Empower With Laura

 Good morning followers,        I'm on a quest to both grow up and be authentic.  I'm privileged through my insatiable thirst for knowledge to take a course on Therapeutic Art Life Coaching through Transformation Academy. What struck me today in this course was Victoria Hawkins' use of Mandalas to not only color your story but also to be honest about your emotions through each phase of it.  A mandala is drawn separately for the past, present, and future. In each Mandala, Victoria allows the artist to exhibit not only colors for sadness but also for creativity, growth, goal setting, inviting warmth, etc.  https://www.serenaarchetti.com/blog/the-meaning-of-colors-how-to-use-colors-in-your-art This is a way to be open to seeing and healing through the use of color, expression, and fun, and see that honestly just as in everyday life, there is pain, and there are also seasons of wonder, curiosity, and warmth.  Emotional Awareness Meditation F...

 Good morning, all!!     This is an evolving topic for me as I continue to grow up, get older, and wiser, and make new choices.     Clearly, being a mother, I have had the opportunity to educate myself on how to nourish my babies with healthy foods, soothing bedtime routines, and providing them with education in school, relationships, and carving out their own happiness.  As I was educating myself whether pregnant or being a Mama, I recognized the value of nurturing myself.  Maybe a warm bath filled with my favorite bubble bath? Maybe indulge in my favorite warm or cold beverage depending on the season? Curl up with a fun book Journal about something nourishes me.  I had a Sponsor who recommended this wonderful book," The Woman's Comfort Book", by Jennifer Louden https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/1107329 It's full of thoughtful ideas, self-care suggestions, and self-love rituals. file:///C:/Users/laura/OneDrive/Pictures/TaraBrach_RAIN_A-Pract...

 Good morning, all,    This is a painful yet powerful topic for me to write about. From as young as I could remember, I was obsessed with my body. I was scared not to be cute. I was frightened not to be the idealistic idea of female; doll-like, impish, perfectly dressed in female clothes, small-bodied, quiet in body, and well-mannered. I was the youngest of five in my family and the youngest female. I was also the smallest. I also wasn't the quietest. I had trauma done to me that affected my body image and my body shaming.    I found as puberty came along and family dynamics changed, my body image became even more pervasive. Acne, a menstrual period at age 9, I became heavier, I was interested in boys and didn't like the weight. I heard body-shaming comments from boys, friends, school members, family, and peers. It hurt to my very core. Today as with many issues I've dealt with, I've recognized I expected others to support me during an especially chaotic time in...