Verleen's Open Book: Healing, Creating, & Reconnecting.
You know that friend who always seems to have a creative spark and a positive vibe? That’s Verleen. Verleen is a talented and multi-passionate creative, event organizer, and youth mentor.
In conversation she opened up about her journey of reconnecting with her higher self through art, faith, and self-reflection. When it comes to pursuing alignment between our inner self and our purpose, Verleen is that girl.
Open Book is a series highlighting the work, lives, and thoughts of the great people we meet.
Sometimes You Gotta Be a Little Selfish
I’ve noticed over the years that while I’ve been successful in throwing events for the past five or six years, there’s always been this underlying feeling of dissatisfaction. Every event has been a hit, but I couldn’t shake the thought that things could have been handled better or that I needed to improve. I was constantly finding faults or ways to do things better, and when I tried to implement those improvements, something else would inevitably go wrong. It became frustrating, and I was pouring a lot of money into these events.
The realization hit me that while I was creating spaces for others to express themselves and create, I wasn’t giving myself any room to do the same. I wasn’t practicing what I preached. I was encouraging others to create and express themselves, but I wasn’t allowing myself that same freedom. I found myself dissatisfied because I wasn’t aligning with my true passion—art and creating. I can cultivate a vibe, but my heart lies in creating. So, I had to take a step back and reassess. Sometimes, you’ve got to be a little selfish.
God, I’m Trusting You
My faith journey has been transformative. Growing up, I was somewhat inconsistent with attending church, but it was always a part of my life. In 2019, I began to take my relationship with God more seriously. I started praying more, asking for guidance, and trying to align my life with a higher purpose. This wasn’t just about attending church but about having real conversations with God. Prayer and affirmations have helped me manage stress and find peace. I’ve realized that God speaks to us in many ways, even through social media. Those moments when a video perfectly addresses what I’m going through feel like divine intervention. This spiritual growth has made me more patient and confident, knowing that what’s meant for me will come in due time.
In my creative work, I’ve also seen God’s influence. There have been projects where I felt stuck or uninspired, and suddenly, an idea would come to me out of nowhere. I believe these bursts of inspiration are gifts from God, guiding me to create art that not only heals me but also resonates with others. It’s a reminder that I’m not alone in this journey and that my talents are a blessing meant to be shared.
Even in the small, everyday moments, I see God’s hand. Like when I was dealing with self-doubt and trying to figure out my next steps, a conversation with a friend would provide the clarity I needed. Or when I was feeling overwhelmed, a simple walk in nature would bring me a sense of calm and reassurance. These moments might seem insignificant, but they’re powerful reminders of God’s presence in my life.
Trusting in God’s plan has helped me let go of the need to control everything. It’s taught me to have faith that things will work out as they’re meant to. When I face challenges now, I remind myself that God has a plan for me, and I need to trust the process. This mindset has brought me a lot of peace and confidence, knowing that I’m on the right path.
A Mothers Love
Moving back in with my mom after a stressful living situation with a roommate has been one of the best decisions for me. Our relationship wasn’t great before, but being back home has allowed us to work on our issues. I’ve learned to communicate better, manage my attitude, and genuinely care for her. Cultivating important relationships has been a priority. This process isn’t always easy, but it’s necessary. I want to build and maintain relationships that matter, and that includes working on my self-worth and surrounding myself with people who truly value me. It’s about removing self-doubt and trusting that the right people will stay in my life.
Art as Therapy
Creating art has always been a therapeutic process for me. It’s a way to channel my emotions and experiences into something productive and meaningful. When I create, I merge healing with art, and the end result often reflects where I am in my healing journey. Sometimes I don’t even realize how much I’ve processed until I see the finished piece. Art allows me to control my narrative and express my feelings in a way that feels safe and authentic. It’s a form of self-care, a way to release pain and celebrate joy, and it’s essential for my well-being.
There was a time when I was dealing with a lot of personal turmoil. I had to cope with assault and the betrayal of friends whom I trusted deeply. These experiences left me feeling broken and vulnerable. Instead of letting these emotions consume me, I turned to art. Creating pieces that expressed my pain and journey towards healing allowed me to release those emotions in a healthy way. It’s empowering to take control of my story and use my creativity as a form of healing.
One of the things I love about art is that it doesn’t require perfection. It’s about the process, not the end product. Sometimes I work on mixed media projects, other times I focus on photography or videography. Each medium allows me to explore different aspects of my experiences and emotions. There’s something therapeutic about seeing a blank canvas transform into a piece that holds so much personal meaning.
Alignment Is My Wave
Alignment has been a central theme in my journey. Figuring out what aligns with my true self has been a process of self-discovery and continuous reflection. I’ve been asking God to help me find the people, places, and things that are truly meant for me. This means being honest about what feels right and letting go of what doesn’t. It’s about reading the room and knowing when to give certain relationships space.
I’ve realized that sometimes, to maintain alignment, I need to distance myself from people, even those I care about deeply. It’s not about cutting ties permanently but giving myself the space to focus on my own path. For instance, moving back in with my mom was a significant decision for me. Our relationship wasn’t great before, but being back home allowed us to work through our issues and communicate better. It was a step towards aligning my personal relationships with my values and goals.
Alignment, for me, is about doing things that feel natural and easy, where there’s a flow and mutual understanding. When I’m in alignment, everything seems to fall into place. There’s a sense of ease and clarity. I remember a time when I was struggling with self-doubt and trying to fit into spaces that didn’t feel right. It was exhausting. But once I started focusing on what truly aligned with my spirit, things began to change. I found myself in environments that nurtured my growth and surrounded by people who genuinely supported me.