“Learning to shift and grow from a conditioned negative mindset to a positive one is a process that can add value and meaning to your life. A part of this process is the willingness to open your perspective, improve your self-awareness, navigate the discomfort of the unknown, and learn new ideas from the environment and people around you.”
Mindfully moving forward while acknowledging the hurt and pain of “what ifs” can be challenging. As we often craft and create what we want our lives to look like, mapping out timelines, we forget to live in what is happening now. Bask in the present and realize the peace we can acquire as we move with each moment as it is given to us. What happens next will soon be our present just as quick as the prior moment became our past. Do the best you can right now and let the next moment happen when the time comes. Welcome something new. Let go of what already happened, step into right now with bravery and grace.
Make a list of 10 people, places, things, or ideas you are grateful for.
Note: Feel free to be creative, reflective, and thoughtful.
What helps you to feel calm?
What do you look forward to?
Who is important to you?
What ideas help you to keep going?
What places help you feel relaxed or safe?
I’m grateful for:
1. Moments of peace and clarity.
2. My family and friends.
3. My pillows.
4. Creativity!
5. My therapist and doctors.
6. Kind-hearted and authentic people.
7. Healing and letting go.
8. Growth.
9. Writing.
10. My bedroom.
Join the conversation here in The Pencil Case on The Mighty!
I finished my fourth certification!
I’m so excited to share that I’ve completed my journal therapy certification! It took so much determination and focus, but I’ve learned so much. I will use what I’ve learned from this course to continue to write engaging content and thoughtful prompts and guided questions BUT ALSO will be adding printables worksheets, cards, and prompts to my Etsy shop!
**You can find all of my certifications above on the certifications page.
“Although my fear of the unknown masked as “what if” questions continue to greet me early in the morning, I can find refuge in knowing I can go to my self-care tools to fight back and be more mindful about the thoughts I encourage.”
“When you have a conversation in your mind about yourself, how does the conversation go? What words do you use? How do those words and ideas make you feel? Why did you choose those words?”
So excited to share my two Mighty worksheets that were a part of this amazing toolkit launched on The Mighty this month! One worksheet was on self-talk and the other on daily affirmations.
This toolkit is packed with so much free mental health printables, activities, worksheets, and resources. You don’t want to miss out!
Important Note: Make sure when you click the link above to scroll down to find my worksheets shown in the images below.
1. What does creativity mean to you?
2. How have you incorporated creativity into your daily/weekly schedule?
3. When you hear the word “create” what thoughts come to your mind?
4. How do you stay motivated in your creative process?
5. If you have a condition, does your condition affect how you express your creativity?
Drop what you think of creativity in the comments below.
Join the conversation here on The Mighty!
“One of the toughest challenges I face living with an invisible illness is explaining to others what it’s like to be in my head. From the long anxious nights fighting insomnia to struggling to find the motivation to get out of bed most mornings, one of the only ways I’m able to explain what it’s like to grapple with my persistent depression is by using analogies.
Analogies help me to be both creative and descriptive as I paint a mental image of my experiences. The most recent analogy I’ve used to explain my depression to my therapist is the most spot-on, especially since this year has been my toughest one yet.
My analogy goes a little like this: Living with persistent depressive disorder is like a series of dark tunnels in my mind. There are no lights at the end of any of these tunnels. Instead, the lights are in small pockets underneath street lamps surrounded by fireflies. These fireflies represent strength, reassurance, and growth. And although they aren’t everlasting, I can use what I’ve learned from them while I continue to crawl along in my dark tunnel.
I’m proud to know my toolbox is filled with everything I’ve learned in the light, but that doesn’t make my darkness end — I face that reality every day. But with that knowledge, I can keep going because I know I’ll soon reach another bright pocket.
Reminder:
If you ever find yourself in your own dark tunnel, it’s OK to rest and take a peek inside your self-care toolbox. You are not alone and the darkness doesn’t always last forever.”
Have you ever used an analogy to describe what it’s like living with an invisible illness? Join the conversation here on The Pencil Case.
This activity was featured in The Mighty #CheckInWithMe newsletter which you can subscribe to on the TheMighty.com or Mighty app.
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