Tag: Reflection

Posted in Mental Health, Self-Care, Self-Talk, The Mighty

The Mighty #CheckInWithMe Group Prompt: What Would You Tell Your Teenage Self about Love?

Posted on by SparklyWarTanks
Reflection prompt shared with me by xokat and graphic created by me.

Activity/Reflection Prompt:

What would you tell your teenage self about love?

My Reflection

I remember when I was a teenager I struggled a lot with my self-esteem and self-worth. I later realized because of this my perception of love was impacted; I struggled so much especially with self-love. I remember always wanting to be in a relationship and being in the “fairy tale” type of love story. I thought that I would only be satisfied with the idea of love if I was in a romantic relationship with my “soulmate.”  Valentines day hit me hard every year because, to me, it was a reminder of my failures in love.  

It took me up until now, as an adult, to slowly learn to love myself fully and unconditionally. I would tell my teenage self that love is all around me — from how I speak to myself, to the ones I surround myself with; from my creativity to my advocacy work; from how I interact with others to being in nature and expressing gratitude for what I have. Love is everywhere, I just have to open myself up to feel it.  

Warm and Friendly Reminder: Love is vast and can show up in many different ways including in friendships, family (biological or otherwise), romanic relationships, in  work/hobbies, in nature, and in self-love. Love is never too far away. 

Affirmations you can practice for self-love: 

“I am worthy of acceptance and love.” 

“I love myself.”  

“Love is all around me.” 

What about you? What would you tell your teenage self about love?

Join the conversation here in the Check In With Me group on TheMighty.com

Posted in Keep Moving: Motivation and Inspiration, Potential and Worth, Power

Have You Been Procrastinating on Achieving Your Goals or Desires?

Posted on by SparklyWarTanks

Sometimes we have dormant goals and desires that we put off although the thought of achieving that goal or desire resurfaces ever so often. We find ourselves procrastinating and overthinking, perhaps because of subconscious fears, doubts or other responsibilities. Know however, that’s it’s okay to take small steps to reaching where you want to go.

Here are some reflection questions when finding yourself overthinking or procrastinating on a specific goal:

  1. How do I feel about my goal or desire? How important is it to me?
  2. Do I have enough information or resources to reach my desired outcome?
  3. What would be the first step in achieving my goal? Is there anything holding me back from that first step?
  4. If I were to take the first step into achieving my goal, would I be ready to continue putting in effort?
  5. How can I balance or change my daily schedule to incorporate time and energy into my goal or desire?
  6. What would be possible challenges in pursuing my goal or desire?
  7. Who can I ask for support in achieving my goal?

It’s okay to do what’s best for you when making big decisions for yourself. Take one moment at a time, one step at a time and know it’s okay to be proud of yourself every step of the way.

Posted in Keep Moving: Motivation and Inspiration, Mental Health, Potential and Worth, Power, The Mighty, The Pencil Case on The Mighty

Pencil Case Prompts: What helps you when you you are struggling? 

Posted on by SparklyWarTanks

Activity

What is one person, place, thing, or idea that helps you when you are struggling and need support or a distraction? 

Note: Feel free to share more than one if you would like.

My Reflection

When I am struggling, it helps for me to watch my favorite anime or create art with my cricut machine! I also love to write on my blog and create quotes that are the opposite of what I am feeling. 

Join the conversation here in The Pencil Case on TheMighty.com

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

Pencil Case Prompts: What do you want to leave in 2021?

Posted on by SparklyWarTanks

Activity

As we move forward toward the end of the year into a new year, let’s reflect on all we’ve accomplished and the goals we’ve set.  Getting to this point is nothing short of amazing. I’m so proud of my Pencil Case family. 
With celebrating wins and the creation of new goals also comes the things we want to leave behind us. The things that we don’t want to carry around anymore. What do you want to let go of? What do you want to leave in 2021?

My Reflection

Here is a list of what I want to leave in 2021: 

  1. Self-doubt.                          
  2. The phrase ”I can’t”.           
  3. Co-dependency habits.    
  4. Any low-frequency thoughts that limit my power and potential.            
  5. Not speaking up for myself or my needs. 

Join the conversation here in The Pencil on TheMighty.com.

Posted in Events, Keep Moving: Motivation and Inspiration, Mental Health, Videos

I Participated in the NAMI-NYC Seeds of Hope Gala!

Posted on by SparklyWarTanks
NAMI-NYC Seeds of Hope 2021 Interview

Being a mental health advocate means standing firm in your experiences without shame showing others that it’s okay to ask for the support you need.

I share my story in confidence and clarity. I live every day in recovery. I love myself unapologetically and I do what I do to pave the way for others to also become advocates of their own story.

Check out the full virtual event here: https://youtu.be/MqqBQjX1YKo

Posted in Keep Moving: Motivation and Inspiration, Mental Health, Potential and Worth, Self-Care, The Pencil Case on The Mighty

Pencil Case Prompts: Choose a Writing Prompt

Posted on by SparklyWarTanks

Activity

Choose a writing prompt! 

  1. What are 5 people, places, things, or ideas you are grateful for?
  2. What do you want to improve before the end of the year? 
  3. What is one thing you are looking forward to? 
  4. Write a short letter or poem describing a time you learned a valuable lesson. 

Note: Feel free to choose more than one writing prompt! 

My Reflection

I would like to challenge myself and do all four prompts! 

  1. My family, the opportunities I have to express myself creatively, my dogs, my healing journey, the lessons I’ve learned. 
  2. I want to sleep 8 to 10 hours every night. 
  3. I am looking forward to spending time with all of my siblings during the holiday season. 
  4. Even with the world on my shoulders, I soared past the clouds carrying pounds of rainfall. Each drop is a day that’s gone by. I continue to fly ahead. I can keep flying. I choose to keep flying. 

Join the conversation here in The Pencil Case on The Mighty.

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

Pencil Case Prompts: Pick a Butterfly

Posted on by SparklyWarTanks

Activity

Choose a butterfly and follow the prompt that goes with that butterfly. 

Orange butterfly: List three things that make you smile .
Blue butterfly: where is your favorite place to go to relax?
Yellow butterfly: describe a moment where you felt brave.

Note: feel free to choose more than one butterfly! 

My Reflection

I choose the orange and blue butterflies.
Orange butterfly: Three things that make me smile are my dogs, spending time with my family, and sharing my mental health story to help others feel empowered. 
Blue butterfly: My favorite place to go to relax is my bedroom with all of my pillows. 

Join the conversation here in The Pencil Case on TheMighty.com.

Posted in Events

NAMI-NYC Virtual Expressive Arts Event: I Honor My Truths

Posted on by SparklyWarTanks

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!

Posted in Keep Moving: Motivation and Inspiration, Potential and Worth, Power, Self-Care

What Is Your Body Telling You?

Posted on by SparklyWarTanks

Want to know how to feel your emotions and grow in self-awareness?

Start by understanding how your emotions feel in your body. Do you feel anxiety or fear in your stomach? Maybe stress as headaches or body fatigue? Identify the body sensation with the emotion that goes with it. Listen to what your body is telling you and learn how to honor your body’s needs.

What is your body telling you today?

My body is telling me to slow down and not push myself too hard. My body is also telling me to work on my insomnia and get more rest.

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

Pencil Case Prompts: What’s Your Favorite Song?

Posted on by SparklyWarTanks

Activity

Who loves music as much as I do?!🖐
Let’s share some of our all time favorites.

🎼 What is your favorite song?
🎶What music do you like listening to?
🎵What’s your favorite genre? 

My Reflection

Right now, my favorite song is “Just Like You” by NF. I really love to listen to music I can relate to that helps me feel like I’m not alone. 

Join the conversation here in The Pencil Case on The Mighty.