Being a mental health advocate means standing firm in your experiences without shame showing others that it’s okay to ask for the support you need.
I share my story in confidence and clarity. I live every day in recovery. I love myself unapologetically and I do what I do to pave the way for others to also become advocates of their own story.
Check out the full virtual event here: https://youtu.be/MqqBQjX1YKo
Choose a writing prompt!
Note: Feel free to choose more than one writing prompt!
I would like to challenge myself and do all four prompts!
Join the conversation here in The Pencil Case on The Mighty.
Love does not only mend and improve the bonds we have with each other but also liberates the relationship we have with ourselves. Creating pathways and pockets of grace to face the challenges of our childhood trauma, survival habits, triggers, and attachment to expectations.
When we open the door to love ourselves unconditionally we create bridges to enter parts of ourselves we are used to hiding away. We welcome wholeness and alignment. We accept every part of who we are. Love becomes the language that guides our inner dialogue and helps us to understand our next steps.
As we love ourselves unconditionally and unapologetically, we can love others the same. We interact and speak with others just as we would ourselves. Let love in. Let love create the way.
Image quote above will be made into a sticker for my Etsy shop at the end of the month!
Reminders:
1. You are allowed to say no.
2. You are allowed to make your own decisions.
3. You are allowed to do what’s best for you.
It’s okay to stand up for yourself and prioritize your needs.
You are not too far from love, even if you feel alone and no one cares.
You are not too far from community or support.
It’s okay if you are struggling and need help sometimes. There is no shame in wanting to connect with others, to feel like you’re a part of something, or simply want to be around like-minded people. You are not too far off or far gone to access people that understand. The love you seek exist. You are never too far away.
Allow yourself the experience of processing what is happening around you. Whether you feel grief, shame, or anger, maybe happiness, hope, and joy, perhaps even neutral emotions like boredom, emotions direct you in understanding what each moment means to you. Listen to your emotions and your body. What you need to know or learn right now is being shown to you. Pay attention.
Practice this morning mantra with me. Whatever we say we can do, we can.
Listen to “I Am Still A Masterpiece” on TikTok!
I am a masterpiece…
Despite the misaligned parts of me…
the depths of my shadow make me feel like a black hole…a never ending cycle of unfortunate events.
I am a masterpiece…
Despite the unwarranted attachments to the ideals and ideas that resemble the finish line of what I’ve been chasing after.
The messy boundaries, the tsunami of emotions that overpower the logical parts of me.
I am still a masterpiece…
Even after the labels, stamps, post-its, and reminders that maybe I wasn’t born to be.
Maybe the symptoms, sleepless nights, ruminating thoughts, or the clouds I ride to hide from certain parts of me.
I. Am. A. Masterpiece.
No matter who I’m with, or what I’ve done. No matter the sicknesses, or shame, or guilt, or grief.
The carefully crafted intricacies of who I am, the paint strokes of my personality, the network of veins, the heart that pumps blood, feels in bright red, my eyes that see, nose that smells, tongue that taste. All that I am is immeasurable. Unable to fit comfortably by the shackles of definitions.
The universe sleeps within my soul. I am more.
My energy contagious, spreading peace with every breath I breathe. This is me.
I am a masterpiece.
Activity
Choose a butterfly and follow the prompt that goes with that butterfly.
Orange butterfly: List three things that make you smile .
Blue butterfly: where is your favorite place to go to relax?
Yellow butterfly: describe a moment where you felt brave.
Note: feel free to choose more than one butterfly!
My Reflection
I choose the orange and blue butterflies.
Orange butterfly: Three things that make me smile are my dogs, spending time with my family, and sharing my mental health story to help others feel empowered.
Blue butterfly: My favorite place to go to relax is my bedroom with all of my pillows.
Join the conversation here in The Pencil Case on TheMighty.com.
So very excited to announce the NAMI-NYC Expressive Arts workshop event I will be hosting at the end of the month! This event will be via Zoom and on the NAMI-NYC website. You can find the link here and clicking the Expressive Arts Zoom link for October 30th, 2021.
If you have any questions or concerns feel free to send me an email. The time of the event is in Eastern Standard Time.
**I will share any updates or changes and keep everyone posted.
Here are some details for the event:
Title
I Honor My Truths
Description
“I Honor My Truths” is a creative and fun event focused on reflecting on ourselves, our truths and who we see ourselves to be. Starting with an ice breaker, we will sketch an image and write about one person, place, thing, or idea that is important to us. The main activity will then be to imagine and draw a pumpkin patch. In and around our pumpkin patch we will reflect and write about our truths, values, and interesting facts about who we are. Lastly, we will close by sharing our works of art.
Materials
Paper, writing utensils (pen, pencil, markers, or crayons).
Hope to see you there!
SparklyWarTanks 