“Struggling with the holidays?  You don’t need to put Prozac in the dressing!” declares speaker and writer, Rita Moritz.  Instead, why not drop by the Pell City Public Library on Wednesday, December 7^th at noon, as Moritz shares tips at a workshop entitled, “Putting the ‘Happy’ Back in Your Holidays.”  Find hope, encouragement, and just what you need to make a difference during this hectic, and sometimes difficult time of the year.

Ms. Moritz is a popular motivational and inspirational speaker and blogger.  She is also a published author and poet, and the founder of Writers Anonymous, a poetry group that meets monthly to share their poetry and to challenge and encourage other poets.  Rita’s works have been included in Educational Leadership Journal, The Greenville Standard, The Alabama Baptist, and Indeed Magazine.  Her poetry has also been published in a number of publications and also in her own publication of a collection of poems entitled, Precious Poems: Journey of Hope, published in 2013.  Moritz also has a newly released non-fiction book entitled, So You Love a Prodigal:  What You Can’t Do, What You Can do, Why You Can’t Quit.  In this work, Moritz explores ways of coping personally . . . and helping those prodigals in our lives that act out in destructive ways.

“Many things are beyond your control and mine,” admits Moritz, “but there are some things we can do to make our situation more tolerable.  Some of those things may also help the people we love, including our prodigal.  Most important of all, they may help us to help ourselves.  We can make some choices and take some actions that will help us to survive and even thrive in the midst of pain.”  

Born in Massachusetts, Rita Moritz moved to Alabama ten years ago after residing for a time in the state of Virginia.  A retired teacher of English and Business, Ms. Moritz is currently an instructor in the North Alabama Court Referral Services, Inc.  She is also a popular motivational speaker for organizations and conferences. 

Ms. Moritz’s workshop at noon on December 7^th at the Pell City Public Library is free and open to the public.  It will take place at the library’s new location in the Pell City Municipal Complex located at 1000 Bruce Etheredge Parkway.  Copies of Ms. Moritz’s book will be available for purchase and signing.  Light refreshments will be served afterwards.