I am sure you are wondering...why, Kara, do you share these writing prompts every month? What is is with your obsession with these prompts? Where are the fun stories and information about fundraisers? Well, let me explain. I like to share these writing prompts from The Mighty because I think it is a nice way to frame or begin a writing practice AND to do some self care.
Writing helps me organize and understand my emotional, physical, and mental worlds. Many times people do not know where to start. These prompts provide that starting point. You do not need to post what you write on the internet. Heck, you do not need to even write sentences. You can always pick up a scrap of paper, open your phone to the voice memo or notes app, or pick up a napkin and just start pouring your words and thoughts out of your mind. The act of writing is the act of perspective making. You are reorienting yourself to your problems, moving them from mind to pen, computer, or smartphone. You can analyze them if you wish, or just leave them aside, safe, locked away in your phone or in a folder, or notebook. Now you may be able to be able to sleep more soundly, or figure out patterns that you did not realize you were repeating. So much can be learned. Ultimately, those sometimes toxic thoughts are out of our bodies where they may be causing additional suffering.
It is time for some Spring cleaning! Get to work! If something worth posting to The Mighty comes out of this exercise...Great! If not, do not despair. You are courageous in just taking the time (5, 10 minutes or more) to get those thoughts and emotions out of you and into perspective. You have chosen to move toward healing and positive thinking. Your body will thank you!
-Kara J.
Without further ado...here are May's writing prompts from our friends at The Mighty
1. Sometimes, even during life’s hardest moments, humor can make it all seem a little easier. Describe a moment related to your condition that turned out to be funny (to you, at least). How did you find the humor in this situation, and why is it a memory that’s stuck with you?
2. May is Mental Health Month, and we’re using it to answer the question: What do I need? It’s deceptively hard to answer. Sometimes, you don’t even realize what you need until someone else gives it to you — whether in the form of a gift, a helping hand or a simple text. Tell us about a time someone gave you something you didn’t even realize you needed. Why did it help you?
3. A major part of having a diagnosis or caring for someone with one is often feeling isolated in your circumstances or feelings. If you relate, describe a moment you felt alone in a challenge. How did you deal with this? How did your loved ones respond — or, how do you wish they had responded? What advice would you give to someone looking to help a loved one who shares your condition?
4. Have you ever heard a song lyric that made you feel understood as you go through your health journey? Share the lyrics, and if you can, describe the moment you first heard them. Why do they resonate with you?
5. Describe a symptom of your or a loved one’s condition that at first you (or more likely your doctor) blew off as “no big deal” but later realized was a big deal — or at least something you should be treating. How did you navigate this diagnostic journey? Did loved ones and medical professionals believe you?