Meet Leslie Goldman

We recently connected with Leslie Goldman and have shared our conversation below.

Leslie, we are so appreciative of you taking the time to open up about the extremely important, albeit personal, topic of mental health. Can you talk to us about your journey and how you were able to overcome the challenges related to mental issues? For readers, please note this is not medical advice, we are not doctors, you should always consult professionals for advice and that this is merely one person sharing their story and experience.

When my husband died suddenly in 2012 I was devastated. As I walked towards my husband’s grave the words, “This is the worst moment of your life,” appeared like a ticker tape in front of me. I held each of my young children’s little hands in mine but I didn’t think I would survive the ordeal. I stopped and closed my eyes and prayed, Please God, help me get through this. When I opened my eyes, I saw a ten-point buck, standing majestically, only 50 feet away. We locked eyes for a moment and then he bounded off into the trees. In that instant, it felt like a miraculous gift. I thought, My God, that’s so beautiful, thank you. Seeing something so beautiful and wondrous lifted me out of that moment of despair. It was a pivotal moment that allowed me to shift into a state of appreciation. It helped me to move through my pain. Beauty and art is a powerful force that heals, unites, and enriches our lives.

Three years later, after a long time of struggling with grief and depression, my spiritual journey of healing began. I started a meditation practice when I visited Kripalu for an R&R retreat where I meditated every day. And I haven’t stopped since. I started painting and making music again. I joined a spiritual book group. I became interested in reading anything I could find on spirituality. I attended workshops led by well-known spiritual teachers including: Abraham Hicks, Gabrielle Bernstein, Deepak Chopra, Oprah Winfrey, Donna Eden, Brian L. Weiss, M.D., Wim Hof, May MacCarthy, Rob Bell, Matt Kahn and more.

I realized that our energy grows where our focus goes and our state of being has a huge impact on the quality of life we are experiencing. When I started painting again, I discovered that I could use all of my new practices, to raise my vibration during my creative process, in service to others.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I believe we are here to embrace our authentic nature and to live with kindness and gratitude. Cultivating joy will help us tap into our spirit and enable us to fulfill our deepest purpose. My art is a powerful conduit that enables us to reach our spirit through joy.

Life gives you lemons. Leslie gives you cherries.

I’m a fine artist and musician, and your gateway to joy. My Wild Cherry Art paintings are packed with vivid hues, bold imagery, and uplifting energy. Drawing from decades of experience in painting, drawing, graphic design, and spiritual practices, I’ve crafted a unique artistic process that captivates and inspires, resulting in a collection of exuberant, vibrant artworks. Whether you like bright beautiful landscapes, fluorescent flowers, fabulous food, colorful cocktails, or your own imagery that delights you, I can create a piece of art that is meaningful and uplifting for you to treasure. Commissions are a favorite. I love taking a deep dive with my clients to unlock the imagery that best connects them to joy, wonder and appreciation. Sign up to be on the A-List at wildcherryart.com and get invited to my special events where I perform original songs with a band and present my latest artwork. A good time is gauranteed!

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

I always had a strong feeling that I had something to offer. I remained true to my calling from the start. I followed my dreams and never gave up. Everyone said how hard it would be to make a living as an artist. I said, “Yes maybe for you. For me it would be very difficult to be an accountant or an office manager. We all have to go with our strengths. Find good mentors, hone your skills and believe you can achieve your dreams. Try throwing in some affirmations or EFT–Tapping if you start feeling fearful. Practicing gratitude will attract more things to be grateful for.

As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?

Read books like “Think and Grow Rich,” “Find Your Why,” “The Artist’s Way,” The Four Agreements,” and “The Gratitude Formula,” to name a few. Continue learning, growing, and experimenting. Mindset is everything. I find that books with a spiritual bent light me up. Find out what sparks your creativity and go deep!

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Image Credits

Leslie Goldman

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