Joanna Leonard
Hi, I’m Joanna Faith Leonard. I’m delighted you’ve joined me as I share
glimpses of my journey from deep despair and overwhelming fear
back to what I refer to as ‘packaged joy.’
My Story
I was born the fifth child of nine. My sister, Deborah Grace, died at two and a half years of age, just one year before my birth. At seven years old, I would journey to my new home in the mountains of New Hampshire.
I would be raised in a low-joy, fear-based environment for the next six years. The abuse I would endure would change my life forever. For much of my adult life, I would appear to many as a high achiever accomplishing my dreams and goals. I’d marry the love of my life at 21, serve with him for years on the foreign mission field, and give birth to two sons (our greatest joys).
I’d go on to become a registered nurse serving in remote communities, both in Central America and Papua New Guinea. What wasn’t evident to many around me was the deep sense of unworthiness and fear that controlled my relationships. I viewed much of my life through the lens of pain and anxiety. I was alone and desperate for hope.
My Healing Journey
In 2018, I was introduced to the book Living from the Heart Jesus Gave You by E. James Wilder, et al. God used that book to profoundly change my life. Within its pages was an invitation to Life Model’s annual gathering, Transform, which a friend and I attended later that year. I left knowing, "I have found my people!"
As part of my healing journey, I began blogging the lessons God was teaching me along the way. What started as a deeply personal process was later transformed into the first edition of "Healing Reflections." Though this journey was intimate and tender, I felt called to share it with my friends, family, and readers.
Now, in this expanded second edition, "Healing Reflections" includes neuroscience-informed concepts, alongside practical skills and exercises, designed to increase joy capacity while reducing dysregulation and disconnection. You’ll find reflection questions, tools to help you recognize when your relational brain is “on” or “off,” and free downloadable resources to support lasting peace, connection, and spiritual attunement. My hope is that this edition serves as both a companion and an invitation—into deeper healing, joy, and connection with God and others.