Category: mental-health

Admiring Art…can be nervous system regulating.

Leave a comment
Local Art

On Tuesday, I was running errands and for no reason that I could pinpoint, I started feeling a bit overwhelmed, instead of allowing the anxiety to heighten, I decided to shift my attention by “looking” for the beauty around me.

I began to notice artwork in the community, and realized that within the pleasurable experience of viewing art, lies the ability to evoke a sort of euphoric mood that calmed my nervousness. The Art literally seemed to communicate with me, using a language that captured the essence of the human experience, it allowed me to see the world through the lens of a different perspective.

I truly appreciate the gift of art🩷

– denise marie

“So if the son sets you free, you will be free indeed”. – John 8:36

#nolongerheldcaptive

Finding joy in the Zentangle Pattern…

Leave a comment
Zentangle Pattern

Last night I took a Mindfulness and Gratitude through the Visual Arts Class.

I learned about the Golden Ratio and Zentangle Patterns.

I was able to create my own Zentangle pattern which allowed me to be present, with no expectations, no right or wrong and no judgement. I was free.🩷

This form of Art Therapy gave me so much joy! It helped me to calm my mind, breathe deeply and simply relax.

– denise marie

“So if the son sets you free, you will be free indeed”. – John 8:36

#nolongerheldcaptive

What would YOU say to your younger self?

Leave a comment

What I would say to my younger self…

You have the gift to

powerfully shine light

on darkness,

to set captives free

by the stroke of your

own pen.

– denise marie

No matter the circumstances of your past or what you may be currently facing, God says that he is able to use your gifts, your voice, your words, your life….to encourage others and give them hope.

I want to encourage YOU to show up in whatever space you are in and be your true authentic self, allowing your presence to make a difference in this world!

“So if the son sets you free, you will be free indeed”. – John 8:36

Pulmonary Embolism…the Beach & Gratitude.

4 Comments
Enjoying Dillon Beach in Northern California

In 2020 I survived a Pulmonary Embolism, it was such a stressful, painful and scary time.

Since then, I’ve learned to really listen to my body and prioritize my mental, physical and spiritual health.

Visiting the beach with my family is one of my favorite things to do.

Walking on the sand, the smell of salt water, the breeze and watching the waves completely relaxes me and brings me joy.

I am truly grateful for the gift of life.

– denise marie

The beach…a gift to be treasured.

2 Comments

I recently took a drive with two of my kids to a beautiful beachfront in Northern California called Dillon Beach.

Being at the Ocean, I feel free! Laughing so hard as I skip around the beach, searching for seashells and taking in every detail of its beauty.. What a gift to be treasured…it will always be my happy place. 💙

The beauty of….a sunset.

Leave a comment
I captured a beautiful Sunset with my daughter while in Seattle, Washington.

I cherish the surreal vastness of the sunset in all its shades of oranges and reds alongside blues with yellows. I give thanks and honor every lesson that my day brought me. I forgive those who tried to make me feel small and I forgive myself for allowing disappointment or unrealistic expectations to rule over my peace of mind. I choose to acknowledge my hurt, process my feelings and forgive.

I welcome the darkness of the night sky as I find rest and replenish my body, knowing that in the morning I will be greeted by the light of day.

– denise marie

“So if the son sets you free, you will be free indeed”. – John 8:36

in awe…of beauty

Leave a comment
I captured this beautiful picture in Lake Tahoe.

I am in awe of the glorious sunrise as it casts its golden hue across the morning sky. As I look around, I see the beauty around me and embrace the gift of life.

I choose to live my life fully and contently as I continue to grow, learn, love and honor its sacredness.

– denise marie

“So if the son sets you free, you will be free indeed”. – John 8:36

#nolongerheldcaptive

Your presence matters…

2 Comments
liberation…the act of setting free

YOU matter….

Even when you feel like no one notices or cares. Your presence on this Earth is important…your voice, your opinion, your ideas, your disappointments, your shortcomings, your accomplishments, your defeats, your best qualities and your worst character defects, your talents, your stories, your laughter, your hugs, your smile. Every aspect of YOU, is a gift to this world. You are valued, cherished and needed.

And even when it doesn’t always feel like it…

I encourage you to grab on and hold tight to this truth…YOU are loved…overwhelmingly loved, undeniably loved, forever loved.💗

~ denise marie

“So if the son sets you free, you will be free indeed”. – John 8:36

I am her…

4 Comments
“So if the son sets you free, you will be free indeed”.
– John 8:36

There was a time, that I didn’t identify with the one who stared at me daily in the mirror.

Sometimes I didn’t like her, other times I felt like I didn’t really know her and many times didn’t understand her. She found herself lost between living to please others and resenting her continued self-sacrifice, even at the cost of her well being.

Ultimately betraying herself.

Numerous times she tried to free her true self, but found it difficult to come out from under the deep despair of childhood trauma and shame.

Today, she realizes it’s ok to choose Her.

She now, carefully cradles her heart, whispering powerful words of truth dripped in non-judgmental love and grace.

She is no longer hidden beneath the layers of trauma, she is emerging, growing and nurturing each space within the weight of her being.

She no longer identifies as an outsider, but acknowledges Her name.

The name her Mother, lovingly graced her with in 1969.

Her name is Denise Marie and I am her.