Author: Impower You

Healing through art & therapy! I used to be depressed and codependent with very low self worth and many unhealthy habits. But several years ago I started the healing process and am sharing what I learned with gratitude and hope for each of us. Peace & hugs, Leah
Travel

Travel The Myriad Botanical Gardens create “Pumpkinville” in Oklahoma City, OK

Impower You

Ever since childhood Halloween has been my favorite holiday.  With the costumes, the thrill of being scared without any real danger, and delicious treats it has always appealed to me. I love the pumpkins for carving and eating. I can easily get lost in the magic of goofy Halloween movies. As a kid who dreamed of a multitude of careers, worlds, and fantasies, I especially love the silliness of dressing up as fantastical creature. Though more often I’ve chosen to be a less than unique black cat, both  the sexy and cute versions.  Last year I dressed up like a mad scientist.

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My Mad Scientist costume in 2013.

This year I will be celebrating in Salem, Massachusetts to get immersed in some gregarious holiday fun with a side of debauchery. My friend lives there and says the city goes all out to create a month-long spirited atmosphere of Halloween tricks and treats. To get in the holiday spirit as early as possible, I took a trip with my sister and her son to the creatively designed “Pumpkinville” at Myriad Botanical Gardens in Oklahoma City. If you’re in the area, this fun event lasts until Halloween.

 

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If you like this blog check out my books and art at Leahis.com orAmazon.com.

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D.I.Y. Therapy

D.I.Y. Therapy: How To Balance Your Emotions…The Blissful Balanced Path

Impower You

My emotions used to rule my world and send me on rollercoaster rides of manic highs and depressing lows. With a few years of diligent work on my personal thoughts and actions, I’ve been able to balance my emotions so that my ride is now steady with only a dip of sadness now and then. I don’t feel perfect all the time, does anybody? Life after all is a variety of emotions. Being sad or upset isn’t fun, but if we’re careful we can take how we feel and turn that into a lesson for how we react in future situations. Paying attention to our emotions also allows us to better gauge if other people are good to have in our life or if we need to stay clear of them.

1.Pay attention to how you feel. Are you hurt, sad, anxious, unsettled, angry?

2. Choose whether to let that emotion take control. Is this a good time to feel that way or will allowing this emotion to continue cause you more problems?

3. Look at problems from a different perspective. Write down the reason you feel this way and imagine alternate ways you can feel about it.

4. Find a solution or a different path. Choose one of those alternates and go with it. You may need to tell someone to get lost because they are being a jerk or you might be the one who needs to apologize for your attitude.

5. Be patient and loving towards yourself. Accept that you like everybody else, are imperfect. Accept and love yourself for your ability to change, grow, and learn.

6. Focus on feeling good, not constantly excited. Stay balanced with breathing exercises, short meditations, or affirmations. Know that you can only do so much and that it’s okay to just be present in your situation. Work on what you can and think of the future only in terms of how you can solve problems. Don’t focus on concerns or worries because that won’t get you anywhere.

7. Remove bad people from your life. You don’t need those who are negative and insist on pulling you into drama situations. If someone makes you feel bad or unsettled then keep them at a distance. You deserve family and friends who respect you and your boundaries. We are all deserving of happiness despite mistakes we make. With inner peace our lives improve because we aren’t muddled with problems and worries.

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If you like this blog check out my books and art at Leahis.com orAmazon.com. If you are looking for a blogger or blogging consultant hire me at my GoFundMe page.

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Empowering Discussions, Travel

Travel – The 2014 International Balloon Festival in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Jackalope Mercado in Santa Fe and Annapurna Cafe

Impower You

Have you ever been so close to a hot air balloon that you could feel the heat of the flame? I was able to be that close last weekend at the 2014 Albuquerque International Balloon Festival. This eight day event included hundreds of hot air balloons, a music festival, an art and craft fair, and fun exhibits about the history of ballooning.

While I enjoyed the two days I was there, unfortunately those times the balloons were not able to take to the skies. We did see many balloons inflate, as well as a partial balloon glow which was a nice concession. My video recorder had some technical issues, but I was able to take photos to share.

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Labeled the “Land of Enchantment” there is so much to do and see in New Mexico. Full of culture, art, history, and recreation, I highly recommend visiting the northern part of the state. Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Taos, and Dixon are my favorite towns. Sandia peak is my favorite place to hike and the Rio Grande is a beautiful walk.

My sister and I took the new Rail Runner train from Albuquerque to Santa Fe. It’s a beautiful hour long ride with the mountains to the east and green lush trees everywhere. Part of the train route goes through reservations that don’t allow photography, but I was able to get a shot of the magnificent Sandia mountain range on our return trip. While in Santa Fe we stopped at the Jacakalope Mercado, one of my favorite tourist “traps” full of beautiful art, handicrafts, and gifts. After lunch, and a scenic walk with a good friend, we had a wonderful visit.

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A hidden gem in Albuquerque is a Annapurna World Vegetarian Cafe, featuring Ayurvedic Cuisine & Chai. Made from scratch, not a sweet syrup or powder they have some of the best chai I’ve tasted yet. I also ate a delicious slice of sweet potato pie. The cafe had a cozy feel with beautiful decorations and lovely hanging plants. On the side of the building was a giant mural of Ganesh The location I went to was on the corner of Silver Ave. and Yale, not far from the University of New Mexico.

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Where will I go next? Stay tuned by subscribing to email updates in the right hand side bar or follow me on Facebook.com/ImpowerYou.

If you like this blog check out my books and art at Leahis.com orAmazon.com.

 If you need content marketing, editing services, or a blogger, Hire Me.

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Empowering Discussions

Climate March San Diego 2014 – Photos and Links

Impower You

Sunday September 21st brought the People’s Climate March to San Diego, California. The march is about demanding “an economy that works for the people and the planet; a world safe from the ravages of climate change; a world with good jobs, clean air and water, and healthy communities.” Marches were held around the world with hundreds of thousands of people who know a healthier world is in our grasp IF we commit to changing our individual actions and holding government and businesses accountable as well.

There were lots of groups represented including Sierra Club, San Diego 350.org, college students, LGBTQ, vegetarians, vegans, veterans and religions. People of all ages and colors from babies to grandparents strolled and marched through the streets of downtown demanding an end to polluting policies and a worldwide push to respect the only planet we call home. Bicyclists pedaled at the front of the march to show that yes, we can be mobile without fossil fuels. Pedestrians on the sidewalk and drivers in their cars hollered and honked horns in a show of solidarity.

At the end of the march many leaders in our community including politicians, faith leaders, and students gave stirring speeches encouraging everyone to do more than just march this one day, but continue raising our voices and actively seeking change at local levels of government.

This march was organized by San Diego 350. You can volunteer and stay updated about local environmental news at Sandiego350.org

Learn more about how your food choices affect the environment and your health at GoVeg.com

Think college students are all about kegs and parties? Many concerned students from UCSD’s Living Learning Communities were present and active at the march, Sixth.ucsd.edu/residential-life/housing/LLC.html

The 99%/Occupy movement is still alive and growing as was proved when Occupy Women San Diego marched. Get involved at Womenoccupysandiego.org 

Veterans for Peace was there. You don’t have to be a veteran to get involved in this organization, Sdvfp.org

Citizens Against Gillepsie’s Expansion & Low Flying Aircraft was there raising awareness of the poisoning effects that lead fuel from aircrafts has on our communities, Cagelfa.com

Sierra Club continues to be a presence in our community, preserving and protecting our land for us and future generations, Sandiego.sierraclub.org

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If you like this blog check out my books and art at Leahis.com or Amazon.com

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Empowering Discussions

D.I.Y. Therapy : The Importance of Movement in Healing

Impower You

This photo below is my yoga spot. How lucky that for some time this spot has been on the beach though once I start traveling this will change. Maybe I will practice yoga at a park or in a bedroom. All I need is a place somewhat calm with space to move.  Getting up out of bed, away from TV and the internet, and moving my body has been an important part of healing from depression. Being depressed means having very little energy, a habit of secluding ourselves, and thus our bodies become very sedentary.

When I say movement I am talking about exercise, but that word can seem overwhelming to some of use. This is especially true if like me, you had awful experiences in P.E., physical education. Who thought dodgeball and hormones should ever go together?!?!

Exercise doesn’t mean you need to join a gym or start running 5K’s, unless that appeals to you.  It’s simply a biological fact we were made to MOVE! Our bodies have this amazing capacity to twirl, jump, walk, and zoom around! I’m not much for running and haven’t felt like playing tennis lately so I practice stretching, breathing and mediation through yoga. I’m not a pro and don’t know all the terms, but I know what feels good.

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My Yoga Spot

What type of movements do you like? Are you a hula hooper, runner, dancer, or walker? Find some movement that you enjoy and schedule the time to do it. If you’re a morning person plan on getting up early before your day, if you prefer to sleep in than pick a later time. Just make sure you move everyday.  Your movement doesn’t need to be an intense sweaty workout. Even if it’s just to stand up and twirl around your room to a great song or 10 push ups on your lunch break, you will feel better if you move and pay attention to your body.

If you like this blog check out my books and art at Leahis.com or Amazon.com

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Empowering Discussions

How To Become a Rocket Scientist: Take Action in Direct Opposition to Your Fear with Olympia LePoint

Impower You

Are you afraid? Its time to get ready, set, and  go past that fear to happiness, success, and peace.  Once upon a time I was a timid, girl with hopeless days and empty dreams. I was afraid of failure and rejection,  My choices were designed to look like I tried, but in reality I put forward the least energy as possible and what I got in return was regret.  I was afraid to speak out because I had trained my thoughts to be negative and my mind became my cruel ruler. Only after I began to think of myself as valuable and capable was I able to move past fear.

I stopped thinking failure, and started thinking survivor. I changed my words from never, stupid, and ugly to possible, genius, and beauty. Then I took action. I took care of my body and now practice self-love everyday. Now I can look in the mirror and feel content with my looks without makeup or straight shiny hair. I feel healthy and energetic. I started writing, publishing my work, and sharing it with people I didn’t know. All that time worrying that my work would be labeled as stupid was for nothing. Instead my writing has been praised! I remembered how smart I am and started making better choices. I let go of actions that only brought me down. I chose to spend my precious time with people who were positive. I stopped believing that drinking was the only way I could have a social life and started trying new things and talking to new people. Instead of expensive retail therapy I started meditation, breathing exercises, and returned to the yoga stretches my mom taught me. I changed my thoughts which spurred me to take better actions.

Sometimes I still become afraid. My nerves get on edge, my thoughts become negative, and I worry about failing. Sometimes I start to buy things I don’t need or feel too sad to care. But each day I get better at stopping those thoughts and actions that will make life harder. I say NO to self-doubt and regret. I say YES to creating a life of happiness.

Olympia LePoint became a rocket scientist even though she grew up in poverty and failed science and math. Now she shares the 3 ways she gets rid of her fear. First, recognize and name your fear. Second, change your thoughts. Third, exercise your brain with “action in direct opposition to our fear”. Take a look at her Ted Talk video, “Reprogramming Your Brain to Overcome Fear”.

What would you do if you weren’t afraid?
If you like this blog, check out my books and art at Leahis.com or Amazon.com
Empowering Discussions

A Mid September Mish Mash and Roundup of Interesting Articles and Blogs

Impower You

There’s not enough time to post all the important and interesting news I want to share on this blog so here is a round-up of some great stuff. Leave a comment and link of a great blog or news article that you enjoy. 

Ha! Growing up with a unique family across several different states, I’ve seen all this in different forms. There’s seemingly no escape from the straight up ignorant comments to the really mean prejudices, but I think it’s getting better because of talking about it. Justsimplyinlove.wordpress.com/2014/09/16/being-a-jasmine-is-a-struggle

Am I the only one here who walks down the street with various hero fantasies playing in my head? Probably not, so here is a link to a funny video about what we can do in real life to create a better world. Spiritbath.com/2014/09/16/save-world-fantasy-have-hysterical-wrong/

Looking for a beacon of light in the world. A baby turtle named Ishi has survived the odds and brought us some hope. Check it out: Walkingwiththealligators.wordpress.com/2014/09/18/finally-we-have-a-baby/

Grief is a nasty place to be. It’s hard to go through your days when you miss someone so bad that the emotional pain is often accompanied by physical sadness. Still it’s a good idea to keep ourselves from going too far into darkness. Can you find 3 positive things about grief or other painful moments? Selflovewarrior.com/2014/09/18/death-grief-gratitude-and-positivity/

Are you ready to rebuild? “Sing over the bones of your lives. Sing loud and long over those places that speak to your survival and your authentic core. Flesh them out into the beautiful creature ou are.”  Kimberlyharding.wordpress.com/2014/09/19/rebuilding/

This is almost a month old, but a great article about peaceful activism. In August, hundreds of people marched in Ferguson, MO protesting police violence and in memory of the killing of young Mike Brown. Stltoday.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/hundreds-of-protesters-march-to-ferguson-police-department/article_6aa58550-4c8a-5df5-8fa3-e00b45a4b1fc.html

Sport commentator and former NFL player Cris Carter, speaks out about child abuse and refuses to “discipline” his kids with violence.. “You can’t beat a kid to make him do what you want.” Upworthy.com/the-nfl-may-get-a-lot-of-things-wrong-but-a-former-player-is-right-in-his-epic-rant-on-parenting?c=hpstream

A profile of Native American women who are actively destroying stereotypes, breaking the rules, and making a splash. But why is this article in the UK version of Marie Claire? I’d like to see them on the cover of TIME as well. Marieclaire.co.uk/blogs/547176/meet-the-generation-of-incredible-native-american-women-fighting-to-preserve-their-culture.html?utm_campaign=nativeamericanwomen&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social 

But wait there’s more…. what’s a post without some art! Creativity abounds with photos from 10 amazing FEMALE street/graffiti artists. Huffingtonpost.com/2014/09/04/female-street-artists_n_5759430.html?utm_hp_ref=arts&ncid=fcbklnkushpmg00000027

Let’s get this fiesta started! Share a favorite blog post or article in the comment section below.

If you like this blog, share this post and check out my books and art at Leahis.com or Amazon.com. Thank you.

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Social Action

Time for a Donation – North Texas Giving Day – Ending Domestic Violence

Impower You

My amazing niece works for an organization supporting and saving women who are victims of domestic violence. Right now is North Texas Giving Day and I knew that I could afford donating $10 so I did. This is much better than splurging on a new shirt or hair gel.

Brighter Tomorrows, Inc.
Thank you!
Thank you for donating $10.00 to Brighter Tomorrows, Inc. on North Texas Giving Day. Please print this page for your records. A receipt for tax purposes will also be emailed to the address you provided.
Your donation will be credited to Brighter Tomorrows, Inc.

YOU CAN GIVE TOO: Northtexasgivingday.org/#npo/brighter-tomorrows-inc

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Impower You supports ending violence and providing support for all people:http://impoweryou.org

Social Action

Is Fear Holding You Back? Loretta Claiborne Wants You to Be Fearless

Impower You

Loretta Claiborne could have spent her life institutionalized because of her intellectual disability. Instead her mother fearlessly worked to give Loretta a life similar to that of her siblings. Despite the sad and long-standing cultural idea that different abilities decides our worthiness, she became a celebrated athlete, a speaker, and fearless fighter for equal rights.

In this TED Talk Loretta talks about the struggle of living disabled, of being bullied, and societal bias which together grew into self-doubt and anger. When chance stepped in and pushed her into the Special Olympics, her life took on new meaning and she became a force for good. She is not fearless all the time, but she knows that we all have to be fearless if we really want to make difference. She closes her talk with this inspiring request. “I hope you will go home, if you fear something today keep your faith, keep faith in yourself, keep faith in what you believe, and you can be fearless”.

If you like this blog, check out my books and art at Leahis.com or Amazon.com

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Empowering Discussions

Words Matter – Marva Collins Taught Her Students to be Brilliant and They Didn’t Let Her Down

Impower You

Our thoughts become our words which in turn become our actions. Think about how you feel when you hear positive praise compared to negativity. It feels good and we are prone to internalize what we hear and think. If we think and feel that we are fat or skinny, ugly or pretty, smart or stupid, etc, than we become those labels. Our words matter.

I see the effects of this lesson everywhere and recently found it in an old 60 Minutes(tv show) about the students of Marva Collins. Marva was a teacher in the public school system who became sick and tired of trying to fix the inadequate elementary school where she taught. She took matters into her own hands and started a school in her home. Sixteen years later a group of 33 former students were brought together and interviewed to see whether or not the education they received at her school helped or hindered. The students had all grown into successful educated adults.

A former student recalled how her teacher Marva often called her students brilliant, “After someone telling you that, five days a week for three or four years, (you know) that’s in you.” Marva knew the power of words mattered and made sure to constantly give her students positive affirmations while they learned.

Learn more about Marva at MarvaCollins.com.  If you like this blog, check out my books and art at Leahis.com or Amazon.com