Category: Self-Care

Posted in Mental Health, Self-Care, The Pencil Case on The Mighty

Pencil Case Reflection: The Freedom of Creativity

Posted on by SparklyWarTanks

What role does creativity play in your health journey?

Creativity has been my main tool for relief and release ever since I could remember. When my thoughts felt trapped, I found freedom through a pencil, pen, or by typing at 2 a.m. I learned how to make bead bracelets and stickers with affirmations and quotes to move my hands and release the anxious energy that made me feel hopeless or out of control.

I’m grateful for the people I’ve been able to share my creativity with, and for the connections I’ve made through self-expression and vulnerability. To me, love and creativity feel very much the same. Thank you sparkly family for giving me that opportunity! 🎉

✨ How do you use creativity in your health journey? What role does it play for you?

You can also find this post in The Pencil Case on The Mighty here.

Posted in Events, Keep Moving: Motivation and Inspiration, Mental Health, Self-Care

NAMI-NYC Virtual Expressive Arts Workshop Event: The Lighthouse

Posted on by SparklyWarTanks

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. 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 August 30, 2025.

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:
The Lighthouse

Description:
“The Lighthouse” is a creative and reflective event where we’ll use drawing and writing to explore our mental health and recovery.

We’ll start with a short icebreaker: sketching an image and writing about how our summer has been so far.

The main activity will then be choosing one of three options:

1. Draw a stormy ocean with a tall lighthouse, and fill the image with free-writing phrases or notes about how you’re navigating recovery and your mental health.

2. Write a poem about a time when you pushed through a difficult moment, or about an “aha” moment that shifted your perspective this year.

3. Create a T-chart with one side titled “I’m proud of myself because…” and the other titled “I’m working on / I want to become better at…”.

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!

Posted in Creative Writing, Mental Health, Reflection, Self-Care

Just a Poem I Wrote…

Posted on by SparklyWarTanks

The Weight I Carry

For a long time,
I wondered why I compared myself to others so often—
both consciously and unconsciously—
questioning whether I was falling behind, and if I would ever catch up.

I would look around
and find myself alone—
the only one,
a spectator
watching as I could no longer see the silhouette
of those who seemed
so far ahead of me. I’m at the bottom of the hill.

I now realize and acknowledge:
this is what grief feels like for me. Something I’ve been carrying for a long, long time—
a weighted blanket
that’s become part of my body.
No one sees it,
but I feel it.

Today, I allow myself to feel sad.
It’s OK to feel sad today.
I give myself grace.
I don’t push my feelings aside,
or try to force positivity.
I feel my emotions—
and let them pass through.
They deserve space, too.

Posted in Keep Moving: Motivation and Inspiration, Mental Health, Other Accomplishments, Reflection, Self-Care

2 Wins!

Posted on by SparklyWarTanks


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! 😌

Posted in Events, Mental Health, Self-Care, Self-Talk

NAMI-NYC Virtual Expressive Arts Workshop Event: Coming Back to Self

Posted on by SparklyWarTanks

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!

Posted in Events, Keep Moving: Motivation and Inspiration, Mental Health, Self-Care

NAMI-NYC Virtual Expressive Arts Workshop Event: Rest, Relax, and Breathe

Posted on by SparklyWarTanks

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!

Posted in Keep Moving: Motivation and Inspiration, Love, Self-Care, Self-Talk, The Mighty, The Pencil Case on The Mighty

Pencil Case Prompts: What are you taking for your wellness shelves this week?

Posted on by SparklyWarTanks

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.

Posted in Creative Writing, Keep Moving: Motivation and Inspiration, Mental Health, Self-Care, Self-Talk, The Mighty

If My Body Could Talk

Posted on by SparklyWarTanks

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? 

Posted in Love, Mental Health, Potential and Worth, Reflection, Self-Care

My Words of 2025: Love and Freedom

Posted on by SparklyWarTanks

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. 💌

Posted in Events, Mental Health, Self-Care

NAMI-NYC Virtual Expressive Arts Workshop Event: A Journey of Intentions

Posted on by SparklyWarTanks

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.