#52SmallThings: A Weekly Self-Care Challenge

Isn't the best when you make a connection with someone and have a positive experience doing so?

Let's end the week by sharing those refreshing moments of connection below. 👇

Mighty staffer @sparklywartanks remembers the first time she began facilitating creative workshops. She didn't expect so many people to attend and enjoy the activities she created. The experience felt great!

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

Making, having, and maintaining connections is important, but it can all be a bit draining. 🫠 This is especially true for those of us who have a limited number of spoons to go around. (BTW, there's definitely no shame in needing to prioritize yourself.)

What social situations make you feel the most drained?

Mighty staffer @sparklywartanks feels the most drained after spending time with large groups of people. She prefers a smaller group or just people she's already comfortable with.

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

Yes, the connections we have with others are super important, but so is the connection we have with ourselves!

We do spend the most time with ourselves, after all, and we deserve to have the best relationship we can. 💌

How can you improve the connection you have with yourself? What are some ways you can strengthen it?

Mighty staffer @sparklywartanks says she can strengthen her relationship with herself by doing the activities she enjoys more consistently.

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

Happy Monday, Mighty fam! ⭐

Today’s the perfect day to get started on this week’s self-care challenge, which is all about the connections we have in our lives. Whether it be with family, friends, our health care providers, co-workers, bosses, or even strangers we encounter while out and about, the connections we have with those around us impact us immensely — in ways both good and bad.

It’s natural and "normal" to have a closer connection with some people in our lives, and not so much with others. Knowing ourselves as well as what we value in our social and support circles can help us to establish which connections are the most important to us.

Who in your life do you feel most connected to?

Share in the comments below! ⬇️

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

Sometimes we just need to hear some happy stories, so let’s share a few of the positive experiences we’ve had when it comes to reaching out for help and actually receiving it.

Following an unpleasant experience in college, Mighty staffer @sparklywartanks started therapy in 2019 after not seeking help for her mental health for over three years. She was really happy she made the step to ask for help because she then found a really kind and empathetic therapist in return!

Note: It’s totally OK if you feel you haven’t received the help you deserve and needed in the past. We’re here with you and extend our support in any capacity we can. 🌟

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

In the poll we asked earlier in the week, 58% of the group said that you ask for help sometimes but would rather do things on your own and 25% said that you only ask for help when it's an emergency, so we’re curious what your experience is when helping others. Do you find it easier? How come?

P.S. We’ve heard so many community members share that they enjoy helping out those around them, especially those on The Mighty who are struggling. We applaud and commend all who have made The Mighty what it is today.🏅

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

For some, reaching out for help and support can be really challenging and even exhausting sometimes, especially if they're used to relying on only themselves. We totally get that!

What advice would you give to someone who experiences that challenge, but wants to seek support from others?

Mighty staffer @sparklywartanks shared that it took her years to ask for help and found it really challenging to open up to others. Although it took her awhile, practicing smaller gestures — like asking her mom for water when anxious or to go on a walk with her — allowed Nina to gather up the courage that made asking for support a more regular habit.

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