1. I wouldn’t call these “business” cards since I don’t see what I do as a business. Instead, I’ve designed and ordered my new connection-to-community cards! Yay SparklyWarTanks! 🥰
2. I finally sat down to write in my journal. I didn’t expect to write so much, but I’m glad I could let go of everything I’d been holding in. I feel so much lighter now! 🌻
I did that! 😌
So very excited to announce the NAMI-NYC Expressive Arts workshop event I will be hosting this Saturday! This event will be via Zoom and on the NAMI-NYC website. You can find the link here. Click the Expressive Arts Zoom link for May 31, 2025.
IMPORTANT: This Expressive Arts workshop and the ones following this one are from 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm!
If you have any questions or concerns feel free to send me a DM or 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:
Coming Back to Self
Description:
“Coming Back to Self” is a creative and reflective event where we will draw and write to describe ourselves and where we are in our personal journey.
We’ll begin with a short icebreaker: choosing a word from a provided list, sketching an image inspired by that word, and writing about why it resonates with us.
The main activity will then be choosing one of four options:
1. Sketch an image of a large tree and describe yourself using ten words written around the tree.
2. Draw a series of images that represent what safety looks and feels like to you. What images symbolize safety? Where do you go to feel safe? Who do you talk to?
3. Create a list of resources, helplines, people, or places you can turn to when you need support.
4. Write a letter or poem to your younger or current self, sharing three reasons why you are proud of yourself right now.
Materials:
Paper, writing utensils (pen, pencil, markers, or crayons).
Schedule
2:00 – 2:20: Introductions and Ice breaker
2:20 – 3:00: Main Activity
3:00 – 3:30: Sharing and Closing
Hope to see you there!
So very excited to announce the NAMI-NYC Expressive Arts workshop event I will be hosting this Saturday! This event will be via Zoom and on the NAMI-NYC website. You can find the link here. Click the Expressive Arts Zoom link for the Expressive Arts workshop on March 29, 2025.
IMPORTANT: This Expressive Arts workshop and the ones following this one are from 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm!
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:
Rest, Relax, and Breathe
Description:
“Rest, Relax, and Breathe” is a creative and reflective event where we will draw and write about how to better connect with ourselves.
We will begin with a short icebreaker, setting aside three minutes to practice deep breathing together, followed by seven minutes of free writing or doodling.
The main activity will then be choosing one of three options:
1. Choose a shape and create a series of patterns using that shape. Around your drawing, write words, phrases, or quotes that reflect your thoughts as you create.
2. Draw a T-chart. On one side, list the habits, hobbies, and resources you currently use to support your mental health. On the other side, list the helpful habits, hobbies, and resources you’d like to explore.
3. Write a poem or journal entry describing calmness.
Materials:
Paper, writing utensils (pen, pencil, markers, or crayons).
Schedule
2:00 – 2:20: Introductions and Ice breaker
2:20 – 3:00: Main Activity
3:00 – 3:30: Sharing and Closing
Hope to see you there!
What are you taking from your wellness shelves this week?
Comment below with the item(s) that symbolize what you’ll be embracing this week!
🪴 Grounding Plant: Practicing intentional self-care and gratitude, getting fresh air, or doing something fun.
📚 Books of Curiosity: Learning something new, doing your own research, or exploring useful knowledge.
🔑 Keys of Safety: Recognizing your needs, speaking up, and prioritizing yourself.
🔦 Support Flashlight: Seeking help, asking questions, and acknowledging your feelings.
🧸 Resting Bear: Resting, relaxing, and sleeping in.
📦 Connection Package: Reaching out to your community, joining a support group, or checking in with a loved one.
Here’s what I’ll be taking:
A Grounding Plant 🪴
A Support Flashlight 🔦
Books of Curiosity 📚
What about you?
Also find this prompt in The Pencil Case on The Mighty here.
If My Body Could Talk
If my body could talk, she would whisper, “slow down” — move at the pace of a snail, as if approaching a yellow light at the intersection of my limits.
She would remind me that I am worthy of care, every second of every day.
My body would tell me when my cup is empty and show me how to refill it.
My body speaks in a calm and soothing voice, I just need to listen. She’s been with me for so long— surely, she knows what I need by now.
If my body could talk, I’d want to talk with her daily,
to be her best friend.
She is me, and I am her.
If only my body could talk.
This poem accompanied the following poll I shared in the Mighty Poets group on The Mighty:
Which title would you choose?
It’s taken me some time to gather these thoughts, mostly because energy and motivation have been hard to come by these days. Sometimes, I wish there were an easier way to collect all the ingredients needed to create my best work. That, plus the procrastination and perfectionist blocks that make me feel like I have to know exactly what I’m going to write before I even start. And yet, here I am, still not 100% sure what I want to say.
2025 has already been overwhelming. The world is in pain, and there’s so much fear in our collective energy. As for me, I haven’t been feeling well. The problem solver in me wants to make everything better—for both myself and others—but I’ve been feeling lost and out of control.
A few weekends ago, I facilitated my first expressive arts workshop of 2025. One of the activities involved writing a series of personal notes reflecting on our values, what’s important to us, the habits that benefit us, and what we will let go of this year. In my notes, I wrote down my words and phrase for the year: my words being love and freedom, and my phrase being “I’m not doing that.”
This year, I want to take back my energy from the spirals of negativity I often find myself in and explore what it feels like to let go of the expectation of failure and missing out. I want to let love in—and even though I’m scared—be willing to work through the discomfort of change because I deserve to experience something different from what I’m used to. I want to feel free enough that making mistakes or feeling embarrassed doesn’t make me a bad person. I want to be able to make choices that are right for me and not feel guilty when I say no or set boundaries that keep me safe.
These are my intentions for the year. As I begin to feel better and safer expressing and receiving love while navigating freedom, I hope to find others who are doing the same for themselves.
Well that’s what I have for now. Thank you for reading. 💌
So very excited to announce the NAMI-NYC Expressive Arts workshop event I will be hosting this Saturday! This event will be via Zoom and on the NAMI-NYC website. You can find the link here. Click the Expressive Arts Zoom link for January 25, 2025.
IMPORTANT: This Expressive Arts workshop and the ones following this one are from 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm!
If you have any questions or concerns feel free to send me a DM or 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:
A Journey of Intentions
Description:
“A Journey of Intentions” is a creative and reflective event where we will explore how we’re feeling and set intentions for the coming year.
The event will begin with an icebreaker: sketching an image and free-writing about three things that matter most to us right now.
The main activity will then be choosing one of three options:
1. Draw a vision board centered around your word or phrase of the year. Include images, reminders, and ideas that reflect and embody its meaning.
2. Write a lyric or free verse poem about the experiences you wish to have or the things you want to explore and learn in 2025.
3. Create a series of personal notes where you reflect on your values, what’s important to you, habits that benefit you, and what you will let go of this year.
We will conclude by sharing our creations.
Materials:
Paper, writing utensils (pen, pencil, markers, or crayons).
Schedule
2:00 – 2:20: Introductions and Ice breaker
2:20 – 3:00: Main Activity
3:00 – 3:30: Sharing and Closing
Hope to see you there!
🚨Update: NAMI-NYC will no longer be hosting this Expressive Arts workshop. Saturday August 30, 2025 was the last Expressive Arts. Thank you to anyone who’s attended over the years. I love you and hope to reconnect in the future.
Write a farewell letter to 2024.
Writing letters has always been a powerful tool for me to process and release stress, limiting beliefs, and painful memories. It helps me learn how to love and care for myself more deeply. 2024 has been a big year for me, and today I want to bid it farewell.
Dear 2024,
I want to say goodbye. You’ve taught me so much in just 12 months, and I’m grateful for all the tough lessons I’ve learned. I’ve experienced painful moments and beautiful ones, had “aha” moments, and encountered situations I still don’t fully understand.
I choose to release the stress and anxiety I’ve been carrying, especially from these past three months. I deserve peace of mind, even if only for a second or two. As I close this chapter, I do so knowing I gave my best. I’m proud of myself for making it to this point, and I choose to give myself grace today.
Thank you and farewell,
Nina
If you feel inspired and up to it, you’re welcome to write your own farewell letter—whether in your own journal or in the comments below. 💌
You can also find this post in The Pencil Case on The Mighty here.
Ah, a tiny shark! What’s one act of kindness you can show yourself today?
I received this tiny shark as a gift, and the first thing I thought when my brother gave it to me was, “I have to show my Mighty/Sparkly fam!” It’s so small, adorable, and also encouraging. 😩
In the spirit of my tiny shark friend, let’s share one act of kindness we can show ourselves today.
I’ll go first!
One act of kindness I can show myself today is spending some time writing on my blog (me writing this on my blog right now haha) after I finish my work and sharing other thoughtful gifts I’ve received that made me smile.
Also find this prompt in The Pencil Case on The Mighty here.
It’s been a long 12 months, but one thing that brought me immense joy this year was the hour and a half I spent in my Expressive Arts groups on those special Saturdays. Here are the affirmations we closed with and carried with us throughout the year. I’m so proud of everyone who joined me. Thank you. 🌟😌
SparklyWarTanks 