Tag: Reflection

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

Pencil Case Reflection Prompts: Exploring What “Healthy” Means and Things To Look Forward To

Posted on by SparklyWarTanks

Activity

What does “healthy” look like for you?

We all experience health, from how we take care of our bodies or manage our health symptoms/conditions, to the decisions we make in our life and how we maintain a state of well-being — physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and socially. This, of course, looks different for all of us since we’re all unique and have different experiences.

My Reflection

To me, “healthy” means and looks like knowing where my limits are and feeling good in my body. Health for me also looks like understanding myself and allowing myself to feel my feelings, always being mindful of how much sleep I’m getting, and knowing how and when to ask for help.

What about you? What does “healthy” look like for you?

Find this prompt here in The Pencil Case on The Mighty!

Activity

Finish this sentence: I’m looking forward to _________.

My Reflection

Guess what?!

I don’t really get the opportunity to go out to big events much, but I’m going to an NF concert (who I absolutely love) and I’m super excited! I’ve been looking forward to this for months and it’s finally here 😁🙌. Yay me!

What’s something you’re looking forward to? 👀

Let’s cheer each other on in the comments below! 🥳💃

Find this prompt here in The Pencil Case on The Mighty!

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

Journaling Prompts: Meditation, Passions, Imagery, and Poetry

Posted on by SparklyWarTanks

Activity

What are your thoughts on meditation?

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 here in 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!

Posted in Reflection, Self-Care, Self-Talk, The Mighty

Journaling, Reflections, and Realizations: Pressing Forward

Posted on by SparklyWarTanks

Activity

Name 3 things you want to do during the month of June.

It’s already June and I can barely believe it 😩. How is half the year almost over? Time is flying, literally.

Let’s share some things we want to accomplish, prioritize, or experience this month.

My Reflection

Here is my list!

⏰ Continue to go to bed before 2:00 a.m.
📋 Make sure to prioritize myself and my needs every day along with my daily responsibilities.
☀️ Get outside for fresh air regularly during the week.

You can also find this prompt here in the Chat Space group on The Mighty!

Activity

What’s something you’ve been practicing recently?

My Reflection

I’ll go first!

I’m trying to get better at identifying my emotions and knowing what to do and who to ask for help when I feel overwhelmed.

You can also find this prompt here in the Cheer Me On group on The Mighty!

Activity and Reflection

What’s a truth you stand by?

The more I prioritize myself and my needs, the more I’m able to identify what truths I stand by in order to create the life I want for myself in recovery. My main truth is to always believe and pay attention to what my body and intuition is telling me, especially when I’m uncomfortable or I’m reaching a limit.

What about you?

You can also find this prompt here in the Let’s Talk Depression group on The Mighty!

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

Pencil Case Prompts: Mental Health Check-In

Posted on by SparklyWarTanks

Activity

How would you describe your week so far?

How has everyone’s week been?

My Reflection

For me, I would describe my week as busy. I also haven’t been feeling too well with all that’s going on. I’m doing my absolute best, though! 💪😌

You can also find this post here in The Pencil Case on The Mighty!

Activity

Finish this sentence: Today, my best looks like _______________.

We did it! We made it through half the week like the champions we are 🙌.

Let’s reflect on what our best looks like today, whether that be checking things off our to-do lists, working, studying, or simply existing.

My Reflection

I’ll share first!

Today, my best looks like finishing up my work in the morning and taking time out to simply be for the remainder of the day, relieving myself of any expectations and worries.

You can also find this post 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 Journaling Prompts: Self-Talk

Posted on by SparklyWarTanks

Activity Prompt

What words would you like to use more of when talking about (or to) yourself?

My Reflection

In the early days of my recovery journey, the first thing a counselor said to me was, “Do you realize how you speak to yourself? Would you speak to someone you love the same way you speak to yourself?” Let’s just say my answer was an automatic “no.” This sparked a change in my perspective and from that point on, I became more aware of my inner dialogue and the words I use to communicate with myself.

Since then, the words I make sure I use in my “self-care and self-love dialogue” are “I deserve…” “I’m allowed to…” and “help.” I’m learning to be more kind to myself.

What about you? What words would you like to use more of?

You can also find this prompt here in The Pencil Case on The Mighty!

Posted in Events, Keep Moving: Motivation and Inspiration, Mental Health, Self-Talk

NAMI-NYC Virtual Expressive Arts Workshop Event: That’s My Favorite

Posted on by SparklyWarTanks

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

Hope to see you there!

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

Reflection Prompts and Affirmations: Looking Ahead

Posted on by SparklyWarTanks

Activity

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!

Posted in Events, Keep Moving: Motivation and Inspiration

NAMI-NYC Virtual Expressive Arts Workshop Event: Colors

Posted on by SparklyWarTanks

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

Hope to see you there!

Posted in Creative Writing, Keep Moving: Motivation and Inspiration, Love, Mental Health, Power

I Deserve…

Posted on by SparklyWarTanks

In celebration of my recent birthday I’m walking into this year with an open mind and heart to receive. I’m deserving of good things and good things flow to me effortlessly. 

I deserve….

Peace of mind.
Love in abundance. 
To laugh. 
Consistency in my relationships with others. 
To eat full meals every day. 
To wake up with energy. 
Sunlight.
Breaks and rest. 
To sleep 8 -10 hours. 
Reciprocation. 
To learn new things. 
To have positive experiences. 
To heal my nervous system.
Friends. 
A healthy and healing partnership.
To receive what I desire. 
Hugs. 

I deserve to feel good being who I am. I am proud of myself and move forward knowing how much I’ve achieved, especially in the past 10 years. It hasn’t always been easy, and that’s OK. I can make it through every time. 

I celebrate myself.
I’ve made it this far.

Posted in Keep Moving: Motivation and Inspiration, Self-Care, Self-Talk, The Mighty

More April Writing Prompts and Reflections: Finding Your Happy Place and Lesson Learning

Posted on by SparklyWarTanks

Activity

What does your “happy place” look like?

If someone told you to mentally visualize a “calm and happy place” in your mind, what would that place look like?

One of the practices that’s helps me over the years — especially in times of overwhelm, or even when I started practicing mindfulness — is visualization. When I want to create a safe space for myself, it’s been helpful for me to mentally craft what that place would look like in my mind.

My Reflection

My “calm and happy place” is walking through a nice green field with flowers on a sunny day. In the distance I can see a stream and a large tree where butterflies are slowly fluttering around.

You can also check out this prompt in the Check In With Me group on The Mighty here!

Activity

What’s a lesson you’re learning this year?

My Reflection

This year has been a doozy for me in terms of learning lessons and considering/prioritizing my needs. Sometimes it would be great to just get a break 😅.

A lesson I’m learning so far in 2023 is that it’s OK to put myself first even when I feel guilty, this includes asking for help or standing up for myself and staying true to my boundaries.

What are you learning these days?

You can also check out this prompt in the Chat Space group on The Mighty here!