ThePencilCase

Hi Mighty fam! ✨

The word of the week for me is "balance." Lately, I've noticed a build-up of thoughts, habits, and coping strategies that could use some adjusting, so I can feel more energized and less weighed down by unrealistic expectations and challenges that feel suffocating.

To find that balance, I'm going to tip the scale by adding more intention and doing things that boost my motivation and curiosity, like reading, talking with friends, and reaching out to collaborate with people who care about me. On the other side of the scale, I could use less of the negative thoughts and limiting beliefs I have around failure and comparison. I can also take pressure off myself by letting go of the idea that I need to finish every task on my list, and instead adjusting my capacity to what my body actually needs, not some unattainable standard.

What about you? How can you tip the scale to feel more balanced in your daily routine?

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

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

🍪 Creative Cookies
🥞 Patience Pancakes
🍨 Energy Ice Cream
🥝 Self-Compassion Kiwi
🍫 Chocolate Bar of Clarity
🌮 Faith-Filled Taco
🍞 Loaf of Courage
🍯 Honesty Honey Tea 🍵
🌯 Well-Rested Burrito
☕ Connection Coffee

Today, I need a few slices of Self-Compassion Kiwi 🥝, two scoops of Energy Ice Cream 🍨, a large Loaf of Courage 🍞, and an overstuffed Faith-Filled Taco 🌮.

How about you? What motivation snack boost do you need today?

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

Post #4, anyone? The more I explore the role creativity plays in my life, the more I’m learning that it’s not just a way I manage my health—it’s also how I get to know myself on a deeper level: who I truly am and who I want to be.

I find that I’m most creative in two moments: when I’m facing challenges with my mental health, and when I have a breakthrough realization about my growth and what I’m learning. I express and understand myself through a lens of imagination and awareness. I see vulnerability and authenticity in images, colors, metaphors, analogies, and words.

What about you? When do you feel most creative?

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

We’re on post 3️⃣ of exploring how creativity shows up in our lives, our health, and our overall well-being.

Today, let’s talk about the impact of the creative process and the projects we’ve worked on or created that truly mean something to us.

💌 Gentle note: Feel free to share projects that are still a work in progress, ones that were started but not finished, ideas you have, completed pieces you’re proud of, gifts you’ve made for others or yourself, or ongoing passion projects.

If you look at my name here on The Mighty, you’ll see SparklyWarTanks—the name of my blog, but also the name I gave to a major shift in my awareness and health back in 2015. I was experiencing a mental health crisis, and while grappling with my sense of self in a writing class I was taking at the time, that name came to me.

I was pushing against the norms and expectations I grew up with and wanted to become something different. I felt like I was in a battle with myself—my mind and my place in the world.

SparklyWarTanks became the gentle, compassionate, yet bold part of me that fought back, spoke up, and chose herself.
It’s been 11 years since then, and I still use my blog as a safe space to talk about my health, growth, challenges, and progress. I’m proud of staying true to myself. SparklyWarTanks is me. 🌟

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

Hi friends! ⭐

Let’s continue this reflection series by exploring how creativity shows up in our lives.

Growing up, I loved to write, but it was mostly something I did for school rather than as a hobby. Reading and writing were always my favorite subjects. Even though I was often criticized for not knowing “proper” grammar, I still found joy in expressing myself through words. I also majored in vocal performance in middle and high school and joined a choir in college. Creativity was always orbiting me in some shape or form.

It wasn’t until college and beyond that I began actively using art, writing, personal storytelling, and public speaking as grounding tools—to improve my mood, reflect on my symptoms, and build community.

What are some ways you use creativity in your health journey? How does creativity support you or your symptoms? What creative practices help you cope or care for yourself?

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