Tag: creativity

Posted in Mental Health, Self-Care, The Pencil Case on The Mighty

Pencil Case Reflection: The Freedom of Creativity

Posted on by SparklyWarTanks

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.

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

2 Wins!

Posted on by SparklyWarTanks


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! 😌

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 Keep Moving: Motivation and Inspiration, Mental Health, The Mighty, The Pencil Case on The Mighty

Pencil Case Prompts: How can you be creative this week? 👀🎨

Posted on by SparklyWarTanks

How can you be creative this week?

It’s the beginning of a new week, sparkly friends—a great time to think about how we can sprinkle a little creativity into our days.

Sometimes it’s hard to feel creative when energy is low and the week ahead looks busy. Still, I’m hoping to spend some time writing in my new journal and updating my calendar with stickers and important dates for next month. 🤔✍️

What about you—what does creativity look like for you this week? 🖌️🖋️✏️

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

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

NAMI-NYC Virtual Expressive Arts Workshop Event: Rest, Relax, and Breathe

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 the Expressive Arts workshop on March 29, 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 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:
Rest, Relax, and Breathe

Description:
“Rest, Relax, and Breathe” is a creative and reflective event where we will draw and write about how to better connect with ourselves.

We will begin with a short icebreaker, setting aside three minutes to practice deep breathing together, followed by seven minutes of free writing or doodling.

The main activity will then be choosing one of three options:

1. Choose a shape and create a series of patterns using that shape. Around your drawing, write words, phrases, or quotes that reflect your thoughts as you create.

2. Draw a T-chart. On one side, list the habits, hobbies, and resources you currently use to support your mental health. On the other side, list the helpful habits, hobbies, and resources you’d like to explore.

3. Write a poem or journal entry describing calmness.

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 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.

Posted in Creative Writing, Keep Moving: Motivation and Inspiration, Mental Health, Self-Care, Self-Talk, The Mighty

If My Body Could Talk

Posted on by SparklyWarTanks

If My Body Could Talk

If my body could talk, she would whisper, “slow down” — move at the pace of a snail, as if approaching a yellow light at the intersection of my limits.

She would remind me that I am worthy of care, every second of every day.

My body would tell me when my cup is empty and show me how to refill it.

My body speaks in a calm and soothing voice, I just need to listen. She’s been with me for so long— surely, she knows what I need by now.

If my body could talk, I’d want to talk with her daily,

to be her best friend.

She is me, and I am her.

If only my body could talk.

This poem accompanied the following poll I shared in the Mighty Poets group on The Mighty:

Which title would you choose? 

Posted in Events, Mental Health, Self-Care

NAMI-NYC Virtual Expressive Arts Workshop Event: A Journey of Intentions

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 January 25, 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:
A Journey of Intentions

Description:
“A Journey of Intentions” is a creative and reflective event where we will explore how we’re feeling and set intentions for the coming year.

The event will begin with an icebreaker: sketching an image and free-writing about three things that matter most to us right now.

The main activity will then be choosing one of three options:

1. Draw a vision board centered around your word or phrase of the year. Include images, reminders, and ideas that reflect and embody its meaning.

2. Write a lyric or free verse poem about the experiences you wish to have or the things you want to explore and learn in 2025.

3. Create a series of personal notes where you reflect on your values, what’s important to you, habits that benefit you, and what you will let go of this year.

We will conclude by sharing our creations.

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!

🚨Update: NAMI-NYC will no longer be hosting this Expressive Arts workshop. Saturday August 30, 2025 was the last Expressive Arts. Thank you to anyone who’s attended over the years. I love you and hope to reconnect in the future.

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

Pencil Case Prompts and Writing Workshops

Posted on by SparklyWarTanks

What motivates and inspires your creativity?

Hi Pencil Case fam! ❤️

Over the past few weeks I’ve been trying my best to find inspiration and motivation to start writing and creating again, especially since October was really tough on my creativity. So far, I’ve found that connecting more with myself, resting, taking long walks, and exploring different art spaces in stores have helped me feel a little better and inspired new ideas. I even attended a storytelling workshop that I really loved with NAMI-NYC recently!

I’m curious to know what inspires and motivates you. What helps you work on your projects or start new ones?

Feel free to share your insights in the comments! 🥰

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