What words would you like to use more of when talking about (or to) yourself?
My Reflection
In the early days of my recovery journey, the first thing a counselor said to me was, “Do you realize how you speak to yourself? Would you speak to someone you love the same way you speak to yourself?” Let’s just say my answer was an automatic “no.” This sparked a change in my perspective and from that point on, I became more aware of my inner dialogue and the words I use to communicate with myself.
Since then, the words I make sure I use in my “self-care and self-love dialogue” are “I deserve…” “I’m allowed to…” and “help.” I’m learning to be more kind to myself.
What about you? What words would you like to use more of?
You can also find this prompt here in The Pencil Case on The Mighty!
So very excited to announce the NAMI-NYC Expressive Arts workshop event I will be facilitating at the end of the month! This event will be via Zoom and on the NAMI-NYC website. You can find the link here. On the day of the event click the Expressive Arts Zoom link for May 27th, 2023.
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: That’s My Favorite!
Description: “That’s My Favorite!” is a creative and fun event where we will reflect, get to know one another, and share what our favorite things are. Starting with an ice breaker, we will sketch an image of something that’s our favorite color. The main activity will then be to pick one of two activities. The first activity will be to draw a favorites list of your favorite food, season, animal, movie, and song or genre of music; and the second activity will be to write a poem or a song about something you enjoy doing, a favorite memory, or what makes you happy. Lastly, we will close by sharing our works of art.
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
Which animal affirmation will you embody this week?
Choose an animal from the graphic above and scroll down to read what your “I am” affirmation is for the week ahead!
Fox 🦊: I am able to do what’s best for me. I take care of myself.
Panda 🐼: I am resilient. I allow myself to take one step at a time.
Horse 🐴: I am fierce. I can achieve what I set my mind to.
Koala 🐨: I am kind to myself. I allow myself moments of peace and rest.
Lion 🦁: I am strong. I can overcome whatever comes my way.
Turtle 🐢: I am patient with my progress. I’ve achieved so much so far. I am proud of myself.
You can also find this prompt here in The Pencil Case on The Mighty!
Activity
What’s something you want to get better at by the end of the year?
Check-in, time! Let’s share the things we want to improve by the end of December. Whether it has to do with your health, habits, finances, spirituality, work, hobbies, or goals, what do you want to improve, learn, get better at, or change by the end of 2023?
My Reflection
I’ll go first!
Something I really want to improve is prioritizing self-care when I’m taking a break. I often find myself thinking of work or everything I want to accomplish when I’m trying to rest, leaving me exhausted most of the time. I want to learn how to relax my thoughts and nervous system so I’m actually resting when I need to.
You can also find this prompt here in the Check In With Me group on The Mighty!
If someone told you to mentally visualize a “calm and happy place” in your mind, what would that place look like?
One of the practices that’s helps me over the years — especially in times of overwhelm, or even when I started practicing mindfulness — is visualization. When I want to create a safe space for myself, it’s been helpful for me to mentally craft what that place would look like in my mind.
My Reflection
My “calm and happy place” is walking through a nice green field with flowers on a sunny day. In the distance I can see a stream and a large tree where butterflies are slowly fluttering around.
You can also check out this prompt in the Check In With Me group on The Mighty here!
Activity
What’s a lesson you’re learning this year?
My Reflection
This year has been a doozy for me in terms of learning lessons and considering/prioritizing my needs. Sometimes it would be great to just get a break 😅.
A lesson I’m learning so far in 2023 is that it’s OK to put myself first even when I feel guilty, this includes asking for help or standing up for myself and staying true to my boundaries.
What are you learning these days?
You can also check out this prompt in the Chat Space group on The Mighty here!
Finish this sentence: I’m proud of myself for ________________.
Let’s cheer one another on today! What are you proud of yourself for right now?
My Reflection
I’ll go first!
I’m proud of myself for continuing to push through, completing my daily tasks, and working on my personal projects. I’ve been struggling a lot with my mental health these past few weeks, but I’ve still been able to get my work done and make it to this moment right now 🌸.
You can also find this prompt here in The Pencil Case on The Mighty!
Activity
What’s a collection of words or phrases that represent your mental health goals for this month?
As we keeping marching on through the month of April, let’s make a list of words that represent the mental health-minded goals we have for ourselves.
My Reflection
🌈 Here is my collection of words:
Resilience Self-reflection Standing up for myself Realizing my needs Conversations Sunlight Love Challenging my bad habits Consistency Practice New perspectives
What’s on your list?
You can also find this prompt here in The Pencil Case on The Mighty!
For today’s reflection prompt, let’s think about the things we find important.
My Reflection
Here is my list:
🧠 My mental health 🧘 My peace of mind 👪 Family and friends 💕 Spreading love to others 🦋 Taking one moment at a time 💵 Paying attention to my finances 🌹Healing my inner child and going to therapy 🥙🚰 Making sure I’m eating enough and drinking water ❤️ My Mighty work!
What’s on your list?
You can also find this prompt in The Pencil Case on The Mighty here.
Activity
What’s one thing you can do outside your comfort zone that will benefit you in your health journey this month?
My Reflection
As I walk in my recovery journey, I often find myself at a crossroads with my comfort zone. On one hand, I find myself choosing what’s most familiar to me because it easier to access, but on the other hand I know that change and new habits can benefit my growth, especially when it comes to self-care and consistency 🤔.
Something I’m trying that I know will benefit me and my mental health —and is out of my comfort zone — is reaching out and talking to someone when I catch myself overthinking. It’s so easy for me to go hours feeling overwhelmed when I know it would be helpful to talk out my concerns with someone else.
What about you? What can you do outside your comfort zone that will benefit your journey?
You can also find this prompt in The Self-Care Lounge on The Mighty here.
Activity
What helps you boost your self-confidence when you’re feeling down?
My Reflection
March felt like such a long month for me 😩. My thoughts have been racing for the longest time. I think it’s time for me to prioritize some self-care that’ll boost my self-confidence.
What usually helps me the most is getting my eyebrows done, getting dressed up, and taking myself out on a solo date. I’ll make sure to add that to my to-do list right away 📆✍️.
What about you? What do you do to help boost your self-confidence?
You can also find this prompt in The No Shame group on The Mighty here.
CreativeJournaling Prompt:Write a free verse poem describing a time when you overcame an obstacle.
Here is my poem:
The night, a slithering snake. Long enough to devour my consciousness. I didn’t know how to escape the clutches of its fangs. Wondering if I would ever escape its scales. One scale already a month’s worth of traveling. Sleepless. Would I ever see the day where the snake, Insom, slithers away.
I concentrate. Focus. Sit where Insom rests in the subconscious realm. I catch her and lock her away for a night.
I can finally rest and step into another realm where I’m free. I can see the sun again. The brightness hurts my eyes.
You can also find this prompt here in the Mighty Poets group on The Mighty.
What’s something about yourself that you’re coming to terms with?
My Reflection
So much reflection, so little time. 😅
I feel like I’ve learned more about myself in the last three months than I have the past 15 years. Maybe I’ve said this before, but I’m being so serious 😣. Something I’m understanding more though now, is just how important it is for me to open myself to new experiences — without fear or hesitation. I thrive in moments where I feel free to express myself fully and hope to create those type of moments in my life. I don’t want to feel restricted or dampen my creative potential anymore.
What about you? Is there anything you’re coming to terms with about yourself?
You can also find this prompt here in The Pencil Case on The Mighty.
Activity
How do you define family?
Reflection
I’ve been thinking a lot about family lately 🤔. When I used to think about family, I only equated it with the loved ones I’m related to — but that definition is long gone now. It’s taken on new meaning for me over the past few years. I’m curious if any of you feel the same.
Now when I think about family now, I include everyone here on The Mighty, people from NAMI-NYC, friends, and even the people who I no longer speak to that had a great impact on my journey.
What do you think? How do you define family?
You can also find this prompt here in the Chat Space group on The Mighty.
Today I will listen to my body and go at a pace that is best for me. I will also eat a filling breakfast, do my work, and help my mom as best I can with grocery shopping and running errands.
Warm reminder: You are worthy of self-care and taking the breaks you need today.
You can also find this prompt here in The Pencil Case on The Mighty.
I’ve spent most of this year grieving, feeling like I lost so much. Chasing after validation and the affection of other people’s presence. Wondering where I went wrong, why I felt so alone, and why I wasn’t worthy or couldn’t be worthy of the love I so desperately thought I needed.
Twelve months in and I finally understand why I was placed in a space where I couldn’t go anywhere but into myself. I’ve faced and battled with the uglier parts of me, one part being the thoughts of unworthiness largely due to how the little girl inside of me felt.
She thought that no one loved her and she wasn’t good enough just as she was. She thought that she had to change and shift into what others liked so she can finally be accepted and finally feel love, too.
But, I’ve sat with that little girl and told her that she’s more than worthy of all the love that’s out there WITHOUT having to change or hide one single thing about herself. She can enjoy organizing, and reading books, learning, trying new things, and comfort items… so many comfort items! She can be scared and feel all her feelings. She can be sensitive because that 100% OK. She can be creative and show love to others. She can be goofy and tell funny jokes. She can even make mistakes and feel uncomfortable, too. She can stand up for herself, work on her relationships and be loved while STILL BEING 100% herself.
I want that little girl to know that I love her. I know she still gets scared sometimes. I want her to trust me when I tell her that I got us and she doesn’t have to be scared anymore. That we are powerful and stepping into our season of deserving.
Affirmation and intention for 2023: I am a celebration. I am worthy of love and love flows to me effortlessly. I don’t chase, I attract. I am a magnet for abundance. I release any and everything that isn’t a part of my higher purpose. I am walking in my power.
SparklyWarTanks 