This afternoon, I took my first ceramics class.
As I entered the room, my anticipation and nervousness heightened as the Teacher went over the instructions.
Timidly, my hands met the cool clay, this lesson was filled with patience, mistakes, a few setbacks and definitely no room for perfection.
I was filled with pure joy and satisfaction as I transformed uncertainty into a piece of art.
It’s beautiful to be still in
the midst of a busy world,
allowing my mind
to slow down
just enough to
process each thought,
minute by minute
inhaling fully then
exhaling slowly
listening to the beat
of my own heart,
lulling me with peace.
—denise marie
*picture of me taken in Washington State.
A few months ago I fell and injured my back and knee. Recovery has been a frustrating teeter-tottering battle, with some days I feel great, while other days I can barely walk, sit or stand without being in pain.
The last couple of days have been difficult and I found myself in pain, but pretending that everything was ok.
By doing this, I did not take care of my own needs, and I didn’t allow others to help me (codependency 🤦🏽♀️) which only made my pain worse.
My sponsor in celebrate recovery once asked me, “what’s the next right thing?”
The next right thing I did, was to be honest with my feelings, ask for help, rest, take things moment by moment (stay present) do Breathwork to help calm my nervous system and stay prayerful.
I am grateful for self-care.🩷
– denise marie
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. – Romans 12:12
On Friday evening, my daughter and I took an Amtrak train home from the Bay Area to Sacramento. It was her first time on the train, which brought back memories of the first time I took my 3 sons on a train ride over 20 years ago from Washington State to California.
As the train quickly moved along from city to city, I was able to watch the sun dip below the horizon, painting the sky with warm hues, I was filled with so much peace and gratitude as I engulfed myself completely into the serene and captivating experience.
I am so grateful.🩷
-denise marie
“So if the son sets you free, you will be free indeed”. – John 8:36
#nolongerheldcaptive
Yesterday we were on our way to see family in the Bay from Sacramento, old school music on the radio, blue skies and a smooth ride as many people were on the road heading to their destinations to enjoy their Thanksgiving day.
A wave of excitement came over me when I saw the Wind Turbines, because it means that we are almost there!
At times it’s hard to not live near family, but I am so grateful for a quick trip to the Bay or to Washington State.
Visiting family is a refuel to my soul!🩷
– denise marie
As I was taking a walk, I stepped on these leaves that had fallen from the tree. The sound of the crunch beneath my feet brought a huge smile across my face and an instant feeling of tingling happiness.
It brought me back to my childhood living in Seattle, where I would fall backwards into a pile of leaves that were newly raked in front of our house.
Reminiscing on these memories, I could literally hear the sound of laughter that filled the air with pure joy!
I’m so grateful for today and for taking a moment to be present within the beauty of nature, I honor you God, the creator of such a gift.🩷
– denise marie
So if the son sets you free, you will be free indeed. -John 8:36
#nolongerheldcaptive
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
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 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
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
No longer held captive 