Self-care

One thing I have to do on a daily basis—especially as someone who’s a recovering perfectionist living with persistent depression, generalized anxiety, and PTSD, and who is also a creative introvert with an endless stream of ideas—is constantly shift my thoughts.

One uncomfortable interaction or moment of insecurity can send me into a spiral almost instantly. Shifting my thoughts helps me learn to trust myself and my intuition, even when my nervous system gets triggered.

Let’s practice shifting a negative thought together today.

Step 1: Identify one unhelpful, uncomfortable, anxious, or spiraling thought.

Step 2: Shift the thought by finding its opposite. This might look like recognizing your boundaries, focusing on what you can control, naming how you want to feel, or imagining a more realistic outcome.

Here’s my shifted thought:

1. Original thought: I’m different from everyone, I’m too much, and I don’t belong.

2. Shifted thought: I’m enough just the way I am. My family and friends love me for who I am, and I’ll continue to find people who resonate with me.

Share your shifted thoughts below! 💬

#BipolarDepression #BipolarDisorder #PTSD #ComplexPosttraumaticStressDisorder #Schizophrenia #ADHD #Parenting #ChronicIllness #SchizoaffectiveDisorder #BorderlinePersonalityDisorder #Anxiety #ObsessiveCompulsiveDisorder #Depression #MentalHealth #Selfcare #EatingDisorders #CheckInWithMe

The weekend is approaching yet again. We made it through the week (round of applause to us 👏).

For today’s self-care challenge, let’s brainstorm some ways we can foster our own creativity this weekend. Some ideas: writing, taking a walk, or cleaning up some clutter so you have a more comfortable workspace to be in!

Wishing you all so many creative vibes in the coming couple of days.

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

The beauty of creativity is its versatility in how it can be expressed and shared. Creativity can be seen everywhere (even in nature), leaving so many avenues of inspiration to be found — you just have to know where to look. ✨

Mighty staffer @sparklywartanks finds inspirations in the music she listens to and while scrolling on social media. She loves to see artists and online content creators sharing their art!

What inspires you?

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

Let’s let our creativity shine!

Whether it’s through our personal style, how we speak or sing, how we move our bodies, or what we write about or creative art around — there are so many different ways we can express ourselves.

What is your favorite form of self-expression?

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

Happy Monday, Mighties! 😇

Let’s dive into this week’s theme of creativity! (This is Mighty staffer @sparklywartanks favorite thing in the world BTW. 😁)

Creativity can encompass an endless amount of interests, skills, practices, talents, and habits. Creativity for one person can look quite different from another person and that’s the beauty of it all!

While some might bask in their creative energy, others might not consider it a strength… and that’s OK! There’s no right way when it comes to self-expression.

Would you consider yourself a creative person? Answer "true" or "false" in the comments below.

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

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

This piece reflects finding calm within disorder. The repeating patterns symbolize life’s constant motion, while the blue spaces represent moments of pause — small acts of self-care that bring balance and grounding amidst chaos. #Art #MentalHealth #Selfcare

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