Reaching December always stirs up a lot of thoughts for me. As I write this, I’m imagining myself sitting under the moonlight with the year’s lessons rolling past me like movie credits. One thing that keeps coming up is what I want to move on from.
I want to move on from the version of me that holds too tightly to experiences that hurt. I’m ready to let them go now. I want to learn what I need to learn — and then let go just as gracefully.
What’s something you want to move on from or let go of?
Write a free verse reflection poem about a core memory.
A “core memory” (a phrase popularized in part by the 2015 movie Inside Out) is a significant moment or experience that stays with you and shapes you in some way. Core memories often connect to strong emotions — joy, fear, love, embarrassment, pride, belonging — and become experiences you can recall clearly even years later. They might be impactful conversations, milestones, turning points, once-in-a-lifetime adventures, difficult truths, important relationships, “firsts,” flashes of clarity, or life lessons.
Here is my poem:
The Tears that Shaped Me
The hallway glowed a bright yellow. It was dark outside, and I carried a faint excitement that maybe it would be a good night for me.
My long dress — my favorite color — that exact shade of sky blue you see at noon on a cloudless June day with a soft, warm breeze.
Only then did I realize I had no idea how to move in this space, how to belong here.
I walked into the lunchroom, strange and unfamiliar in its new arrangement. I missed my mom the moment she slipped away, leaving as quickly as she arrived.
Two hours, then three. I watched, a puzzle piece that didn’t fit, a quiet spectator taking notes, seeing everything through a microscope.
I wasn’t “picked” that night. Invisible.
A dance — a tiny stamp of approval — was nowhere for me. This chapter of my life ended right then, ushering in a transition I didn’t ask for.
Was I even there? Did it even happen?
Tears soaked the dress until it became its own rainy day. My chest tightened. Regret and sadness painted my heart in black, burgundy, and navy blue. The sunny June afternoon turned into a December midnight storm — cold and unwelcoming.
The unchosen. A title I still carry, a backpack glued to my shoulders.
Share your poem below. 📜
You can also find this post in the Mighty Poets group on The Mighty here.
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 on The Pencil Case on The Mighty here.
I’ve been a volunteer with NAMI-NYC for a little over six years, and during that time, I’ve served as a young adult presenter for the Ending the Silence program. Yesterday, October 16, was my first full day as the lead presenter, and I was really anxious and nervous about it. I wasn’t sure if I’d do a good job, but I did it — all on my own too!
One thing about me is that, despite my anxiety, I always give my best. I’m proud of myself and grateful for the feedback I received. I’m excited to continue educating and sharing my story in community spaces, schools, and psych wards all around the city!
🗓️📌 Marking this day on my SparklyWarTanks calendar because it means a lot to me.
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.
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
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.
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! 🌻
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.
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
SparklyWarTanks 