Happy New Year, Sparkly family! Let’s continue to journey together in 2024 💌.
Here’s a final reflection prompt for the year 🙂:
If you created your own “Happy New Year” holiday card, what message or gift would you add inside of it?
I’ll go first!
I would write the message, “Congratulations, you’ve successfully passed to the next level!” and add a gift card with an unlimited amount of hugs in it 🥹🥳.
What would you add inside your card?
Feel free to also find this prompt in The Pencil Case on The Mighty here.
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
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
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
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
When it comes to positive coping strategies and helpful self-care techniques, I like to hear what others do to self-soothe — even if it’s only to feel better for a momentary basis. One coping strategy that I find helpful, but often hear mixed reviews and ideas about, is meditation.
My Reflection
For me, meditation has helped me learn to connect with myself and my thoughts better; but I do feel like I have to be in a calm place mentally to meditate effectively, which leaves me procrastinating more times than not.
What are your thoughts? Do you think meditation is helpful for you or a bust?
You can also find this prompt herein The Pencil Case on The Mighty!
Activity
What are you passionate about?
When it comes to our passions, we can think about things that spark a light in us or make us feel good. A passion can be anything from a hobby, a truth, value or philosophy, or a cause that helps out others as well as ourselves.
My Reflection
My passion is in mental health advocacy, community building, and creativity.
Feel free to share your passions in the comments below 💌
You can also find this prompt here in the Chat Space group on The Mighty!
Activity
Write an imagery poem about how you’re feeling today.
Let’s practice our imagery writing skills!
⭐ Imagery is a literary device where you use vivid descriptions that appeal to a reader’s senses and imagination to create an image or idea in their head.
Here is my poem:
My ears are buzzing and ringing. Bees and telephones. Bees and telephones. I’m wide awake. Eyes like owls in the prime of night. So much to do. Time feels crammed into a soda can. There’s not enough of it, I’m craving more. I wish for more. Oh no! I missed the shooting star that just flew by.
I’m ready. Ready for what? Ready to rush?
I can’t. I need to take my time like a sloth. Going too fast makes me lose my breath. I’m hunched over because I can’t breathe.
Deep breaths. Deep breaths.
I can do it. Run this race? But, it’s not a race, remember? I can slow down.
My heart is slowing down. Each beat like a soft drum.
I’m safe. I can slow down. I’m doing good.
Feel free to share your own poem in the comments below! 💌
You can also find this prompt here in the Mighty Poets group 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!
So very excited to announce the NAMI-NYC Expressive Arts workshop event I will be facilitating this weekend! 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 April 29th, 2023.
IMPORTANT: This Expressive Arts workshop and the ones following this one are now 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 Colors
Description “Colors” is a creative and fun event where we will reflect and share about the colors and beauty we see in the world around us. Starting with an ice breaker, we will sketch an image and write about what we imagine when we hear the word “bright”.The main activity will then be to pick one of two activities. The first activity will be to pick a color and draw as many things you can think of that’s the color you chose; and the second activity will be to write a descriptive poem about a time when you witnessed a beautiful scenery. 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 3:30 – 3:30: Sharing and Closing
SparklyWarTanks 