Category: Self-Talk

Posted in Keep Moving: Motivation and Inspiration, Love, Mental Health, Reflection, Self-Care, Self-Talk, What Just Happened: Personal Anecdotes

Reclaiming the Sacredness of My Birthday

Posted on by SparklyWarTanks

Today is my birthday, and for as long as I can remember, it has been a day filled with grief and depression. Every spring, the flowers would bloom, the sun would stay out longer, and the temperature would gradually rise from 30 to 40 to 50 degrees, yet the sadness would wash over me like a waterfall each year. I came to recognize this in a recent conversation with my therapist after a panic attack, which felt inevitable given the number of life changes my nervous system has been trying to process this year.

A birthday is meant to be a time to celebrate yourself, your life, and how far you have come. For me, though, intrusive and cruel thoughts would grow louder, like a speaker reminding me of all the ways I believed I had failed in becoming a “successful” adult. I would question whether I deserved to keep going, to keep living. This year, however, I want to reclaim the sacredness of my birthday. I want it to be a day to celebrate my life. I want it to be an “I am” day, not a “what have I done so far?” day or a “list all the reasons you are behind your peers” day.

In creating that sense of sacredness, I am building rituals and routines to remind my body and mind that I do deserve to be alive and to experience joy and excitement every day, especially on this day.

My first ritual this year is to write myself a letter, something I have done a few times before. Writing helps ground me in the “I am.” I know my SparklyWarTanks family understands that about me. So here it goes:

Dear Nina,

Happy birthday, precious girl. You are in your 30s, what a milestone. Instead of listing everything you have “done” to earn the right to celebrate yourself today, I am simply going to honor how amazing you are as a person. Your personality and who you are is something truly special. You are a bright and divine light in this world. You are meant to lead and to walk alongside those who share your vision of recovery, hope, and love. Keep your head up, because you are not only living for yourself, but also for your ancestors who are cheering you on along the way. You have broken numerous cycles and have chosen yourself. I am so proud of you. Keep going, because you deserve to live a life filled with unconditional self-love.

With all the love in the universe,
SparklyWarTanks

📷 Note: The image above is a self-portrait I created in a workshop last weekend. It reflects all the things that remind me of who I am.

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

Exploring Creativity: How do you use creativity to support your health?

Posted on by SparklyWarTanks

How do you use creativity to support your health needs?

Hi friends! ⭐

Let’s continue this reflection series by exploring how creativity shows up in our lives.

Growing up, I loved to write, but it was mostly something I did for school rather than as a hobby. Reading and writing were always my favorite subjects. Even though I was often criticized for not knowing “proper” grammar, I still found joy in expressing myself through words. I also majored in vocal performance in middle and high school and joined a choir in college. Creativity was always orbiting me in some shape or form.

It wasn’t until college and beyond that I began actively using art, writing, personal storytelling, and public speaking as grounding tools—to improve my mood, reflect on my symptoms, and build community.

What are some ways you use creativity in your health journey? How does creativity support you or your symptoms? What creative practices help you cope or care for yourself?

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

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

What are your hopes for the end of 2025?

Posted on by SparklyWarTanks

What are your hopes for the end of 2025?

This year has felt like the longest yet shortest one ever. There have been so many ups, downs, uncertainties, moments of clarity, and uncomfortable changes, but also steady progress nonetheless.

When the year began, I didn’t know what to expect, and honestly, my hopes were few. But as 2025 comes to a close, I’m ending it with hopes for more confidence and compassion toward myself. I want to create more space for love and connection. I want to be more patient and continue to redefine what success and growth mean to me.

I hope to stay grounded and present, more aware of what’s happening around me. I want to embrace empathy, giving others space to use their voices too. And I want to experience more peace because I deserve it.

What hopes do you have as the year closes? What goals do you want to reach, experiences do you want to have, or things will you make time for?

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

Posted in Confessions, Keep Moving: Motivation and Inspiration, Love, Reflection, Self-Talk, The Mighty

A Message to My Inner Teen

Posted on by SparklyWarTanks

Write a message to your teenage self about a lesson or truth you’ve learned that you didn’t know back then.

Something I find helpful for understanding the shame and grief I carry is writing messages, notes, and letters to my younger self — whether that’s my inner child or my inner teen. These are parts of me that endured so much and didn’t know how to cope with those intense experiences at the time.

Lately, I’ve been connecting with my inner teenager and allowing her to finally feel everything she wasn’t allowed to back then. I’ve noticed how angry, crushed, and betrayed she still feels from all the things she wished she could experience but couldn’t, and how much she wasn’t able to process or release because she didn’t understand what was happening.

Here is my message to her today:

Dear teen Nina,

It’s OK to feel every emotion coming up right now — anger, resentment, shame, frustration, betrayal. I know those feelings are scary for you. You don’t have to perform anymore or try to be perfect for everyone around you. It’s OK to make mistakes; that doesn’t make you a bad person. You deserve to be loved and accepted every day without having to do anything to earn it. You can move slowly and take your time — no one is pressuring you anymore. You are free to be your wonderful and beautiful self.

Oh, and one more thing: other people’s suffering or struggles are not your fault. You are not responsible for their emotions or reactions.

I love you, and I’m here whenever you need me.

— Adult Nina (sparklywartanks)

Also find this prompt in the No Shame group on The Mighty here.

Posted in Keep Moving: Motivation and Inspiration, Mental Health, Notes, Self-Talk, The Pencil Case on The Mighty

Been putting anything off? Write a note with me!

Posted on by SparklyWarTanks

Write a note to yourself about something important you’ve been putting off.🗒️

I’ve been in my head a lot lately especially since I haven’t been able to see my therapist for about a month while she’s on medical leave. One important thing I’ve been putting off is keeping track of the things I want to talk to her about once we’re able to meet again.

📝 My note to myself: Set aside time this week and next week to write a list in my journal of all the thoughts and experiences I’ve had over the past month that I want to reflect on.

What’s something important you want to write a quick note about, so you don’t forget to come back to it?

Also find this prompt in The Pencil Case on The Mighty here.

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 Mental Health, Self-Talk, The Mighty

Need a Mighty pep talk this week? Me, too.

Posted on by SparklyWarTanks

Write yourself an uplifting Mighty pep talk for the week ahead.

It’s one of those Mondays. I’m feeling super tired, and the week’s just begun—I could really use a motivational boost. Anyone else feel the same way? 😵‍💫

Here’s the pep talk I’m giving myself:

Take your time this week, Nina.
You’re allowed to say “no” and move at your own pace. I’m proud of you for showing up and shining like the superstar you are—but don’t forget that rest is important, too. Your worth isn’t defined by how much you do; you are wonderful simply because you exist. Be gentle with yourself today. I love you, always.

🫶 Gentle reminder:
If this exercise felt difficult, know that you are still worthy of love and kindness—even in the moments you don’t feel like it.

Also find this post in the Check In With Me group on The Mighty here.

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.