journaling

I haven’t written much in a while, and as someone who needs to write to release, it has affected my health profoundly. With the addition of a job on top of other responsibilities, I’ve reached my capacity for what one person can hold.

I’ve experienced symptoms for much longer than before, and I can’t say I’ve been dealing with them very well. There’s complexity in navigating mental illness as a “high-functioning” person—between what I allow others to see and what they can literally see.

This year, I’ve felt myself revert to a previous version of myself in certain spaces, which has been challenging. The perfectionism, self-abandonment, and sense of loss from pursuing employment (as I once did for education) have been a lot to process and understand about myself.

💌 A message I need from myself today:

My worth is not defined by my productivity, and I don’t have to “perform well” to be seen and appreciated by those around me. I can prioritize myself and still care about the people around me. Putting myself first does not make me a bad person.

My experience with mental illness does not define who I am. I am a whole person deserving of love, acceptance, community, and care.

I am more than what I long for.

I am not difficult to be around, even if I’ve been in a silent crisis. It’s OK for me to need extra support. I am not a burden, even when others don’t know how to help or give me blank stares.

I am existing as a human being. I am enough as I am. My life is worth living. Positive experiences are ahead of me.

💛 Feel free to free-write below about how you’ve been lately.

#MentalHealth #Journaling #Depression #Anxiety #CheckInWithMe #Fibromyalgia #BorderlinePersonalityDisorder #ObsessiveCompulsiveDisorder #PTSD #BipolarDisorder #Disability #ChronicPain #ChronicIllness #CheerMeOn #DistractMe #ThePencilCase

📒 Spiral notebook: Write a to-do list for today. What's at the top of your list?
📓 Composition notebook: A skill I want (or need) to learn is ___________.
📔 Journal notebook: What's a challenge you've been navigating lately?

I choose the journal notebook! 📔
A challenge I've been navigating is mentally preparing to adjust to a new therapist. Change can be hard for me, but I'm trying to be kinder to myself as I move through this transition.

Which notebook do you choose today? 💙

#MentalHealth #Journaling #Depression #Anxiety #CheckInWithMe #Fibromyalgia #BorderlinePersonalityDisorder #ObsessiveCompulsiveDisorder #PTSD #BipolarDisorder #Disability #ChronicPain #ChronicIllness #CheerMeOn #DistractMe #ThePencilCase

Now that we’ve explored journaling as a self-care tool — thank you for sharing, by the way! — let’s take a moment to put it all into action and write. ✍️

In the comments below, in your own 52 Small Things post, or in a journal, write a few lines about anything that’s been on your mind. This can be something that’s been challenging for you, a health update you want to share with the community (or keep record of), a list of words that describe how you’re feeling, or something you’ve been working on and are proud of yourself for.

Feel free to be as creative or as structured as you like. 💖

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

There are so many different ways you can process your feelings, emotions, and experiences. There is writing, of course, but let’s use today to brainstorm OTHER methods you find helpful in self-reflection.

Some examples could be drawing, taking a walk, or perhaps even talking to a therapist, friend, or trusted loved one.

Mighty staffer @sparklywartanks does her best thinking when she’s talking with her therapist or her mom. These conversations help her gain a different perspective and think things through more clearly.

What do you find helpful?

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

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

I saw this earlier and thought I would share it.