ThePencilCase

Writing letters has always been a powerful tool for me to process and release stress, limiting beliefs, and painful memories. It helps me learn how to love and care for myself more deeply. 2024 has been a big year for me, and today I want to bid it farewell.

Dear 2024,

I want to say goodbye. You’ve taught me so much in just 12 months, and I’m grateful for all the tough lessons I’ve learned. I’ve experienced painful moments and beautiful ones, had "aha" moments, and encountered situations I still don’t fully understand.

I choose to release the stress and anxiety I’ve been carrying, especially from these past three months. I deserve peace of mind, even if only for a second or two. As I close this chapter, I do so knowing I gave my best. I’m proud of myself for making it to this point, and I choose to give myself grace today.

Thank you and farewell,
Nina

If you feel inspired and up to it, you’re welcome to write your own farewell letter—whether in your own journal or in the comments below. 💌

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

Mighties, I received this tiny shark as a gift, and the first thing I thought when my brother gave it to me was, "I have to show my Mighty fam!" It’s so small, adorable, and also encouraging. 😩

In the spirit of my tiny shark friend, let’s share one act of kindness we can show ourselves today.

I’ll go first!
One act of kindness I can show myself today is spending some time writing on my blog after I finish my work and sharing other thoughtful gifts I’ve received that made me smile.

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

Hi Pencil Case fam! 💌

This month, I’ve been struggling a bit with my creativity. Over the past few week though, I’ve been trying my best to find inspiration and motivation to start writing and creating again. So far, I've found that connecting more with myself, resting, taking long walks, and exploring different art spaces in stores have helped me feel a little better and inspired new ideas.

I’m curious to know what inspires and motivates you. What helps you work on your projects or start new ones?

Feel free to share your insights below! 🥰

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

Had fun at art class last night. Had fun drawing trees. For the first time, after a fruitless attempt to draw a tree from my phone, I stopped trying and started playing about, drawing trees from my mind instead. Particularly proud of this one. It reminds me of EH Shephard's 100 acre wood illustrations (though not as complex - he was a brilliant artist ☺️)

#ArtTherapy #perfectionism #Depression #Anxiety #PTSD #PTSDSupportAndRecovery #MightyArtRoom #ThePencilCase

When you come across this post, I invite you to take this 3-step mindful moment with me:

Step 1: Pause what you are doing and take three deep breaths. Count for two seconds as you inhale and two seconds as you exhale.

Step 2: Note how your body is feeling and what types of self-care you need to prioritize today.

Step 3: Set one positive intention or goal for the rest of your week.

Note: Feel free to share your notes, reflections, goals, and intentions in the comments below. 💌

Here are my notes and intentions:

Today, I definitely need to prioritize my emotional well-being and take a break from social media. I also want to take myself on a date, especially since I've been overthinking and having trouble sleeping.

My intention for the rest of the week is to show myself more love and do something that excites me.

⭐️ Bonus: If you haven't seen already, I have a new group Mighty Mood Tracking where you can track you mood and reflect on how you're feeling! Check it out if you would like. 😊

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

Hi Mighties! 🌟

I'll be honest 😔, I haven't been feeling the greatest. Navigating life has been weighing on me and I would really like to catch a break. I haven't written anything in a long time, so I'd like to reflect with my Pencil Case fam today 🩷.

For our reflection, let's explore the moments where we've experienced relief (even if only temporarily). What does relief feel like to you? What makes those moments important?

For me, I've experienced relief when I don't have as many responsibilities and I can sit in my room and relax. Knowing I can prioritize my self-care helps me to feel more free in myself.

Share your moments below 💌!

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

Whether it's the transition from fall to winter, winter to spring, or spring to summer, the changes in seasons seem to always affect me in different ways 🤔. I definitely notice a change in my mood, thoughts, and motivation for sure. I even notice sometimes I have a persistent low mood in the hotter months sometimes too, but I'm more inclined to go outside for a walk.

What are your thoughts and experiences? How do the seasons affect you and your mental and/or physical health?

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

Oh my goodness, Pencil Case fam! I've had so many shifts and changes in my life this year already 😅. Honestly, I can barely keep up with it all. Despite all the changes, though, I still want to set intentional time to prioritize myself, my goals, and my needs.

For this week's reflection let's think about things we can do differently that may benefit us. What behaviors, habits, or routines do you want to change or improve?

I'll go first!
Instead of scrolling on social media for a few hours every day, I choose to read and watch my comfort shows this week.

What about you?

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

Write an encouraging message in the comments below for someone who may need it this week ⭐.

I’ll go first!

It’s OK if all you do is exist today. Take as much time as you need for yourself. You are important and deserve to do what’s best for you.

Need help thinking of a message to share? Drop a favorite quote, affirmation, song verse, or positive coping strategy instead. 💌

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

I'll go first!

I would write the message, "Congratulations, you've successfully passed to the next level!" and add a gift card with an unlimited amount of hugs in it 🥹🥳.

#CheerMeOn #DistractMe #ThePencilCase #MentalHealth #Depression #Anxiety #CheckInWithMe