ThePencilCase

Boy, oh boy 😵‍💫. I'm tired, Pencil Case family. This year has been a doozy.

Here are some words that describe what's it been like for me:

😓 Exhausting
🥀 Challenging
💡Enlightening
😢 Grief from loss
❓Confused
🌀Cycle endings
🌱Growth
📚Learning
🤗 Family
👀 Seeing

What words describe your year so far?

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

Mighties, do you know what I could use right now? A break 😫. Especially from my ruminating thoughts and pile of responsibilities. Today, I definitely need to take a moment to recollect myself, ugh 🥹.

Is there anything you could use a break from?

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

When you come across this post, I invite you to take this 2-step mindful moment with me:

Step 1: Pause for a second and scoop up the moment just for you — you deserve it. Close your eyes, put your hand to your chest (if you can), and take one big deep breath.

Step 2: List two or three things you need from yourself today.

⭐ Note: Feel free to write your list in the comments below! ⭐️

Here is my list:

Two things I need from myself today: patience in allowing myself to process my emotions fully, and permission to complete my work and responsibilities at a pace that’s most comfortable for me.

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

We’re handing out permission slips, Mighties! Do you need one? 📋

Comment with which one(s) you’re adding to your self-love binder this week:

🚫 Permission to set a boundary
🛏️ Permission to rest and relax
💌 Permission to prioritize myself
🤝 Permission to ask for help
🌱 Permission to feel my feelings
🗣️ Permission to speak up for myself
🥳 Permission to have some fun
🌟 Permission to treat myself to something nice
📜 Blank permission slip (create your own and share it in the comments below!)

I definitely will be taking 2 permission slips today; one to prioritize myself 💌 and the other to feel my feelings 🌱.

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

It’s already August, Pencil Case fam! I can barely believe it 😩. Let’s enter this month with encouraging and uplifting messages to ourselves ⭐.

Here is my message:

Dear Nina,

You’re doing a great job getting through the year. I know it hasn’t been easy and you’ve wanted to give up so many times, but you haven’t. You’re a warrior! Never forget that you’re worthy of love, peace, and abundance of all kinds. Continue to do your best and please rest when you need to.

I love you,
Nina

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

Mighties, guess what?!

I don't really get the opportunity to go out to big events much, but I'm going to an NF concert (who I absolutely love) and I'm super excited! I've been looking forward to this for months and it's finally here 😁🙌. Yay me!

What's something you're looking forward to? 👀

Let's cheer each other on in the comments below! 🥳💃

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

We all experience health, from how we take care of our bodies or manage our health symptoms/conditions, to the decisions we make in our life and how we maintain a state of well-being — physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and socially. This, of course, looks different for all of us since we’re all unique and have different experiences.

To me, "healthy" means and looks like knowing where my limits are and feeling good in my body. Health for me also looks like understanding myself and allowing myself to feel my feelings, always being mindful of how much sleep I’m getting, and knowing how and when to ask for help.

What about you? What does "healthy" look like for you?

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

When it comes to positive coping strategies and helpful self-care techniques, I like to hear what others do to self-soothe — even if it’s only to feel better for a momentary basis. One coping strategy that I find helpful, but often hear mixed reviews and ideas about, is meditation.

For me, meditation has helped me learn to connect with myself and my thoughts better; but I do feel like I have to be in a calm place mentally to meditate effectively, which leaves me procrastinating more times than not.

What are your thoughts? Do you think meditation is helpful for you or a bust?

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

Hi Mighties!

We did it! We made it through half the week like the champions we are 🙌.

Let’s reflect on what our best looks like today, whether that be checking things off our to-do lists, working, studying, or simply existing.

I’ll share first!

Today, my best looks like finishing up my work in the morning and taking time out to simply be for the remainder of the day, relieving myself of any expectations and worries.

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

How has everyone's week been?

For me, I would describe my week as really busy. I also haven’t been feeling too well. I’m doing my absolute best, though! I know I’m doing valuable work. 💪😌

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