The Weight I Carry
For a long time,
I wondered why I compared myself to others so often—
both consciously and unconsciously—
questioning whether I was falling behind, and if I would ever catch up.
I would look around
and find myself alone—
the only one,
a spectator
watching as I could no longer see the silhouette
of those who seemed
so far ahead of me. I’m at the bottom of the hill.
I now realize and acknowledge:
this is what grief feels like for me. Something I’ve been carrying for a long, long time—
a weighted blanket
that’s become part of my body.
No one sees it,
but I feel it.
Today, I allow myself to feel sad.
It’s OK to feel sad today.
I give myself grace.
I don’t push my feelings aside,
or try to force positivity.
I feel my emotions—
and let them pass through.
They deserve space, too.
Tag: Reflection
A Message to My Inner Teen
Write a message to your teenage self about a lesson or truth you’ve learned that you didn’t know back then.
Something I find helpful for understanding the shame and grief I carry is writing messages, notes, and letters to my younger self — whether that’s my inner child or my inner teen. These are parts of me that endured so much and didn’t know how to cope with those intense experiences at the time.
Lately, I’ve been connecting with my inner teenager and allowing her to finally feel everything she wasn’t allowed to back then. I’ve noticed how angry, crushed, and betrayed she still feels from all the things she wished she could experience but couldn’t, and how much she wasn’t able to process or release because she didn’t understand what was happening.
Here is my message to her today:
Dear teen Nina,
It’s OK to feel every emotion coming up right now — anger, resentment, shame, frustration, betrayal. I know those feelings are scary for you. You don’t have to perform anymore or try to be perfect for everyone around you. It’s OK to make mistakes; that doesn’t make you a bad person. You deserve to be loved and accepted every day without having to do anything to earn it. You can move slowly and take your time — no one is pressuring you anymore. You are free to be your wonderful and beautiful self.
Oh, and one more thing: other people’s suffering or struggles are not your fault. You are not responsible for their emotions or reactions.
I love you, and I’m here whenever you need me.
— Adult Nina (sparklywartanks)
Also find this prompt in the No Shame group on The Mighty here.
Pencil Case Prompts: How can you be creative this week? 👀🎨
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.
Farewell 2024
Write a farewell letter to 2024.
Writing letters has always been a powerful tool for me to process and release stress, limiting beliefs, and painful memories. It helps me learn how to love and care for myself more deeply. 2024 has been a big year for me, and today I want to bid it farewell.
Dear 2024,
I want to say goodbye. You’ve taught me so much in just 12 months, and I’m grateful for all the tough lessons I’ve learned. I’ve experienced painful moments and beautiful ones, had “aha” moments, and encountered situations I still don’t fully understand.
I choose to release the stress and anxiety I’ve been carrying, especially from these past three months. I deserve peace of mind, even if only for a second or two. As I close this chapter, I do so knowing I gave my best. I’m proud of myself for making it to this point, and I choose to give myself grace today.
Thank you and farewell,
Nina
If you feel inspired and up to it, you’re welcome to write your own farewell letter—whether in your own journal or in the comments below. 💌
You can also find this post in The Pencil Case on The Mighty here.
New Friends and a Pencil Case Prompt for You. 🙂
Ah, a tiny shark! What’s one act of kindness you can show yourself today?
I received this tiny shark as a gift, and the first thing I thought when my brother gave it to me was, “I have to show my Mighty/Sparkly fam!” It’s so small, adorable, and also encouraging. 😩
In the spirit of my tiny shark friend, let’s share one act of kindness we can show ourselves today.
I’ll go first!
One act of kindness I can show myself today is spending some time writing on my blog (me writing this on my blog right now haha) after I finish my work and sharing other thoughtful gifts I’ve received that made me smile.
Also find this prompt in The Pencil Case on The Mighty here.
Expressive Arts Affirmations for 2024!
It’s been a long 12 months, but one thing that brought me immense joy this year was the hour and a half I spent in my Expressive Arts groups on those special Saturdays. Here are the affirmations we closed with and carried with us throughout the year. I’m so proud of everyone who joined me. Thank you. 🌟😌
Taking Off the Mask
🎭 12/11/24: Who knew that scribbles on a page can tell such a specific story. It’s safe to take off the mask. I’m allowed to share the feelings that are spilling from my subconscious.
Context: Art therapy assignment.
New Group on The Mighty! Mighty Mood Tracking
Guess what?! I have a new group on The Mighty called Mighty Mood Tracking. Check it out if you’re interested in regularly keeping up with and reflecting about how you’re feeling. ⏰
Pencil Case Prompts: Take This 3-Step Mindful Moment With Me!
Have a second? Take this 3-step mindful moment with me!
When you come across this post, I invite you to take this 3-step mindful moment with me:
Step 1: Pause what you are doing and take three deep breaths. Count for two seconds as you inhale and two seconds as you exhale.
Step 2: Note how your body is feeling and what types of self-care you need to prioritize today.
Step 3: Set one positive intention or goal for the rest of your week.
Note: Feel free to share your notes, reflections, goals, and intentions in the comments below. 💌
Here are my notes and intentions:
Today, I definitely need to prioritize my emotional well-being and take a break from social media. I also want to take myself on a date, especially since I’ve been overthinking and having trouble sleeping.
My intention for the rest of the week is to show myself more love and do something that excites me.
You can also find this post here in The Pencil Case on TheMighty.com.
7 Days of Affirmations: Day 7!
✨It’s our final day of affirmations! ✨
Here is what I’ve come up with for today:
I welcome positive change and transformation into my life. I am equipped to face any challenge that comes my way. I am grateful for what I’m learning and I’m ready to continue on my journey.
Reflection: I did it! I challenged myself to create, write, and reflect every day for 7 days. I’m so proud of myself for keeping at it. I feel a lot better than I did a week ago. I’m ready for what’s next and will keep doing my best 😇.
SparklyWarTanks 