Whether it’s the transition from fall to winter, winter to spring, or spring to summer, the changes in seasons seem to always affect me in different ways 🤔. I definitely notice a change in my mood, thoughts, and motivation for sure. I even notice sometimes I have a persistent low mood in the hotter months sometimes too, but I’m more inclined to go outside for a walk.
What are your thoughts and experiences? How do the seasons affect you and your mental and/or physical health?
You can also find this prompt in The Pencil Case on The Mighty here!
Excited to share my poem that was published in the Spotlight on Recovery magazine “Writer’s Choice” Part 7.
Get a better view of the poem here:
BREAKING UP WITH DARKNESS By Nina Rondon
I was in love with the darkness. We’ve been together for a while. Far away but so close, I could feel it holding my hand, kissing my cheek as I grin and bear it; putting on a fake smile.
At first our relationship seemed normal, natural I would say. We were right in all the wrong ways. Maybe we were soul mates, a concept I often wondered about. I craved love, so what’s the harm in loving the darkness, the cold, lonely dark cloud.
It wasn’t long before I noticed the pressure the darkness was putting on me. Expectations as deep as the ocean, a ball and chain locked to my wrists. Drowning would be the only option in a situation like this.
The more we were together, the more I noticed a shadow growing, hovering over me like a tree. It didn’t shade me, it was grief. I wasn’t comfortable, I wanted out, but it’s been so long since I spoke up, I lost my voice, I couldn’t shout.
This would be the first time I stood up for myself, I feel the stiffness as I swim up from the depths. It looks like such a long way up, but I have to do this, I have to take this step. I can see the light, the more I move close; like I was being reborn; a seed discovering its growth.
When I finally reached the surface, I have to admit I felt lost. This is the first time I’m out on my own without the darkness. What am I without it? Maybe, I should go back? I can hear it call. No! I need this! I’ve set myself free. This is how I broke up with the darkness. How I found… me.
Finish this sentence: Instead of ________ I choose to _______ this week.
Oh my goodness! I’ve had so many shifts and changes in my life this year already 😅. Honestly, I can barely keep up with it all. Despite all the changes, though, I still want to set intentional time to prioritize myself, my goals, and my needs.
For this week’s reflection let’s think about things we can do differently that may benefit us. What behaviors, habits, or routines do you want to change or improve?
I’ll go first! Instead of scrolling on social media for a few hours every day, I choose to read and watch my comfort shows this week.
What about you?
You can also find this prompt in The Pencil Case on The Mighty here.
As I prepare for my first NAMI-NYC Expressive Arts workshop for the year (I will share the flyer soon), I want to go back and share the affirmations we closed off each workshop with last year. I’m grateful for every opportunity I have to creatively express myself with a community I care so much about ♥️.
Learning to listen to the whispers of my intuition.
The more I quiet my mind, the louder it becomes.
It’s gentle and soft.
A teacher.
Each lesson allowing the seeds of self-confidence to blossom.
Unlike my ego thoughts, my intuition is quiet, kind, and gentle. If I’m not listening, I can’t hear when it’s giving me directions and guiding me through my day. I’m learning what the voice of my intuition sounds like and how it feels to pay attention. When I allow my intuitive thoughts to lead, my confidence naturally follows.
Affirmation: I trust myself and my intuition. I know who I am.
What does it feel like for you to follow your intuition? How do you know when your intuition is trying to tell you something?
Encouragement Rest Stop: Write an encouraging message in the comments below.
Write an encouraging message in the comments below for someone who may need it this week ⭐.
I’ll go first!
It’s OK if all you do is exist today. Take as much time as you need for yourself. You are important and deserve to do what’s best for you.
Need help thinking of a message to share? Drop a favorite quote, affirmation, song verse, or positive coping strategy instead. 💌
Find this prompt in The Pencil Case on The Mighty here.
What words, thoughts, phrases, or ideas come to mind when you think about the passage of time?
Mighties, we’re a few days into the new year and I’m working on building a different perspective when it comes to my ideas of time and how to best move forward.
The first step I’m taking is making a list of thoughts, words, phrases, and ideas that come to mind when it comes to the concept of time in general. Here is my list:
💫”Time is an illusion” 🌱 “Time is a series of present moments” 🔁 Past, present, future ⌛Running out ⏰ “Give yourself time” ✅ Right time 🦋 “Time heals all things” 🧘 Patience
What ideas are most true for you? ⌚
This prompt is also in the Chat Space group on The Mighty here.
Write a list of 5 hobbies, habits, coping strategies, or self-care techniques that you want to continue practicing this year.
I’ve learned so many things that have been helpful for my mental health over the past few years — some that I’ve stayed true to and others that’ve been challenging to implement on a daily basis (but I’m still trying!). The 5 that I definitely want to continue practicing this year are:
😴 Staying on top of my sleep (getting between 7 – 9 hours) 👨👩👧👦 Creating new traditions and spending time with my family 🍳Eating breakfast 🍵 Drinking 2 cups of tea every day 🎨 Including some form of creativity in my regular schedule
What are yours?
Also find this prompt in the Let’s Talk Depression group on The Mighty here!
Choose a star and complete the sentence that goes with it! ⭐💫🌟
⭐ I’m proud of myself for… 💫I’m getting better at… 🌟 I’m no longer going to…
I’ll choose the third star 🌟!
I’m no longer going to push myself past my limits or do things I don’t have enough energy for.
Which star do you choose? 🙂
This prompt is also in the Cheer Me On group on The Mighty here.
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.
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!
SparklyWarTanks 