What would YOU say to your younger self?

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

Her own crown of beauty…

I wanted to share with you my poem titled “her own crown of beauty”. My prayer is that you no longer hide or shrink, but are comfortable in your own skin, accepting your own crown of beauty.💗

– denise marie

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

Words of love…

I am learning that it is ok to take a deep breath,
and then slowly exhale as I gently smile at the
woman that I’m looking at in the mirror.

I’m encouraging her with words of love,
self acceptance and much grace.

– denise marie

It’s ok to get out of your comfort zone…

I decided to get out of my comfort zone and nervously read one of my poems in front of the camera.

Speaking in public or in front of a camera, causes me some anxiety and I normally find myself completely overthinking, being self-critical and sometimes talking myself out of it.

But not tonight.

I sat in my living room, didn’t fuss with the perfect application of makeup or the correct lighting. I just went for it….and because I did, it was a huge breakthrough for me!

You see, after surviving the pulmonary embolism, I struggled with the affects in my mind, emotions, and body. My brain seemed to be a bit different, very foggy, easily overwhelmed/overstimulated and anxiety. I struggled and sometimes still struggle with terrible fatigue, hair loss and extra weight gain. These things had began to mess with my confidence and I found myself beginning to hide a bit and shrink back from doing things that I used to do much easier in the past.

Being in my 50’s and a survivor of…well an overcomer of so many different challenges in my life, (past childhood trauma, stress etc.) I realize that it’s ok to not always be ok, but it’s not ok to be stuck in my circumstances. Taking things one day at a time, allows me to remove unrealistic expectations and letting go of my own pressure of perfectionism, the need to please others and making space for plenty of love and grace. Healing is a process and I am choosing to be present, every step of the way.

My hope is that I continue to show up and do things that make me uncomfortable.

This not so simple act of getting out of my own head, and doing things even if I am afraid or nervous is truly liberating.

Thanks for sharing this moment with me, it means a lot!

– denise marie

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

Prayer…Gratitude and the California Coast.

Standing here, on the California Coast in complete gratitude for all he has done.

When anxiety heightens,

and worry tries to consume me.

In these moments I cry out to God and I’m quickly reminded of his promises.

He said he will never leave me or forsake me, my strong tower where I can find safety.

My rock, my refuge, my fortress and my hope.

His love protects me, surrounds me and never fails me.

This is where I find my peace and place my trust in him.

– denise marie

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

The beauty of a sunset…

A few years ago, I was standing here watching the sunset.

I could hardly contain the flood of emotions that took over me.

I felt so small in its presence, the vastness of the evening sky and the depths of the Pacific Northwest Sound had me honoring the Creator of such astounding beauty.

As I stood there, I was surrounded in peace, and immersed completely in Gods love.

– denise marie

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

What I would say to my younger self…

I always loved to write. Pencil in hand, writing a poem at the age of 5.

You have the gift to

powerfully shine light

on darkness,

to set captives free

by the stroke of your

own pen.

– denise marie

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

Gratitude…

Each day brings a promise of something new…

be present and hold space…for gratitude.

– denise marie

This is the day the Lord has made. let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24

My Covid 19 story…

I tested positive for Covid 19 on Saturday. The last few days have been extremely overwhelming and it seems as if I’ve experienced many of the symptoms on the list. When things got a bit scary I contacted my Doctor and due to my health risk factors, I was able to go to the hospital for an Monoclonal Antibodies Infusion.

When I arrived to the hospital I was told to wait outside and a nurse in PPE would come and get me. Soon after my arrival the nurse came and had me follow her to a “not for the public” side door into a stairwell which took me to a door that led to a long hallway and into a conference room that was section off by plastic.

Covid Patients Infusion Room

It was only I and the nurse in this room and as much as she tried to make me feel comfortable, it was a bit eerie.

She did the basics; temperature check, blood pressure check, oxygen levels using a pulse oximeter then went on to explain the details of the infusion. Soon after, I received my infusion in my left arm and after an hour and a half my husband picked me up from the hospital and went home.

Day 3 Covid positive, Anti-Viral Infusion.

The following day after my infusion, I still struggled with many Covid symptoms, but my fever finally broke. SO very grateful!

Today is day 5 and I’m still testing positive. Its been hard to be quarantined and feeling lousy in my room away from my family, But I’m happy to say that my symptoms are improving! I believe that the infusion has really helped my body to continue to fight this virus.

Being in my room quarantined, it’s amazing how the mind plays tricks on you. I really had to pray, reach out to my family and watch uplifting & funny shows on tv to stay encouraged. So glad this is only temporary.

To be intentionally loved is a gift from God.

I received these beautiful flowers from my husband. He, my kids & family have been so encouraging and loving as I heal and rest. I’m blessed to have family near while I’m quarantined and recovering.

Tomorrow is a new day and I’m looking forward to a negative test and complete recovery soon!

Thank you Jesus for your love, protection and healing💗