Daianna Karaian

thought starter

Rise up: The world can’t fix itself

Do you despair at the news? Deplore those in power? Dream of a future that’s not quite so apocalyptic? Cool. Then what are you doing about it? It’s your fault the world is broken. And mine. It’s our friends’ fault, and their friends’. Our families’ fault, and lovers’ and neighbours’ and colleagues’… it’s all our fault. As a child of… Read more →

alison camps

Q&A: Pride in London co-chair Alison Camps on the question of rising

The story of the Pride movement is one of people tirelessly overcoming adversity to create a better, fairer, more compassionate world. Alison Camps, co-chair of Pride in London, shares her thoughts.   What’s the biggest challenge you’ve personally risen to? I am very conscious that I have led a privileged life and that the challenges I’ve had to face are… Read more →

love mornings

Rise and shine: How to love the mornings

In Thoughtful’s first (and only!) listicle, I share my 10 top tips for falling in love with the morning. Hello, sun in my face. Hello, you who make the morning and spread it over the fields and into the faces of the tulips and the nodding morning glories, and into the windows of, even, the miserable and crotchety– best preacher… Read more →

rise playlist

A playlist you’ll want to turn up to 11

Raise the volume on these songs while you plot how to stick it to ‘the man’ (no offence, chaps). Click on individual songs, or listen to the entire playlist on Spotify.   Follow Daianna on Instagram at @daianna.thoughtstarter.  Photo credit: Ted Major (header); Finland Lakeland (featured) Read more →

connect creativity thoughtful workshops

Connecting the dots: How to solve bigger problems with better creativity

Commercial creatives are learning to get to better solutions faster by partnering with mission-led startups.   What happens when you combine a social mission with commercial ambition? It’s a question that’s fascinated me for ages. For me, there’s no inherent conflict between purpose and profit. In fact, given the influence it has on every aspect of our lives, I think… Read more →

connect nature

The rainbow connection: Why being in nature makes us feel more in touch with ourselves

There’s nothing quite like connecting with nature to make you feel happier, healthier and more connected with yourself.   Sometimes I feel completely, whole-heartedly, acutely alive. In the moment, there’s no anxiety, no insecurity, no desire to be anywhere or do anything else. Just a sense of calm, comfort and contentment. I feel a world away from the otherwise constant… Read more →

connect wishlist

Wishlist: Items to help you feel more connected

Creatively designed and compassionately made, the items in our wishlist will help you reconnect with yourself, others and the world around you.   Connect with your community Connect with other communities Connect with yourself Photo credit: Bogdan Dada (featured); Rubén Bagüés (header) Read more →

tessa clarke

Q&A: Entrepreneur Tessa Clarke on the question of connection

There’s nothing quite like food to help people connect. An unexpected benefit of OLIO, an app to stop surplus food going to waste, is how it brings together neighbours that might never have otherwise met. I asked its co-founder Tessa Clarke to share her thoughts on connection.   How does the idea of connection fit into your work? OLIO is… Read more →