Category: Keep Moving: Motivation and Inspiration

Posted in Events, Keep Moving: Motivation and Inspiration, Mental Health, Potential and Worth, Reflection, Self-Care, Self-Talk, The Mighty, The Pencil Case on The Mighty

Roots to Leaflets/From Roots to Mighty Leaflets: A Reflective Exercise

Posted on by SparklyWarTanks

From May to July, I’ve hosted a few virtual events centered around the theme of goals and goal creation. “Roots to Leaflets” or “From to Mighty Leaflets”, two names that were given to this activity, allows us to visualize and articulate our goals and growth using the image of a tree. 

What makes goals and the representation of a tree suitable for this reflective exercise? Let’s dive into how to create growth cycle trees.
…

Yes, goals are what drive our ambitions — but they can also be the reason why we procrastinate or become intimidated by the possibilities of our future selves. How can we create goals that help us feel good and motivate us to notice our growth?

A tree has three main parts: the roots, the trunk, and the leaves. Each part of the tree, however you draw or collage it, will represent a different part of the goal and growth process. Check out the example below.

Drawing of Nina's

Here is how you can draw your tree using guided questions:

The roots represent your goals. What do you want to accomplish? What makes you feel good? You can also include habits you want to take up or routines that’ll help you feel more refreshed.

The trunk represents your needs. What do you need to do on a daily basis that helps you feel good? What do you need in order to accomplish a particular goal?

The leaves represent your accomplishments. What have you done lately that made you smile and feel proud?

No matter how big or small your goals, needs or successes are — whatever you accomplish is worthy of celebration.

Note: You can create your trees however you envision. Your trees are a reflection of you!

Make your own tree and share it with me! Here is my Mighty group The Pencil Case or Instagram page.

Here is my tree!



From the water running through the soil to the fruits growing alongside the leaves, I’m proud of my growth and accomplishments. Using my goals and needs I can continue to work toward achieving all I know I can achieve.

This activity was featured in The Mighty #CheckInWithMe newsletter which you can subscribe to on the TheMighty.com or Mighty app.

 

Posted in Creative Writing, Keep Moving: Motivation and Inspiration, Potential and Worth, Power, Reflection, Self-Care, Self-Talk

My Little Seed

Posted on by SparklyWarTanks

I remember planting this seed and thinking it would never grow. Pressured by the expectation that I’m doing something wrong, I was plagued with thoughts that if it didn’t show it’s growth it would be my fault.

But, although my expectations were low, it grew anyway and the tears I shed when it showed its little leaves made me realize I’m okay.

I’m okay because the seed is planted and as long as I have even the slightest hope that it would grow, it just might grow.

I just might grow, too.

Posted in Creative Writing, Keep Moving: Motivation and Inspiration, Mental Health, Potential and Worth, Power, Quotes, Self-Care, Self-Talk

Dear Depression

Posted on by SparklyWarTanks

With every breath in me and all of my energy, I push past the parts of myself that tell me I can’t.
Even on the mornings I ask “why?” I embody the character of resiliency.
“I am” despite the thoughts that say “I’m not.”
I define every day with what living means.
I draw it in cursive along the walls of my subconscious.
I deserve peace and I manifest it in every moment.
Although I need time to get my pain together, my strength always takes the lead.
What I have is the power those thoughts try to take from me.
But, even when I feel I’m at my lowest when the fear feels bigger than the triumph,
I get up.
I get up. Every. Single. Time.
Why? Because “I am.”

Posted in Defying Shadows Articles, Keep Moving: Motivation and Inspiration, Other Publications, Potential and Worth, Power, Self-Care

Defying Shadows: The Dangers of Being Too Busy

Posted on by SparklyWarTanks

“…While our daily schedules influence and prompt us to prioritize work-related tasks, it becomes difficult to slow down and also include self-care habits and routines that are important, too.

When much of our time is dedicated to working, when do we incorporate self-care and breaks into our daily schedule? How do we know when to effectively manage our time so we are not forced to take a break because of burnout?“

Article Link: The Dangers of Being Too Busy

Posted in Keep Moving: Motivation and Inspiration, Potential and Worth, Power, Reflection, The Mighty, The Pencil Case on The Mighty

Pencil Case Prompts: Goals Help Us Feel Good

Posted on by SparklyWarTanks

When we think of goals, we may sometimes think of big and complex ambitions or what we can work toward to be successful and make something of ourselves. Although this is a part of what can make a goal “feel fulfilling”, its not the only way to view, create, or approach goal setting. Goals are what we make of them. A goal can be simple, complex, big, small, intentional, unintentional, noticeable, or unnoticeable; goals are what help us to feel good about who we are.
Washing the dishes, brushing our teeth, watering our garden, drinking more water, getting out of bed, and even reflecting are also goals we can set and achieve daily. Whatever helps us feel refreshed, fulfilled, satisfied, and accomplished are goals we unknowingly achieve on a day to day basis.

Activity

What self-care practice, routine, or habit can you do daily to help you feel fulfilled, satisfied, and accomplished?
Why are these activities or gestures important?

My Reflection

Four things I do daily that helps me feel accomplished and refreshed are:
1. Watering my plant.
2. Eating fruit.
3. Reflecting and writing.
4. Brainstorming creative ideas.
These gestures and activities help me to understand myself better and allow me to be gentle with my day to day expectations of myself. These goals help me to feel a sense of accomplishment through simplicity.

Join this prompt’s conversation here on The Mighty.

Posted in Creative Writing, Keep Moving: Motivation and Inspiration, Potential and Worth, Power, Self-Care, Self-Talk, The Mighty, The Pencil Case on The Mighty

Pencil Case Prompts: Crafting a Superhero

Posted on by SparklyWarTanks

Ever thought what it would be like to be a superhero? How would you go about crafting your superhero persona?

Activity

-What would you call yourself?
-What would your superpower be?
-What would be your catchphrase or superhero slogan?!
Feel free to be as creative as possible. You’re the superhero!

My Reflection

If I were a superhero, my name would be Empathycia and my superpower would be the ability to spread peace wherever I go and to whoever I speak to. My slogan would be “within every heart there is a capacity to feel and know peace.”

Join this prompt’s conversation here on The Mighty.

Posted in Keep Moving: Motivation and Inspiration, Love, Mental Health, Potential and Worth, Power, Quotes, Self-Care, Self-Talk

You Are A Complete Person

Posted on by SparklyWarTanks

6 Truths About Worth:

-Your worth is defined by who you are, intrinsically. Nothing you “do” or “don’t do” can change your worth.
-Your worth does not fluctuate or change depending on who you are with or who you want to be with.
-You are worthy no matter what. There is nothing outside of you that can determine your worth.
-How someone treats you is reflective of them and not of you.
-Nothing and no one can take away your worth.
-Your worth will stay with you and will not leave. There is no need to prove your worth to anyone.

You are a whole person without anyone telling you or showing you. Being with someone does not validate your worth. You were worthy before them and you are still going to be worthy with them or after them.

You are complete.
You are enough.
You are necessary.
You are important.

Posted in Creative Writing, Keep Moving: Motivation and Inspiration, Love, Mental Health, Potential and Worth, Power, Quotes, Reflection, Self-Care, Self-Talk

I love You.

Posted on by SparklyWarTanks

Dear Nina,
Even with the struggle and layers that come with you, I love you.
Even with sickness and daily challenges, I love you.
Every morning, I love you.
When you lay your head to rest, I love you.
When you don’t have energy, I love you.
When you don’t feel accomplished, I love you.
When you doubt your worth, I love you.
When you can’t look at yourself in the mirror, I love you.
In your frustration, I love you.
When you think no one cares, I love you.
When you think no one will fully accept you, I love you.
When your mind is being mean and destructive, I love you.
When you think you are unworthy of love, I still love you.
Even when the thought of love is hard for you, I will always love you.
No matter what is stopping you from loving you, I AM the part of you that will always love you.

-SparklyWarTanks

Posted in Creative Writing, Keep Moving: Motivation and Inspiration, Love, Mental Health, Potential and Worth, Power, Quotes, Self-Care, Self-Talk

A Letter of Power: I Choose Myself

Posted on by SparklyWarTanks

Dear Nina,

You are valued and worthy.

There is no need to continue to adapt and adjust to other people’s needs while not receiving any love and support back.
There is no need to beg others to treat you with respect and continuously try to understand them while they are intentionally misunderstanding you.
There is no need to blame yourself every time something goes wrong.
There is no need to wait on someone else to see how much of a good person you are.
You do not need to wait for someone to make space for you when you continuously make space for them.
You do not need to be validated or to prove your worth.
When someone shows you over and over that they don’t care, believe them.
You value transparency, honesty, and support. Don’t accept anything less than what you deserve.
Keep your circle small with people who love you and care for you as much as you love and care for them.
Don’t give anyone excuses for their behavior not meeting the bare minimum standards.
Your worth is not dependent on how they treat you or their ability to change. They will not change. Choose you. You deserve to choose you every time.

With Love and Power,
SparklyWarTanks

Posted in Keep Moving: Motivation and Inspiration, Love, Mental Health, Potential and Worth, Power, Quotes, Self-Care, Self-Talk

Radical Self-Acceptance

Posted on by SparklyWarTanks

It’s difficult to face yourself, every part of yourself. To sit, feel your pain, and acknowledge when you need help is nothing short of a heroic act.

Advocate for yourself when no one else is advocating for you. Call yourself out when you know you need to do better. Move and do what’s best for you. Trust in yourself. Gain knowledge. Grow in empathy.

Realize that you don’t need to carry those burdens everywhere you go. Relieve yourself of the expectations that cause you pain and fuel habits of self-sabotage. Create reasonable expectations instead. Know yourself. Say no. Be gentle with your self-talk.

Speak the words “I can” and walk in your affirmations and manifestations. Follow through with what you say you will.

Be intentional with self-love and take care of yourself.

Realize how important you are and take action. Move in grace and gentleness with every step.

The more you accept yourself in your intrinsic beauty and worth, the closer you are to purpose and change.

First believe, each step will then be accompanied with power.