserts that jealousy brings out the best from us. My favourite part, if I say, is Focus on the Love, not the Wound.
Looking for absolute positivity through books that take the funny routes, this one is a must read. Simple, effective, engrossing – you should come to this book over and again to refresh your soul and heart. Not necessarily that you finish this book in one sitting, rather enjoy it whenever you revisit any of its content.
Born to WW-II parents and having roots from Europe, Pienta brings an exclusive gamut of life experiences through vignettes of wisdom for all of us. Unlike other books which are often self-centered or partly memoir, this book sounds holistic with a voice for all. The author remembers that her mother endured a tough time thus she’s so filled with negativity that she succumbed to dementia. Pienta is different. She believes that the magic is everywhere; we need to open our eyes to see it, to live with it.
The book is highly readable due to its unique storytelling structure. It isn’t banal that goes on ranting stuff non-stop. Pienta has put an element of charm in her narration. She kept it short. Attention grabbing headlines, quotes before the beginning of each topic, and finally in the end that conclusion with a few sublime words that will for sure touch your heart.
The book covers up many elemental aspects of life…such as love, self-love, value of life, comparison, envy, failure…and so on. However, let it course through a string of topics, she kept the candle of magic lit throughout the soul of the book. Isn’t it amazing?
The author touches upon the wisdom in a simple adorable way. The short stories/anecdotes from her life are not only funny and witty but also meaningful. For example, she asserts that jealousy brings out the best from us. My favourite part, if I say, is Focus on the Love, not the Wound.
Looking for absolute positivity through books that take the funny routes, this one is a must read. Simple, effective, engrossing – you should come to this book over and again to refresh your soul and heart. Not necessarily that you finish this book in one sitting, rather enjoy it whenever you revisit any of its content.
September 6, 2025
Be the Magic by Diane Pienta is a book that meets you where you are—and reminds you of what you already know.
This is an insightful, emotionally grounding book that invites you to pause—not just to think, but to feel. It’s exactly the kind of companion you want on your nightstand: small enough to reach for in a moment, deep enough to shift your day. And its a size that, like the authors voice doesn't intimidate you with more words than are needed, but is a friendly companion that just says psst...don't forget. Or hey...remember that.
Be the Magic isn’t a textbook or a step-by-step philosophy. There’s no homework, no rigid plan, no pressure to “get it right.” Instead, it offers short, resonant sections filled with quotes, stories, life lessons, and gentle provocations—perfect for journaling, meditation, or simply a moment to pause and recenter yourself and remind you to breathe through a hectic moment.
I recommend starting with A Few Words to Begin, which sets the emotional tone and helps you understand the “why” behind the book’s rhythm. From there, you can read intuitively. I often flip through until something catches me—and today, it was this:
“If it brings you true joy, who cares if it’s ‘wrong’? You’re here to live it all, not get it right.”
What followed felt like a conversation with a best friend from high school—someone who always knew me better than I knew myself. No jargon, no self-aggrandizement. Just plain truth, gently offered with confidence and wisdom. And then i am offered a story to carry with me and a question to think about:
“If you were to ‘live it all,’ what would you do? What would you try?”
This book doesn’t ask you to seek magic in crystals or horoscopes, it doesn't give you someone else’s answers. It reminds you that the magic to living is already within you—it there just quietly, patiently, waiting to be remembered.
Thank you to the author and Goodreads for sharing this now, well thumbed book with me. The opinions above are my own and the thoughts are my own experiences and opinions
This is an insightful, emotionally grounding book that invites you to pause—not just to think, but to feel. It’s exactly the kind of companion you want on your nightstand: small enough to reach for in a moment, deep enough to shift your day. And its a size that, like the authors voice doesn't intimidate you with more words than are needed, but is a friendly companion that just says psst...don't forget. Or hey...remember that.
Be the Magic isn’t a textbook or a step-by-step philosophy. There’s no homework, no rigid plan, no pressure to “get it right.” Instead, it offers short, resonant sections filled with quotes, stories, life lessons, and gentle provocations—perfect for journaling, meditation, or simply a moment to pause and recenter yourself and remind you to breathe through a hectic moment.
I recommend starting with A Few Words to Begin, which sets the emotional tone and helps you understand the “why” behind the book’s rhythm. From there, you can read intuitively. I often flip through until something catches me—and today, it was this:
“If it brings you true joy, who cares if it’s ‘wrong’? You’re here to live it all, not get it right.”
What followed felt like a conversation with a best friend from high school—someone who always knew me better than I knew myself. No jargon, no self-aggrandizement. Just plain truth, gently offered with confidence and wisdom. And then i am offered a story to carry with me and a question to think about:
“If you were to ‘live it all,’ what would you do? What would you try?”
This book doesn’t ask you to seek magic in crystals or horoscopes, it doesn't give you someone else’s answers. It reminds you that the magic to living is already within you—it there just quietly, patiently, waiting to be remembered.
Thank you to the author and Goodreads for sharing this now, well thumbed book with me. The opinions above are my own and the thoughts are my own experiences and opinions
August 7, 2023
I love this book. Can't say enough good things about it. Diane Pienta has delivered an inspiring guide to happiness, even joy, stemming from the experiences of her own life. And what an interesting life she has led thus far!
The book is somewhere between a memoir, although it doesn't feel like a memoir, and a spiritual how-to book. No, as I write that, it's really neither. The book is completely unique: a journal of personal stories, quotes, poetic musings, and wise and sometimes humorous observations.
It's written in beautiful, easily absorbed chunks; you can read as much or as little as you want in any given day. I plan to leave it by my bed, open it up to a random chapter and read it before I go to sleep.
It's an exceptionally easy read, on the surface. Very well written, in simple language but intelligent. My favorite kind of writing. But although easy to read, the thought-provoking nature of this work takes it to a much deeper level for me. I have to stop and re-read a paragraph or a page several times when it strikes a chord. Such as this line: "Nature must be so disappointed if we're not dazzled at least 10 times a day." Isn't that perfect? As a nature lover, and an avid gardener, who lives surrounded by acres of woods and streams and meadows, I absolutely agree. And I am dazzled at least 10 times a day!
Ms. Pienta's observations are self-effacing and humble, yet self-confident, making her seem like an expert stumbling along this life just like the rest of us “experts.” Very relatable. But she's teaching us the whole time.
This is a wonderful book. Do yourselves a favor and get a copy. I guarantee it will touch your heart, inspire you, make you chuckle, and certainly set you pondering your own life and path.
The book is somewhere between a memoir, although it doesn't feel like a memoir, and a spiritual how-to book. No, as I write that, it's really neither. The book is completely unique: a journal of personal stories, quotes, poetic musings, and wise and sometimes humorous observations.
It's written in beautiful, easily absorbed chunks; you can read as much or as little as you want in any given day. I plan to leave it by my bed, open it up to a random chapter and read it before I go to sleep.
It's an exceptionally easy read, on the surface. Very well written, in simple language but intelligent. My favorite kind of writing. But although easy to read, the thought-provoking nature of this work takes it to a much deeper level for me. I have to stop and re-read a paragraph or a page several times when it strikes a chord. Such as this line: "Nature must be so disappointed if we're not dazzled at least 10 times a day." Isn't that perfect? As a nature lover, and an avid gardener, who lives surrounded by acres of woods and streams and meadows, I absolutely agree. And I am dazzled at least 10 times a day!
Ms. Pienta's observations are self-effacing and humble, yet self-confident, making her seem like an expert stumbling along this life just like the rest of us “experts.” Very relatable. But she's teaching us the whole time.
This is a wonderful book. Do yourselves a favor and get a copy. I guarantee it will touch your heart, inspire you, make you chuckle, and certainly set you pondering your own life and path.
September 9, 2024
What I love about books like these is you get inspiration, feelings, perspective, emotions of all kinds, and feels a lot like reflecting in little bits of time! This is one of those books you read a little each day or as it says on the cover get "bite-sized nuggets of wisdom" to give you some type of pause to reflect and go through an emotion whatever it may be at that time. I like the short little stories, the quotes, and how easy it is to get to think about one piece of wisdom and get your own perspective before you move on to the next! I really like that this can be a book you pass around and bring something to someone else through words and thoughts! Thank you Goodreads for the gifted copy and I will be passing it along for friends to borrow as well.
June 5, 2024
Really enjoying this book. For me, it works best to utilize this book for daily reflections or motivations to try something different or look at something in a different way, upside down even! Loved the idea of the Three Stitches game; think Lay's potato chips where you can't eat just one. Once you get started doing something creative or comforting or fun that you "didn't have time for" you invite joy and yes, magic, into your day! I plan on passing this book along to friends but not right away, lol. Still enjoying reading and re-reading some of the magic.
June 16, 2024
I started out just reading this, but it asks so many interesting questions, I've decided to start over with a journal, and make my own little stories. So I'm not actually done, but it delivers as promised, little tidbits of magic to make you think, and feel ✨️.
I received this book from a Goodreads giveaway, with a note from the author herself to pass it along to someone else when I was done, which I absolutely will, but not just yet!
I received this book from a Goodreads giveaway, with a note from the author herself to pass it along to someone else when I was done, which I absolutely will, but not just yet!
April 22, 2023
You may find that many of the situations or moments described in this book resonate with things that have occurred in your life. But have you ever paused momentarily, reflecting, savoring, and appreciating the wisdom and gifts these moments have given you? If you do, you can find the magic in yourself. This book will help you do that in a beautiful and wonderful way.
August 12, 2024
A perfect book to pick up and find little words of wisdom, or ideas of ways to be more open to the magic in your own life.
A little repetitive with some of the stories, but that’s probably because I just read it all the way through, which it really isn’t that kind of book.
The quotes were totally magical. I’d like to revisit many of them.
A little repetitive with some of the stories, but that’s probably because I just read it all the way through, which it really isn’t that kind of book.
The quotes were totally magical. I’d like to revisit many of them.
April 20, 2023
This is a truly lovely book, full of suggestions for Joy and Magic. Each chapter offers a different suggestion. I’m going to reread it and follow through with the suggestions. Thank you Diane Pienta!🌸
August 28, 2023
Enchanting and inspiring!
What an amazing, magical read! If you’re looking to bring more thankfulness, positivity, creativity, calmness, awareness of blessings and nature into your life, read this book!
What an amazing, magical read! If you’re looking to bring more thankfulness, positivity, creativity, calmness, awareness of blessings and nature into your life, read this book!
January 21, 2024
interesting thought processes
If you like alternate thinking, this book is for you. Personally, I put my faith in God and would never deem the “universe” as the answer to my prayers but as the title suggests, there are nuggets of wisdom throughout.
If you like alternate thinking, this book is for you. Personally, I put my faith in God and would never deem the “universe” as the answer to my prayers but as the title suggests, there are nuggets of wisdom throughout.
April 16, 2024
Absolutely amazing 👏 🤩 😍 thank you for spreading the magic. I feel a special connection to this book and the words contained are truly inspirational ❤️ love and light to this author, and deeply thanks...and to all who read this book. ✨️ pass along the magic 😍
June 19, 2024
I won this book as part of a giveaway. It has small little snippets of encouragement, thought provoking ideas and ways to enhance out everyday lives. It reminds me that I have a lot of things to work on, but also to find joy in the journey.
November 2, 2024
What a wonderful little package of uplifting material. It’s written in short stories so you can just open the book and find a lesson for your day. I truly enjoyed it. I loved the quotes and the author’s own poetry interspersed throughout the pages. Thank you for such a gem!
July 17, 2025
Spiritually, mentally, and physically uplifting. This book made me start looking at everything good in my life instead of bad. Being a mostly negative person, this book made me want to look at the positive things in life instead.
I won this book on the Goodreads giveaway.
I won this book on the Goodreads giveaway.
April 18, 2024
I enjoyed the anecdotes and advice. Using your own strengths and trusting your gut to find the magic in every day situations.
June 4, 2024
Lovely little book to lift up one's spirit and love. I passed it on to my daughter.
June 4, 2024
I loved this book. It was really good and made me feel really happy while reading it because it was reminding you about things you don’t think about on your own necessarily. I highly suggest it!
November 21, 2023
I love this book! Puts so many valuable life lessons and practices together in one place. A must read for everybody who wants to lead a happier and more fulfilling life.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews