I’m so excited to share that I participated in the NAMI-NYC Seeds of Hope Gala! It was an amazing experience for me to share some of my story and use my voice to help such an impactful non-profit organization. I’ve been volunteering with NAMI-NYC for almost a year and a half, first as an ending the silence young adult presenter, to an expressive arts workshop host, to a young adult support group facilitator.
Affirm that you are ready to let go and move on to make the space within yourself for what you deserve.
I am letting go of:
I now welcome and affirm that I am deserving of good things. I leave behind ignorance, mistakes, and regret. I am ready for new beginnings.
Reminder: Power and greatness is in your hands. You have the ability to be anything and everything you envision for yourself. Declare who you want to be and watch yourself become just that.
Sticker available in MotivateBySWT (Motivation by SparklyWarTanks) Etsy shop now!
“One of the toughest challenges I face living with an invisible illness is explaining to others what it’s like to be in my head. From the long anxious nights fighting insomnia to struggling to find the motivation to get out of bed most mornings, one of the only ways I’m able to explain what it’s like to grapple with my persistent depression is by using analogies.
Analogies help me to be both creative and descriptive as I paint a mental image of my experiences. The most recent analogy I’ve used to explain my depression to my therapist is the most spot-on, especially since this year has been my toughest one yet.
My analogy goes a little like this: Living with persistent depressive disorder is like a series of dark tunnels in my mind. There are no lights at the end of any of these tunnels. Instead, the lights are in small pockets underneath street lamps surrounded by fireflies. These fireflies represent strength, reassurance, and growth. And although they aren’t everlasting, I can use what I’ve learned from them while I continue to crawl along in my dark tunnel.
I’m proud to know my toolbox is filled with everything I’ve learned in the light, but that doesn’t make my darkness end — I face that reality every day. But with that knowledge, I can keep going because I know I’ll soon reach another bright pocket.
Reminder:
If you ever find yourself in your own dark tunnel, it’s OK to rest and take a peek inside your self-care toolbox. You are not alone and the darkness doesn’t always last forever.”
Have you ever used an analogy to describe what it’s like living with an invisible illness? Join the conversation here on The Pencil Case.
This activity was featured in The Mighty #CheckInWithMe newsletter which you can subscribe to on the TheMighty.com or Mighty app.
You are light.
Even in the darkest moments you are strong enough, brave enough, and capable of feeling joy again. You are more. You are power. Remember all the times you were able to get back up. You did it once, you can do it again and again.
You exist on purpose.
The past 3 weeks have been difficult for my mental health, particularly for my depression. One of my favorite activities to do when I’m experiencing my symptoms is creating something I can see every day when I wake up.
Last night, I decided to get some card stock, scissors, a pen, and some images that reflect my vision of empowerment to write myself a message.
Every day I wake up, right next to my pillow, written by my own hand, I’m now reminded of my light, persistence, and resiliency even when my mind is telling me I’m none of these things.
As I trudge through the days exhausted and torn, I must constantly remember who I am and all I’ve accomplished simply by being me. My joy is accessible to me, it’s time I access it.
Even if the odds are great and the challenges overbearing; even if what is in your face seems larger than life; even if the weight is heavy and the future seems bleak all that you are is greater, larger, and stronger than the mountains and hurdles that are placed in your life to stop you.
What you are is more despite those emotions that hold massive pressure in your body.
When I look at you I see a person that can do it. Whatever you see, feel, and want is yours. Take it. Push the mountains to the side. Claim what is yours.
Your joy, peace, and perseverance is yours.
You are not defeated.
Speaking with intention is the first step to manifestation. With talent, skill, and ambition comes bravery and courage to go for what you know you can accomplish. “I can” and “I want” are statements of intention and confidence. Your interests are the gateway to your purpose. Your excitement is the key to that gateway. Empowerment is in the journey of clarity.
You are all you need to step into your season of power.
Speak with intention.
Listen to yourself and how you feel.
Clarity will come when you listen.
Affirmation: I am stepping into my season of clarity, power, and purpose.
Release the tension in your shoulders, sit straight, and breathe. Give yourself time, space, and the grace necessary to let go of anything you are holding on to. Allow the ebbs and flows of the process to teach you what you need to progress and move forward.
Listen to your body.
Listen to your triggers.
Understand yourself.
Affirm you are ready to move forward.
Comment below what snack represents what type of positivity and power boost you need this week from your self-care menu.
Find this Check-In here in The Pencil Case on The Mighty.
