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!
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!
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.
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!
Finish this sentence: I’m proud of myself for ________________.
Let’s cheer one another on today! What are you proud of yourself for right now?
My Reflection
I’ll go first!
I’m proud of myself for continuing to push through, completing my daily tasks, and working on my personal projects. I’ve been struggling a lot with my mental health these past few weeks, but I’ve still been able to get my work done and make it to this moment right now 🌸.
You can also find this prompt here in The Pencil Case on The Mighty!
Activity
What’s a collection of words or phrases that represent your mental health goals for this month?
As we keeping marching on through the month of April, let’s make a list of words that represent the mental health-minded goals we have for ourselves.
My Reflection
🌈 Here is my collection of words:
Resilience Self-reflection Standing up for myself Realizing my needs Conversations Sunlight Love Challenging my bad habits Consistency Practice New perspectives
What’s on your list?
You can also find this prompt here in The Pencil Case on The Mighty!
For today’s reflection prompt, let’s think about the things we find important.
My Reflection
Here is my list:
🧠 My mental health 🧘 My peace of mind 👪 Family and friends 💕 Spreading love to others 🦋 Taking one moment at a time 💵 Paying attention to my finances 🌹Healing my inner child and going to therapy 🥙🚰 Making sure I’m eating enough and drinking water ❤️ My Mighty work!
What’s on your list?
You can also find this prompt in The Pencil Case on The Mighty here.
Activity
What’s one thing you can do outside your comfort zone that will benefit you in your health journey this month?
My Reflection
As I walk in my recovery journey, I often find myself at a crossroads with my comfort zone. On one hand, I find myself choosing what’s most familiar to me because it easier to access, but on the other hand I know that change and new habits can benefit my growth, especially when it comes to self-care and consistency 🤔.
Something I’m trying that I know will benefit me and my mental health —and is out of my comfort zone — is reaching out and talking to someone when I catch myself overthinking. It’s so easy for me to go hours feeling overwhelmed when I know it would be helpful to talk out my concerns with someone else.
What about you? What can you do outside your comfort zone that will benefit your journey?
You can also find this prompt in The Self-Care Lounge on The Mighty here.
Activity
What helps you boost your self-confidence when you’re feeling down?
My Reflection
March felt like such a long month for me 😩. My thoughts have been racing for the longest time. I think it’s time for me to prioritize some self-care that’ll boost my self-confidence.
What usually helps me the most is getting my eyebrows done, getting dressed up, and taking myself out on a solo date. I’ll make sure to add that to my to-do list right away 📆✍️.
What about you? What do you do to help boost your self-confidence?
You can also find this prompt in The No Shame group on The Mighty here.
What was the last thing you did for yourself or someone else that made you feel good?
Let’s share some feel-good moments with one another!
My Reflection
The last thing I did for myself that made me feel good was make myself tea and allow myself time to be proud of myself for completing all of my tasks for the week. Checking off that last to-do on Friday to enjoy my weekend felt so good!
You can also find this prompt in The Pencil Case on The Mighty here.
Activity
Finish this sentence: I release the need to _________.
Let’s take some deep breaths and release what’s been keeping us from moving forward.
My Reflection
I release the need to know what will happen next in my life and welcome each moment as it comes. I am on the right path.
Feel free to also check out this post in the Check In With Me group on The Mighty here.
What’s something about yourself that you’re coming to terms with?
My Reflection
So much reflection, so little time. 😅
I feel like I’ve learned more about myself in the last three months than I have the past 15 years. Maybe I’ve said this before, but I’m being so serious 😣. Something I’m understanding more though now, is just how important it is for me to open myself to new experiences — without fear or hesitation. I thrive in moments where I feel free to express myself fully and hope to create those type of moments in my life. I don’t want to feel restricted or dampen my creative potential anymore.
What about you? Is there anything you’re coming to terms with about yourself?
You can also find this prompt here in The Pencil Case on The Mighty.
Activity
How do you define family?
Reflection
I’ve been thinking a lot about family lately 🤔. When I used to think about family, I only equated it with the loved ones I’m related to — but that definition is long gone now. It’s taken on new meaning for me over the past few years. I’m curious if any of you feel the same.
Now when I think about family now, I include everyone here on The Mighty, people from NAMI-NYC, friends, and even the people who I no longer speak to that had a great impact on my journey.
What do you think? How do you define family?
You can also find this prompt here in the Chat Space group on The Mighty.
One of the many lessons I’ve learned — more so in the past month than any other time in my life — is how I feel when I make mistakes. From embarrassment to shame, anxiety, and even confusion; I found that it’s really rough for me. I’m learning though, that even in the midst of navigating my feelings following a mistake I’ve made, it’s OK to be kind to myself. I’m not a bad person for not knowing something, trying something new, and not succeeding in the ways I wanted, or even exhibiting a symptom of my mental health condition.
What are your thoughts on making mistakes? How do you navigate situations where it happens?
Reminder: It’s OK to make mistakes and move forward. You are not your mistakes!
You can also find this prompt here in The Pencil Case on The Mighty!
Activity
What are you proud of yourself for doing recently?
I struggle so much with being proud of myself 😩. I think for me it has a lot to do with my perfectionist tendency to believe I should already know certain things even when I haven’t experienced it yet… make it make sense 🤦🤔. But, in light of understanding this about myself, I wanted to spread some cheer today with sharing accomplishments.
What’s something you did recently, no matter how big or small, that you’re proud of yourself for?
My Reflection
For me, it was standing up for myself, speaking up, and putting my needs and what I wanted for myself first before making a decision.
You can also find this prompt here in The Pencil Case on The Mighty!
I know it’s been a really rough couple of weeks and you feel alone, exhausted, burnt out, and the depression is feeling heavier than usual. I know your thoughts have been racing and you’re wondering if things will get better. I know you’ve been yearning for something you think is impossible to experience, but I want you to know that you’re doing the best you can and it’s OK not to feel OK right now. It’s OK to feel negative emotions sometimes. I want you to know that I’m proud of you. You’ve accomplished so much and you’re worthy of all the happiness and love in the world. You are not void of new experiences and opportunities and this is definitely not the end-all for you. You are so much more and have so much to offer this world. You are amazing, beautiful, and talented beyond measure. I love you so much. We’ll get through this together. You deserve to be celebrated.
Love, SparklyWarTanks
You can also find this prompt https in The Pencil Case on The Mighty!
SparklyWarTanks 