Category: Mental Health

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

End of the Year Reflections: Moving on From 2023

Posted on by SparklyWarTanks

What’s something you want to practice more moving forward?

As the year winds down, I find myself reflecting on what I want to focus on — especially in terms of the relationship I have with myself. One of the things I want to intentionally practice is having more patience and love for myself. I notice that when I think too deeply or for too long about the expectations I have, I tend to be very self-critical which leaves me feeling stuck. I want to learn how to show myself more grace when I’m faced with uncomfortable or uncontrollable circumstances.

What about you? What’s something you want to practice more that’ll be helpful for you?

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

Dear 2023…

Activity:

Let’s write farewell letters to 2023 this week. In your letters you can add things you’ve learned, things you want to let go of and move on from, important events that happened, how you want to move forward, or how your health has impacted you. Write whatever feels good!

Reflection:

Here’s my letter:

Dear 2023,

A lot has happened this year. I’ve felt so much grief, sadness, and confusion. I’ve experienced new symptoms and felt the weight of the world on my shoulders — some days it was even too heavy to carry by myself. I’ve had moments where I gave my best and didn’t feel like it was enough, or that I wasn’t worthy of the companionship, friendships, relationships, or the love I was craving. I’ve been really tired.

2023, I’ve extended myself and my love to so many people that I saw were suffering around the world. I still hold them deep in my heart.

I’ve had conversations and listened to stories that’s opened my perspective and learned new things from others.

Moving forward, 2023, I want to be more confident in myself, in my voice, my talents, and my skills. I don’t want to hide when I feel afraid because in the past that made me feel safe. I want to continue to advocate and show others that it’s OK not to be OK and there are people who care about them… like me! I want to be kinder to myself because I deserve kindness, and be gentler with myself because I deserve gentleness. I want to continue to listen to the stories of others and grow in awareness of what they experience. (If you’re reading this, your voice matters!)

I also want to thank the people who have helped me get through this year like my therapist, my mom, sister, NAMI-NYC fam, favorite Mighty boss lady kat, fellow kind soul and community teammate skye, plus all of you reading this right now. Any kind word or positive energy sent was received and greatly appreciated.

Farewell 2023.

It’s been a roller coaster,
Nina aka SparklyWarTanks

You can also find this prompt 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

Pencil Case Prompts and Reflections: Overcoming Challenges and What’s Keep Us Going

Posted on by SparklyWarTanks

What’s a challenge you’re working to overcome?

Let’s talk a bit about some challenges we’re being faced with and the ways we are managing, navigating, and/or overcoming them (whatever that looks like!).

A challenge I’m working to overcome is motivating myself to be more active, go out, and open myself up to new opportunities. A theme I’ve noticed this year overall in terms of my self-care and growth is gaining enough confidence in myself to do things out of my comfort zone. I know that I have some fears of the unknown, so I’m being patient with myself as I explore new and different possibilities.

What about you?

You can also find this prompt here in The Pencil Case on The Mighty!

What’s keeping you going right now?

With all that’s happening in the world and with all the challenges we are faced with (holiday depression, anyone?), I want to say I’m super proud of each and every one of you who may be also experiencing challenges, too (including myself 🙂).

Today, let’s share what’s keeping us going! Hope is healing, right?

I’ll go first!

My family and my passion to continue sharing my story are what’s keeping me going right now.

You can also find this prompt here in The Pencil Case on The Mighty!

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

NAMI-NYC Virtual Expressive Arts Workshop Event: My Treasure Map

Posted on by SparklyWarTanks

So very excited to announce the NAMI-NYC Expressive Arts workshop event I will be hosting tomorrow!  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 October 28th, 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 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:
My Treasure Map

Description:
“My Treasure Map” is a relaxing and fun event where we will draw, write, and reflect about what’s most important to us. Starting with an ice breaker, we will sketch an image and write a thank you note to a person, place, thing, or ideas that’s been helpful for us this year. The main activity will then be to pick one of two activities. The first activity will be to draw a treasure map with all the things we find valuable in our lives, and the second activity will be to write a poem or journal entry about something or someone that’s made a profound impact on us. 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

Hope to see you there!

Posted in Mental Health, Reflection, Self-Talk

Free Write Journal Entry: 10/12/23

Posted on by SparklyWarTanks

Sometimes I look at myself and get lost in my thoughts. I think about all that’s happened up to this point. I think about the decisions I’ve made and what “success” looks like for me. I wonder about experiences I wish I would have and the possibility of them happening. I rummage in my body looking for unfamiliar feelings and accessing them more regularly. Hope is one of those feelings. I imagine myself thriving in hope. As I push forward, I sit with my fear and allow it to pass through, it’s a part of me, too. I’m gentle with myself and I’m learning to go slow as I let go of control.

I’m deserving of good things and love, of life showering me with experiences that fill me with happiness. I’m allowed to be a person, to make mistakes, and to move on from them. I’m doing a good job. There’s no timeline I have to be on. There’s no one in front of me or behind me. It’s just me experiencing this reality. I can let go of all my expectations to be anything more than what I am right now.

I’m where I need to be in the body that’s mine. I’m who I need to be in order to be successful. I’m enough and nothing can change this fact.

Posted in Mental Health, The Mighty, The Pencil Case on The Mighty

Pencil Case Prompts: 2023 and The Week Ahead

Posted on by SparklyWarTanks

What words describe how this year is going for you?

Boy, oh boy 😵‍💫. I’m tired. This year has been a doozy.

Here are some words that describe what’s it been like for me:

😓 Exhausting
🥀 Challenging
💡Enlightening
😢 Grief from loss
❓Confused
🌀Cycle endings
🌱Growth
📚Learning
🤗 Family
👀 Seeing

What words describe your year so far?

You can also find this prompt here in The Pencil Case on The Mighty!

What are you using from your pencil case this week?

Comment below with the item(s) that symbolize what you’ll be embracing over the coming days.

🖊️ Pencil/Pen: Vulnerability, reflection, introspection, journaling

🖍️ Crayon: Creativity, openness, exploration, travel

✏️ Eraser: Alone time, rest, relaxation

🖼️ Glue: Community, family, friendships, connection

✂️ Scissors: Boundaries, speaking up, communication

Can’t find any that match your week? That’s OK! Share what you’ll be embracing instead in the comments below 🌻.

I’ll be taking out my pencil/pen and glue this week!

You can also find this prompt here in The Pencil Case on The Mighty!

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

NAMI-NYC Virtual Expressive Arts Workshop Event: Abstract!

Posted on by SparklyWarTanks

So very excited to announce the NAMI-NYC Expressive Arts workshop event I will be facilitating tomorrow! 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 September 30, 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
Abstract!

Description
“Abstract!” is a relaxing and fun event where we will draw, write, and create. Starting with an ice breaker, we will sketch an image and share a self-care goal we have for the month of October. The main activity will then be to pick one of two activities. The first activity will be to create an abstract drawing, and the second activity will be to write a free verse poem about what thoughts, images, and ideas come to mind when hearing the word “art.” 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

Hope to see you there!

Posted in Mental Health, Other Accomplishments

My Latest Accomplishment: I’m Certified in Youth Mental Health First Aid!

Posted on by SparklyWarTanks

I’m excited to share that I’m a certified youth mental health first aider. Getting help can be tough but starting the conversation and connecting to helpful resources doesn’t have to be done all on your own. I know I could have used a bit more support and a helping hand when I was in school, now I want to be that person for young people who may be facing challenges 💌.

Posted in Mental Health, Reflection, The Mighty, The Pencil Case on The Mighty

Reflections, Activities, and Updates: Mindfulness, Breaks, and Having Fun

Posted on by SparklyWarTanks

Here’s a 2-step mindful moment for your day!

When you come across this post, I invite you take this 2-step mindful moment with me:

Step 1: Pause for a second and scoop up the moment just for you — you deserve it. Close your eyes, put your hand to your chest (if you can), and take one big deep breath.

Step 2: List two or three things you need from yourself today.

⭐ Note: Feel free to write your list in the comments below! ⭐️

Here is my list:

Two things I need from myself today: patience in allowing myself to process my emotions fully, and permission to complete my work and responsibilities at a pace that’s most comfortable for me.

You can also find this prompt here in The Pencil Case on The Mighty!

What’s something you could use a break from?

Do you know what I could use right now? A break 😫. Especially from my ruminating thoughts and pile of responsibilities. Today, I definitely need to take a moment to recollect myself, ugh 🥹.

Is there anything you could use a break from?

You can also find this prompt here in The Pencil Case on The Mighty as well!

What’s something fun you can do between now and the end of the year?

Lately it’s been really important for me to do things that I enjoy, especially since my depression has been at an all-time high, and I’m trying my absolute hardest not to let my low feelings consume my sense of adventure and fulfillment.

In order to get on top of my self-care, I’ve been brainstorming some things I can do for the remainder of 2023 that’ll help me feel a bit better about myself.

Here is my list of things I plan to do:

🍎 Go apple picking with my family
🥬 Go to a new vegan restaurant
📅 Take myself on a date once a month and buy myself something nice
💎 Find and go to a new crystal store I can explore

What about you?

This prompt can also be found in the Self-Care Lounge group 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

Pencil Case Prompts: Encouraging Messages and Permission Slips

Posted on by SparklyWarTanks

Write an encouraging message to yourself for the month ahead.

It’s already August! I can barely believe it 😩. Let’s continue this month with encouraging and uplifting messages to ourselves ⭐.

Here is my message:

Dear Nina,

You’re doing a great job getting through the year. I know it hasn’t been easy and you’ve wanted to give up so many times, but you haven’t. You’re a warrior! Never forget that you’re worthy of love, peace, and abundance of all kinds. Continue to do your best and please rest when you need to.

I love you,
Nina

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

Which permission slip do you need today?

Comment with which one(s) you’re adding to your self-love binder this upcoming week:


🚫 Permission to set a boundary
🛏️ Permission to rest and relax
💌 Permission to prioritize myself
🤝 Permission to ask for help
🌱 Permission to feel my feelings
🗣️ Permission to speak up for myself
🥳 Permission to have some fun
🌟 Permission to treat myself to something nice
📜 Blank permission slip (create your own and share it in the comments below!)

I definitely will be taking 2 permission slips today; one to prioritize myself 💌 and the other to feel my feelings 🌱.

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

Posted in Events, Mental Health

NAMI-NYC Virtual Expressive Arts Workshop Event: A Butterfly’s Wings

Posted on by SparklyWarTanks

So very excited to announce the NAMI-NYC Expressive Arts workshop event I will be facilitating today!  This event will be via Zoom and on the NAMI-NYC website calendar here. Click the Expressive Arts Zoom link for today, July 29th at 2:00 pm.

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. 

Here are some details for the event:

Title
A Butterfly’s Wings 

Description
“A Butterfly’s Wings” is a creative and fun event where we get to know one another by sharing about ourselves and who we are as we draw, write, and create. Starting with an ice breaker, we will sketch an image and finish this sentence: Comfort to me looks like ___________. The main activity will then be to pick one of three activities. The first activity will be to draw a butterfly and color the wings different colors assigning each color a characteristic that describes you; the second activity will be to write an encouraging and uplifting message to yourself; and the third activity will be to write an acrostic poem or song using the letters of your first name. 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

Hope to see you there!