#52SmallThings: A Weekly Self-Care Challenge

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 #CheckInWithMe #Selfcare #MentalHealth #Disability #ChronicIllness #ChronicPain #RareDisease #Anxiety #Depression

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 free verse poem:

Yes, I'm finally back in my body!
I thought I'd be trapped in my subconscious abyss forever.
Ughh, zombies?!
Anxiety tightly holding my hand in this dimension and the next.
Awake never felt so good.

#52SmallThings #CheckInWithMe #Selfcare #MentalHealth #Disability #ChronicIllness #ChronicPain #RareDisease #Anxiety #Depression

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

Mighties, let's talk about poetry this week! 📝

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

Let’s talk positive coping strategies and self-soothing techniques today!

When we’ve had a tiring, stressful, or overwhelming day, knowing how to best practice self-care and comfort ourselves can make all the difference —especially when figuring out the ways that effectively help us unwind and recharge.

Mighty staffer @sparklywartanks likes to lay in silence in her dim-lit room, with all of her pillows surrounding her for comfort. It helps her to reground and re-energize.

How do you comfort yourself at the end of an exhausting day?

#52SmallThings #CheckInWithMe #Selfcare #MentalHealth #Disability #ChronicIllness #ChronicPain #RareDisease #Anxiety #Depression

Knowing who you can share your story, symptoms, or health experiences with is an important (and very personal) choice that may take some trial and error, and careful deliberation to come to terms with. And that’s OK.

We all have different levels of comfort and trust when it comes to opening up to others. Perhaps you feel most comfortable sharing your health details with a doctor or other health professional, a parent or sibling, a friend, or even a stranger you meet at a grocery store or in an online community like The Mighty!

Who do you feel most comfortable sharing with?

P.S. Your story is important and you deserve community and support from people who understand. 💌

#52SmallThings #CheckInWithMe #Selfcare #MentalHealth #Disability #ChronicIllness #ChronicPain #RareDisease #Anxiety #Depression

There is nothing more important than finding spaces where we feel safe and comfortable. Whether its physical or virtual, building community around like-minded people or having a space to call your own can help build stability and maintain mental health.

Where are your safe spaces?

Mighty staffer @sparklywartanks says her safe spaces are her room, the living room with her mom, or over Zoom with her therapist.

💖 P.S. The Mighty is always here to be your safe space if you need it.

#52SmallThings #CheckInWithMe #Selfcare #MentalHealth #Disability #ChronicIllness #ChronicPain #RareDisease #Anxiety #Depression