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! 😌
I’ve been sharing my mental health story with middle school and high school students with NAMI-NYC through their Ending the Silence program for almost 5 years now, and late last year I trained to become an In Our Own Voice presenter as well! It’s been an overwhelmingly gratifying experience to not only open up spaces to have conversations about mental health, but to meet new people that inspire me to continue my journey.
This Thursday April 4th at 6 pm EST you can hear me share my recovery story with Kristen in NAMI- NYC’s virtual story hour!
🌟 If you’re interested and would like to attend click here to reserve your spot 🌟
Due to unforeseen circumstances I was not able to have my November 2023 Expressive Arts workshop but, I’m very excited to announce the NAMI-NYC Expressive Arts workshop I will be hosting on Saturday December 30th! 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 December 30th, 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:
Seasonal Reflections
Description:
“Seasonal Reflections” is a creative and reflective event where we will draw and write about the closing of this year, 2023. Starting with an ice breaker, we will sketch an image and complete this sentence: If I could describe this year using one word, the word I would use is _______ . The main activity will then be to pick one of three activities. The first activity will be to draw an image or series of images of things that remind you of this time of year (this can include holiday themes, the change in weather, family or community traditions, special events etc.), the second activity will be to write a poem or journal entry about how this year was for you overall, things you’ve learned, or what you would like to let go of/move on from, and the third activity will be to make a seasonal or holiday card of your choosing. 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!
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!
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 to the event here. On the day of the event click the Expressive Arts Zoom link for February 25th, 2023.
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
Shine Your Light
Description
“Shine Your Light” is a creative and fun event where we will reflect and share about our most authentic selves. Starting with an ice breaker, we will sketch an image and finish this sentence “I feel good when I _____.” The main activity will then be to pick one of two activities. The first activity will be to either draw a sun, light bulb, or candle, and around our drawing write down our hobbies, skills, talents, interests and things we are good at or learning to be good at; and the second activity will be to write a descriptive poem about a moment when we felt free to be ourselves. Lastly, we will close by sharing our works of art.
Materials
Paper, writing utensils (pen, pencil, markers, or crayons).
Schedule
5:30 – 5:50: Introductions and Ice breaker
5:50 – 6:30: Main Activity
6:30 – 7:00: Sharing and Closing
Hope to see you there!
I’m having a few more Expressive Arts workshops this year!
Here is the schedule:
February 25, 2023 (5:30 pm – 7:00 pm)
April 29, 2023 (2:00 pm – 3:30 pm)
May 27, 2023 (2:00 pm – 3:30 pm)
July 29, 2023 (2:00 pm – 3:30 pm)
September 30, 2023 (2:00 pm – 3:30 pm)
October 28, 2023 (2:00 pm – 3:30 pm)
November 25, 2023 (2:00 pm – 3:30 pm)
December 30, 2023 (2:00 pm – 3:30 pm)
All workshops are free and virtual!
To join all you have to do is check out this link here and click the zoom links on each individual day or scan the QR code above!
Important note: Events after February will begin at 2:00 pm and end at 3:30 pm.
So very excited to announce the NAMI-NYC Expressive Arts workshop event I will be hosting at the end of the month! This event will be via Zoom and on the NAMI-NYC website. You can find the link in the flyer here. On the day of the event click the Expressive Arts Zoom link for July 30th.
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
Me and My Self-Care
Description
“Me and My Self-Care” is a creative and fun event focused on reflecting about self-care, love and what “home” feels like to us. Starting with an ice breaker, we will sketch an image and write about our favorite type of self-care. The main activity will then be to pick one of two activities. The first activity will be to draw a self-care toolbox with a list of your favorite and most helpful self-care practices and the second activity will be to write a poem describing what “home” feels like to you and what it’s like for you to experience love, support and acceptance. Lastly, we will close by sharing our works of art.
Materials
Paper, writing utensils (pen, pencil, markers, or crayons).
Hope to see you there!
**Sneak peek for my NAMI-NYC event activity.
Activity
What does “home” feel like to you?
If you wanted describe what “home” feels like to you, what words would you use? Does the feeling have a color, an experience, or remind you of a person? Is home a place or an idea?
My Reflection
For me, home is when I feel at peace and when I’m calm. Home is when I’m with my family and friends and I feel safe. Home is when I fully accept myself for who I am. Home is in the present moment.
What about you?
Find this activity in the Self-Care Lounge group on The Mighty here as well.
Write an encouraging message in the comments below for someone who might be struggling.
I’ll go first!
My therapist told me this week that emotions don’t have to be “bad” or “good,” just appropriate for what you’re experiencing. It’s okay to feel your feeling. Your feelings are valid ✨.
Need help thinking of a message to share?
Feel free to drop a favorite quote, affirmation, song verse, or positive coping strategy!
Join the conversation here in The Pencil Case on TheMighty.com
You are not too far from love, even if you feel alone and no one cares.
You are not too far from community or support.
It’s okay if you are struggling and need help sometimes. There is no shame in wanting to connect with others, to feel like you’re a part of something, or simply want to be around like-minded people. You are not too far off or far gone to access people that understand. The love you seek exist. You are never too far away.
So very excited to announce the NAMI-NYC Expressive Arts workshop event I will be hosting at the end of the month! This event will be via Zoom and on the NAMI-NYC website. You can find the link here and clicking the Expressive Arts Zoom link for October 30th, 2021.
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
I Honor My Truths
Description
“I Honor My Truths” is a creative and fun event focused on reflecting on ourselves, our truths and who we see ourselves to be. Starting with an ice breaker, we will sketch an image and write about one person, place, thing, or idea that is important to us. The main activity will then be to imagine and draw a pumpkin patch. In and around our pumpkin patch we will reflect and write about our truths, values, and interesting facts about who we are. Lastly, we will close by sharing our works of art.
Materials
Paper, writing utensils (pen, pencil, markers, or crayons).
Hope to see you there!
SparklyWarTanks 