podcast

Podcast: Ep. 1: Seven Self Discovery Questions

In my recovery from depression, violence, grief and low self-worth I spent a lot of time relearning my truth. after a lifetime of self-hate, I finally love myself. Some days I’m amazed that I truly feel like a strong and wise person. I never expected that! So, as I share my journey I hope to inspire others to start their own healing journey.

I’ve started recording mini-podcasts about healing tools and resources that helped me. I’m excited to share these and plan to publish one per week.  My first podcast (below) is about seven questions that repeatedly came up during the first few years of my recovery. These helped me define how I felt about myself, how I wanted to feel and who I wanted to be. Defining myself was a game changer for me. After years of always being the victim, I felt incapable of creating a life I would actually love. But recovery turned me into my own heroine. If you listen to it, I’d love to hear from you.

Seven Self-Discovery Questions for Reconnecting with Your Truth

I’m an artist and writer with an interest in art therapy. If you would like to support my heart work, please consider becoming a monthly patron on Patreon.com/Loviedo. For $1 a month*, you can fund programs like my D.I.Y. Therapy: Healing Journey E-course, my monthly “Radical” e-zine and other free creative healing projects, like “Cultivating Radical Self-Love: A Collaboration of Healers, Artists & Writers“.

D.I.Y. Therapy

DIY Therapy: Biological Response of Love and Love of Self

Love is an emotion, a biological response that encourages species survival. With love, parents care for and protect their children and children care for their elderly parents. A love of self is also a biological response that encourages survival in personal self-care. So let’s strengthen the naturally occurring sense of self-love. with daily actions.

Create a daily routine of self-love. If necessary set three reminders per day. Saturating yourself with love in the early stages of healing or recovery will keep you from going down that unwanted, unhealthy space. Set the calendar on your phone to remind you. If you can’t do that, put sticky notes by your bed, at your desk, in your pockets, on the fridge, wherever you will see those. You can even do this with your friends and be support for each other.

When writing affirmations or love-notes your own voice and preferred words. Below are examples for you to use or build upon.

Morning Affirmation: 

“This morning I choose to love myself unconditionally. Today is a gift that I am ready to receive. I choose to let go of drama and anger. I will live this day in love and compassion. I am deserving of self-love.”

Afternoon Affirmation:

“Despite any negative thoughts so far today, I must remember to love myself unconditionally. I know that I am loved and supported by true friends and family. I also know that I am not here to be perfect, I am here to be myself.”

Evening Affirmation:

“Today I practiced self-love because I know that. I am loved, that I am capable of loving myself, and that I am made of love. I choose to celebrate my successes and to accept my failures. I go to sleep knowing deep in my bones that I am capable of creating my best life and that I can handle whatever comes my way.”

It was many years of practice, failure, and success to become a loving person to my self. It was even more years of stretching to share that love with others. Now that I am fully aware that I can be my own hero, I can hold space for others. I hope this inspires you to continue your journey until you also reach this awareness.

Peace and hugs, Leah


 If you desire extra support to stay on top of your self-care practice, check out my 3 month challenge: Dive Deeper Into Self-Care.


I’m an artist and writer with a focus on art therapy. If you would like to support my heart work, please consider becoming a monthly patron on Patreon.com/Loviedo. For $1 a month*, you can fund programs like my D.I.Y. Therapy: Healing Depression E-course, my monthly “Radical” e-zine and other free creative healing projects, like “Cultivating Radical Self-Love: A Collaboration of Healers, Artists & Writers“.

*You can also receive also receive art in the mail for a higher contribution.

Empowering Discussions

Short Hair and Freedom: Releasing What I Don’t Need

Releasing things that no longer serve me. I took scissors to my long locks last week. I just don’t need long hair anymore. I don’t need long hair to feel feminine, to look pretty, to take care of. This is a freedom I’ve yet to experience. I just put on a headband or wrap and I’m out the door. I’ve always loved my hair, but I needed a change.

It’s been a summer of letting go. I let go of devaluing my work by giving it for free. Now I charge what I’m worth. Wow what a difference that makes! 


I let go of friends who said they loved me, but blew me off after I visited them in the hospital when others didn’t, and friends who called me their bff and didn’t even say goodbye when they moved. I don’t even feel sad because I know they aren’t really friends, just beautiful people I met on this journey.  I am not their priority and they are no longer mine.


I let go of the worn out habit of putting others before myself and I’ve never felt better. I feel loved, supported and valued by myself and my true friends and family. I wish everyone could feel this way. Thank you to all who respect me with your words and actions. I hope you feel supported by me in the same way.

What do YOU need to release? How can YOU give yourself more freedom to focus on what is truly important?
Peace and hugs, Leah


I’m an artist and writer with a focus on art therapy. If you would like to support my heart work, please consider becoming a monthly patron on Patreon.com/Loviedo. For $1 a month, you can fund programs like my D.I.Y. Therapy: Healing Depression E-course, my monthly “Radical” e-zine and other creative healing projects, like “Cultivating Radical Self-Love: A Collaboration of Healers, Artists & Writers“.

Empowering Discussions

Are You a Pathetic Loser?

-Pathetic. Loser. Freak. Ugly. Stupid. –


I said these words to myself for most of my life.  My self hate was  learned from bullies at school, fashion magazines, TV and the internet.

Luckily as I reached out of my comfort zone and sought help for depression, I found positive messages and was able to cultivate a sense of self-respect.

I slowly escaped from the idea that I needed makeup or a perfect body to be considered beautiful.

I chose to change my thoughts from seeing myself as a failure, to a risk taker.

It took time, but I finally love myself. Despite the occasional bad day, I refuse to return to a world of self-hate.

There is so much emphasis on looking “ideal” and being “perfect”.  Let’s start a revolution of self-love and self-acceptance.

 When I think negative thoughts about my self I can choose to change it up. 

I am beautiful because…

I love my…

My value is based on my… 

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Need more support? Listen to my conversation about healing from depression with the talented Deb Bailey on Women Entrepreneurs Radio.

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Struggling with depression?  Check out my NEW BOOK.

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Want more? Print and enjoy my FREE COLORING BOOKS!

Writing

Writing is Healing and Opening

“Writing isn’t just being creative, it’s healing and opening.”

Writing my book wasn’t easy. Sharing what had always felt so shameful was scary. Even so, I came to a point where I stopped feeling shameful and started understanding that depression is just as important as any serious illness. Suddenly I realized I was no longer a victim. I was a survivor.

Depression can take your life. Indeed it took over 17 years of my life. People around the world don’t survive. People I love didn’t survive. We are ignoring a world of inner pain, like we ignore a lot of important aspects of our world.
One of the ways I survive is through writing. As long as I’m able, I will write. Even if I’m sitting on the sidewalk with nothing but a marker and a piece of cardboard I will write.
I’m already working on my next book, a different kind of book, but also one that will hopefully help others. Creating this book helped me and creating my new book is helping me. Writing isn’t just being creative, it’s healing and opening. Writing is good for our brains, good for our hearts. Expressing our feelings is a gift to the world. Holding in how we honestly feel is a tear in the world.
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I published through Amazon so it’s available as both an e-book and a paperback.  This is not my first book, but it is my most personal. I share my struggles and pain honestly. Openly and honestly sharing healing is my gift to the world. With 1 in 4 people in the USA suffering from mental illness I hope my story will help others to start their own journey to better health.  Unlike a broken bone which heals in a matter of weeks or months, healing mental illness takes much more time and a whole lot of self-love.

If you’re suffering from depression I strongly encourage you to seek help. If you can’t afford a therapist find a supportive mentor, teacher or healer who can help you discover inner peace. Healing is possible IF you are open and willing to commit to a self-care plan. You’re life only  has value if you decide it does.

And it’s okay to stumble and fall along the way. Healing takes time so BE GENTLE WITH YOURSELF!

Peace and Hugs, Leah

Want more? Print and enjoy my FREE COLORING BOOKS!

D.I.Y. Therapy

Nature Meditation for Depression

One of the many ways I’m healing my depression is through nature. I live in the city with lots of parks, canyons and the ocean, but it’s still mostly concrete, pollution and a constant rushing of life.  Since I don’t have many opportunities to escape into the mountains I escape into the garden where I volunteer and “ground” or “meditate”. Here is a simple meditation I’ve been using for over a year now.

Carpentier Parkway, Cardiff California, Community GardeningNature Meditation

Find a spot. Sit down or stand still.

Look at your surroundings. Is this a safe place to stop and rest?

If so, find a plant or tree to direct your focus.

Notice your thoughts and tell them that it’s time for a break. Just focus on the plant or tree you chose. Notice the shape and size. What is the color of the plant? What’s unique about it? Imagine what insects, reptiles or animals might live in it or like to nibble on it. Just allow your focus to be totally absorbed by the plant.

Every time you start thinking, bring yourself back with the word “return”. It doesn’t matter how long you’ve been on a train of thought, just notice that you are out of focus. Allow yourself to release any thoughts, especially those concerned with what you need to do or what is causing you pain. Imagine all the unwanted things seeping out of you and into the soil. Let your worries dissolve into the earth.

Just be present. When you feel ready to move forward with your day then gently return to the world around you. Bring with you the felling of peace that you cultivated today.

The first time I tried this, I only lasted a few minutes, but gradually with practice I can allow myself to sit still and be present for much longer. Practicing mindfulness and meditation is a core for healing. If we don’t take time to slow down and allow ourselves to shut down we will constantly be working on ourselves and that is tiring.

 

Want more? Check out my DIY Therapy Posts or buy my book, “D.I.Y. Therapy: Healing Depression” on Amazon

Have you ever wondered what you could do -what possibilities would open up- if you didn’t feel overwhelmed by depression?

“D.I.Y. Therapy: Healing Depression” is available through Amazon; as both an e-book and a paperback.

If you’re suffering from depression I strongly encourage you to seek help. If you can’t afford a therapist find a supportive mentor, teacher or healer who can help you discover inner peace. Healing is possible IF you are open and willing to commit to a self-care plan.

Want more? Print and meditate with FREE COLORING BOOKS!

Book Reviews, D.I.Y. Therapy

My New Book is Here! “DIY Therapy: Healing Depression” is Finally Published

For several years I have been working on healing my depression. It’s been a bumpy journey, but is slowly bringing me home to my true self. For a few years now I have been sharing my healing process through my DIY Therapy posts, which are free to read, here on my blog. I’m elated to finally share how I have healed in book form. Hopefully this will help me reach more people who are in pain.

Have you ever wondered what you could do -what possibilities would open up- if you didn’t feel overwhelmed by depression?

I published through Amazon so it’s available as both an e-book and a paperback.  This is not my first book, but it is my most personal. I share my struggles and pain honestly. Openly and honestly sharing healing is my gift to the world. With 1 in 4 people in the USA suffering from mental illness I hope my story will help others to start their own journey to better health.  Unlike a broken bone which heals in a matter of weeks or months, healing mental illness takes much more time and a whole lot of self-love.

For seventeen years I suffered in silence because the fear of a mental illness stigma is SO strong. I hid it even from my closest family and friends, “knowing” they would not understand. Well as it turns out, my family and friends and event complete strangers, care a lot about my mental health. It is with their support and encouragement that I was able to openly share my own pain and the struggles of depression.

If you’re suffering from depression I strongly encourage you to seek help. If you can’t afford a therapist find a supportive mentor, teacher or healer who can help you discover inner peace. Healing is possible IF you are open and willing to commit to a self-care plan. You’re life only  has value if you decide it does.

And it’s okay to stumble and fall along the way. Healing takes time so BE GENTLE WITH YOURSELF!

Peace and Hugs, Leah

 

 

Want more? Print and enjoy my FREE COLORING BOOKS!

D.I.Y. Therapy

D.I.Y. Therapy: Self Discovery Questions

An important aspect of self growth and healing from depression is accepting yourself. If you want to feel balanced and healthy you can’t spend all your energy fighting who you are. Instead you must learn to be genuine and love the parts of you that are both embarrassing and wonderful.

Below are seven questions to give you insight into your genuine self. After you answer these questions meditate on your responses.

1) Who am I?

2) What labels have been assigned to me by others?

3) What about myself do I criticize? 

4) What about myself do I celebrate?

5) What do I believe about myself that is not true?

6) Who do I want to be?

7) What can I cultivate to become my best self?

*Like this???  Read more D.I.Y. Therapy Posts. *

Trust Yourself coloring page

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Download FREE books on ImpowerYou!

peace love weirdness coloring book

Peace, Love & Weirdness” is an offbeat collection of my original illustrations and affirmations.

Grab your free copy on the Coloring Book page

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more than a girl book

More Than Just a Girl” helps girls build confidence with information, creative activities and loving acceptance.

Grab your free copy on the More Than a Girl page.

Empowering Discussions

D.I.Y. THerapy: How the Power of Release Can Save Your Relationships

IMG_20151129_184402I feel emotions intensely and this has caused lots of grief. Learning to let go of this intensity has saved my relationships. I’ve learned to let go of anger and disappointment. I can stop holding my reaction against someone else’s action.
Holding on to the negative does not improve life. It just weighs us down keeping us from enjoying the next moment.
The same can be said when we force happiness. Refusing to move forward and grieving or noticing that someone is unhealthy for us stops our growth.
Release is vital to mental and physical health.

What are you holding on to that’s causing pain or anger?

Will letting go of this create an easier life?

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Find my BOOKS on Amazon.com and Bookemon.com.

Check out my ART & DESIGNS onZazzle.com/OviedoStyle.

Want freedom from DEPRESSION? Read my D.I.Y. Therapy posts.

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