#52SmallThings: A Weekly Self-Care Challenge

Being alone with your thoughts can be an overwhelming sensation at times — especially in those moments when distractions are at an all-time high, or processing them doesn’t feel super safe or accessible. Whether it be due to a health condition, external circumstances, or all of the above, having a way to get through those tough moments is important.

Mighty staffer @sparklywartanks finds it hardest to be alone with her thoughts when she’s having limiting beliefs and things around her don’t seem like they would change. Journaling is important to her because it allows her to explore the things she can do for herself that can help her find a sense of relief.

When do you find it hardest to be alone with your thoughts? What are some things you do or can do that would be helpful in processing those thoughts?

#52SmallThings #Journaling #CheckInWithMe #Selfcare #MentalHealth #Disability #ChronicIllness #ChronicPain #RareDisease #Anxiety #Depression
#Autism #Parenting #PTSD #BorderlinePersonalityDisorder #BipolarDisorder #Fibromyalgia #Lupus #MultipleSclerosis #Migraine #Spoonie

🫰And just like that… we’re already starting a new self-care challenge! This week’s prompts will be all about journaling. ✍️

Whether it’s with pen and loose paper, on a notes/journaling app, in a Word or Google doc, or drawing or doodling in a pretty notebook — there are many different ways you can journal.

Some may find journaling especially helpful in processing their thoughts and emotions, but this isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. Since all brains are different, you may actually find it to be a chore or challenging to keep up with!

What is your experience? Do you find journaling helpful for your mental, or even your physical, health?

#52SmallThings #Journaling #CheckInWithMe #Selfcare #MentalHealth #Disability #ChronicIllness #ChronicPain #RareDisease #Anxiety #Depression
#Autism #Parenting #PTSD #BorderlinePersonalityDisorder #BipolarDisorder #Fibromyalgia #Lupus #MultipleSclerosis #Migraine #Spoonie

We’ve talked a lot this week about writing our own poetry (we loved reading your words, you brave and creative souls!), but what about reading poetry? That practice can be just as powerful as the creation.

To end our challenge, let’s share the poems that have changed our lives, worldviews, perspectives, and emotions.

#52SmallThings #MightyPoets #Selfcare #MentalHealth #Disability #ChronicIllness #ChronicPain #RareDisease #Anxiety #Depression
#Autism #Parenting #PTSD #BorderlinePersonalityDisorder #BipolarDisorder #Fibromyalgia #Lupus #MultipleSclerosis #Migraine #Spoonie

It’s poetry writing time. ☺️✒️

For today’s challenge, write a five-line poem about how you’re feeling today. You’re free to write in whatever style or structure feels right to you, there are no rules! If you need some inspiration, here are some examples: you could write a free verse, acrostic, imagery, or lyric poem.

Here is @sparklywartanks poem:

With anticipation, she prepares.
Even as she trembles with anxiety and doubt overflows, she remains brave.
She puts herself out there, becoming the face of vulnerability.
Her story is a sacred part of her.
She chooses to let her humanness be seen.

#52SmallThings #MightyPoets #CheckInWithMe #Selfcare #MentalHealth #Disability #ChronicIllness #ChronicPain #RareDisease #Anxiety #Depression
#AutismSpectrum #Parenting #PTSD #BorderlinePersonalityDisorder #BipolarDisorder #Fibromyalgia #Lupus #MultipleSclerosis #Migraine #Spoonie

Writing poetry is like going on an endless adventure in your mind, and the best part is that there isn’t a "right" or "wrong" way to travel.

One day you could write a poem about how you’re feeling, and the next one could be about your favorite food, or even a cherished memory you have. The beauty of poetry is giving your creativity permission to take the lead!

Mighty staffer @sparklywartanks says she enjoys creatively describing her mental health symptoms in her poems as well as celebrating any victories she’s had.

What are your favorite topics to write about? ✍️

#52SmallThings #CheckInWithMe #Selfcare #MentalHealth #Disability #ChronicIllness #ChronicPain #RareDisease #Anxiety #Depression
#Autism #Parenting #PTSD #BorderlinePersonalityDisorder #BipolarDisorder #Fibromyalgia #Lupus #MultipleSclerosis #Migraine #Spoonie

Whether a simple free verse poem or ones filled with metaphors, smilies, and analogies, poetry can be a tool to creatively express your thoughts feelings, and ideas. Some may find it beneficial to use this creative method to get their point across while others may prefer the more direct prose approach.

Do you use poetry to express yourself? Let us know by answering "true" or "false" in the comments below!

#52SmallThings #CheckInWithMe #Selfcare #MentalHealth #Disability #ChronicIllness #ChronicPain #RareDisease #Anxiety #Depression
#Autism #Parenting #PTSD #BorderlinePersonalityDisorder #BipolarDisorder #Fibromyalgia #Lupus #MultipleSclerosis #Migraine #Spoonie

Another week in the bag 👜, Mighty warriors! To conclude this week of tuning up our mental health, let's charge ahead. How can you continue to prioritize your mental health this weekend?

Mighty staffer @sparklywartanks says she’ll watch her comfort shows and sleep in.

#52SmallThings #CheckInWithMe #Selfcare #MentalHealth #Disability #ChronicIllness #ChronicPain #RareDisease #Anxiety #Depression
#Autism #Parenting #PTSD #BorderlinePersonalityDisorder #BipolarDisorder #Fibromyalgia #Lupus #MultipleSclerosis #Migraine #Spoonie

When we speak or write something into existence, we give it less power over us. So today, let’s try and reclaim some of that power by writing a letter to our biggest fears.

In your letter, you can touch on what your fear is, how it’s affected you, and how you can begin to let it go.

Here is Mighty staffer @sparklywartanks letter:

Dear abandonment,

I’ve been afraid of you for a long time now, ever since I was a little girl. You’ve been lingering over me and preventing me from progressing, but I’m learning who you are and where you came from. You are no longer allowed to cloud my judgment or stop me from making lasting friendships and relationships. I’m taking my life back. You’re no longer going to hold me back.

Good riddance,
Nina

#52SmallThings #CheckInWithMe #Selfcare #MentalHealth #Disability #ChronicIllness #ChronicPain #RareDisease #Anxiety #Depression
#Autism #Parenting #PTSD #BorderlinePersonalityDisorder #BipolarDisorder #Fibromyalgia #Lupus #MultipleSclerosis #Migraine #Spoonie