We recently had the chance to connect with Diane Bailey Nutz and have shared our conversation below.
Diane, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
To me, those three words are intertwined. This world often lacks integrity. I feel integrity enhances my intelligence and ramps up my energy to continue working out to stay healthy. Sticking to this ethical code of being truthful and honest even when it is difficult will make me a stronger person emotionally and physically,
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Over 40 years ago Dan and I went a bit “Nutz” and got married. Yes, my last name changed to something quite unusual but fitting with a blended family of six children and adding two more within four years. Becoming Nutz has not only been amusing but is one of the best decisions I have ever made in my almost 72 years. Life to me is all about family and helping others. I worked with individuals who had special needs for over 35 years. This gave me a realization of how blessed my life has been. And as we had opportunities, because of my job, to have unique individuals in our home at times, it also taught our children to be accepting of others. In my first two books, Look IN Me and The UP-side of Down, there are not only inspirational stories but humorous as well. I was able to interview some parents for several stories. One reader called me late one evening and told me she was going to have a difficult time falling asleep because she couldn’t quit laughing at one of the stories in Look IN Me. I figured that was a win for me! I used a pen name in my following two books. They were private stories from my past that could hopefully help others who were in similar circumstances. Five years ago (before writing those two books with a pen name) I started a nonprofit. What was I thinking? I did not have the business experience I needed for this. Dan and I had just served our first senior couple LDS church mission in Texas which got cut short because of the pandemic. Being on social media, many became familiar with my interest and concern for families of children with special needs. Some of them reached out to me out of sheer desperation having the need for a break and thought perhaps I had ideas. None of our eight children had special needs and are grown, raising their own children. This is how Pamper Our Parents-Uplift those who uplift was started. It has evolved, giving small gifts and providing fun events to give struggling parents their own time out. My most recent project was my fifth book, Spreading Branches of Kindness, specifically for children. I gathered true stories for over one year mainly of courageous children showing acts of kindness to others regardless of peer pressure. I also asked for sketches of all 42 stories that children could color in. I did not get a great response for pictures, so I ended up using more AI sketches.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
Sometimes the bonds between people breaks because of lack of or improper communication. In this world of modern technology, often messages from email and texts are misunderstood. If everyone would focus more on in-person, and one-on-one conversation with eye contact, I believe these bonds between humans would usually be restored.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
I think most of us have times in our lives when we almost give up. I am not any different. Writing this book about kindness is the most recent time I wondered if it would be worth my effort. I felt that I may not be successful in conveying the importance of being kind to others, that it may seem mundane or repetitive. However, I felt prompted to follow through gathering true stories and for my first time, I am writing to children and their parents. Since I have watched the progressively slow downhill trend of children being given less time for creativity and developing hand-eye coordination, I planned on having a sketch per each story that would cover one whole page so children could color. These things are imperative for a child’s proper brain development as well as social skills. I feel pleased with the final result of Spreading Branches of Kindness and hope it opens doors to young and old to gain courage in being kind in the worst of negative pressure from others.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closest friends and family know without a doubt that what matters most to me is my belief in a higher power of a loving God and His son Jesus Christ. Because of them, I know I will see our daughter Amy again who passed away over 23 years ago at age 20. I am blessed to have that knowledge and the love of my husband and family. This gives me true joy.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I feel I am doing what I was born to do as I strive to help others. I was not given direction growing up as to what to make of my life. But as I reflect, I can totally see God’s hand in my life. With the extremely rough times, I learned and gained empathy. This gives me strength to continue climbing the ladder of life. And it also adds clarity to guide others dealing with similar steps on their ladders.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.pamperourparents.info/
- Facebook: Dan DianeBailey Nutz, POP: Pamper Our Parents-Uplift those who uplift
- Other: email [email protected]
Image Credits
Sketches by Tavin Wilcox, Betty Roberts, Grace Stephens, Makston Luke, Aiden Hall
Cover by Lara Wynter
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
