mental health

Learning Self-Appreciation

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Today’s meditation was skipped.

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The Guided Gaze Tarot and I Am Power PackThe @GlitterbyInk #DivineGoddess25 Challenge
Words and Wisdom Prompt for January 5 : Nurturing

Today’s draw is the Eight of Swords combined with the affirmation “I am appreciated.”

I have a tendency to forget that others appreciate my time and efforts. So blinded (as the falcon in the image on the Eight of Swords is blinded) by an unhealthy expectation of perfectionism in all that I do, I often entirely miss other’s appreciation and admiration.  Mostly?  Because my inner narrative is telling me what I’ve done isn’t good enough.

Today’s cards are a reminder that that negative inner narrative in your head is -not- reality. It’s a falcon’s hood, blocking you from seeing the truth that lies beyond that unhealthy expectation. This is why it’s important to pay attention when others say thank you, express admiration, or give compliments.  As awkward as they feel?  They are an indication of a reality outside the one you are wearing blinders to.  They allow you to peek outside of that perspective of never being good enough, to see what others see instead and nurture a healthier outlook for yourself a little at a time.

DECKS USED:  THE GUIDED GAZE TAROT AND I AM POWER PACK

#DiscordTarotholicsJan2025 Challenge
Prompt for January 5 : Do Spread 1

The Guided Gaze Tarot and Everyday Witch’s Familiars Oracle

Someone important in your life who has a lot of influence on you.

Cat – I chose to do this reading on my cat, Miss Luna. She is a sassy, often grumpy, domestic short haired torti. She came to me from an abusive home when she was 5 months old, and has been with me for eight years now.

Their negative influence on you and your life.

Three of Swords – She can at times have a tendency to stir within you insecurities around being unwanted, as she is very particular about when you are allowed to touch, pet, or cuddle her. There are times when you feel the need for those touches and cuddles when she is simply not receptive to it, and you have a tendency to take those times personally regardless of the fact they probably have little, if anything, to do with you.

IMG_6969Their positive influence on you and your life.

The Lovers – She encourages you to make healthy choices for yourself because she is dependent upon you for her safety and well-being. Without you, it is possible she would have no safe place to live where she feels in control and comfortable, there would be no food or water, or someone to tend to her health and other needs. Therefore, by taking care of yourself, you also take care of her.

Your negative influence on them and their life.

Hermit – Miss Luna spends a lot of time alone, and there has been no socialization with other animals and only very limitedly with a few other people in your life that visit your home. Her entire world (until you recently started taking her to Ms B’s now and then) has been the condo and nothing else, with you and two other people as her socialization. She has no siblings or contact with other living beings beyond this.

Your positive influence on them and their life.

Six of Wands – She looks up to you and seeks your approval. You are her family and she thrives under your attention and positive reinforcement. Although she may seem standoffish at times, she watches your every move from sun up to sun down, following you around from room to room, and greeting you at the door on your return home each and every time. Just as you seek her approval, she seeks yours as well.

DECKS USED: THE GUIDED GAZE TAROT AND EVERYDAY WITCH’S FAMILIARS ORACLE

Daily Self Kindness

I got to play with Gideon in the new realm we built all day today.

The Necessity of Movement

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Today’s meditation was ten minutes long, and was one of the #DailyCalm sessions from the Calm app.  In today’s session, they spoke of the difference between resolutions and intentions, which I think is a really important topic that I’ve seen brought up quite a bit this year on social media.

The session discussed how resolutions are often created with all or nothing thinking.  “I am going to lose weight”, for example. Intentions give a little wiggle room.  Instead of “I am going to lose weight”, you express the intention to eat healthier. “I intend to feed my body healthier food.”   The end result is losing weight, but by setting an intention instead of an “all or nothing” resolution, you’re not focused on the end goal, but rather on the journey to getting there.

Psychologically speaking, this makes your end goals more attainable, as there’s more wiggle room involved, which means less of an “I’ve failed” mentality when you trip up.  Instead, you’re able to slip up and the say “Tomorrow’s a new day and I’ll do better”.

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Majestic Tarot Takes and Inner Child OracleThe @GlitterbyInk #DivineGoddess25 Challenge
Words and Wisdom Prompt for January 3 : Vitality

Today’s card is the Empress card combined with the affirmation “Flow with the Rhythm”.

Our bodies need movement to stay healthy and happy. It’s basic maintenance in the same way that gears need lubricant and tires on a car need air. 

Like a lot of people, I’m not a huge fan of exercise. I love to hike in the woods, don’t get me wrong, and I’ve spent my fair share of time in the gym.  But honestly? I hate sweating.  I really do.

Today’s cards are a reminder that even though you might hate exercise, or hate sweating, or whatever reasons you have for not getting up and moving more? Part of self care is caring for your body, and that means we have to get up and move a bit, get our joints and muscles working a bit, and our heart and lungs put through their paces a bit.  Otherwise?  We stiffen up and begin to hurt more, then the more we hurt?  The less we do, which makes us hurt even more.

It’s an evil cycle that we break by pushing through the pain and doing something active.  So treat your body good and nurture it’s health.  Go for a walk… or a run… or a hike.  Whatever.  Give your body some love by getting your body moving today.

DECKS USED:  MAJESTIC TAROT TALES AND THE INNER CHILD ORACLE

#DiscordTarotholicsJan2025 Challenge
Prompt for January 3 : Humiliation Day – How can you help yourself heal from your most humiliating moments?

Majestic Tarot Tales - The Empress, King of Swords, Page of PentaclesReading Summary: Sit with the humiliation (Page of Pentacles Rx) and explore it with a professional or someone that can provide you with some guidance (King of Swords). Remember that spending time speaking with your therapist candidly is also a form of self-care (The Empress).

Take Away: Sometimes instead of trying to move on from moments of humiliation or learning to step past it, you need to sit with it and explore those reactions and seek out an understanding of where they come from. 

Someone earlier today that was doing this prompt mentioned that humiliation is often a defense mechanism response to trauma. I’d never thought of this perspective before, but it has the ring of truth with it.  Often, to get past trauma we need a little help. Professionals trained in these things, for example, can often provide perspective and help us in digging into the root of an issue. These cards are saying that seeking out that help, rather than pushing feelings of humiliation away, is a form of self care.

DECK USED: MAJESTIC TAROT TALES

Daily Self Kindness

I resisted the urge to mess with business stuff even though it was really niggling at me, and worked on the recreational enjoyment of realm building and character creation with Gideon instead.

Disappointment and Self-Punishment

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Today’s meditation was skipped.

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COTD02The @GlitterbyInk #DivineGoddess25 Challenge
Words and Wisdom Prompt for January 2 : Intuition

Today’s card is the Three of Swords combined with the affirmation “Addicted to inner peace. Get your quick fix.”

When we are upset or disappointed, it can be difficult not to lean into punishing ourselves and treating ourselves badly.  I know that in my case, times when I’m not happy with myself or disappointed in myself or my performance with something often has a tendency to turn into self punishment.

Today’s cards are a reminder that during times of failure, it’s okay to treat yourself with kindness and understanding instead of self punishment and negative self talk.  You are allowed to say “It’s okay. We’ll do better next time” and leave it at that.  It’s okay, in fact, to dig your toes into the dirt, tilt your head back, and scream your frustration to the sky and clouds.  Whatever you need to step past it instead of wallow in those negative feelings and self punishments.

Listen to your body.  Listen to your intuition.  Listen… and allow yourself what you need.

It really is okay. You’ll do better next time.

DECK USED:  DREAMERS TAROT AND INNER F*CKING PEACE CARDS

#DiscordTarotholicsJan2025 Challenge
Prompt for January 2 : World Introvert Day – What are you avoiding that could use some attention?

Photo-Jan-02-2025,-3-48-21-PMReading Summary: You are avoiding exploring your emotions (Page/Seeker of Cups Rx). In order to correct course you need to unburden your feelings and worries (Three of Swords Rx) with those that create for you a sense of emotional stability (King/Dreamer of Cups).

Take Away: When you share your burdens with others, it helps to lighten your load.  You’re all closed up right now from your time over the holiday rush, and need to loosen your grip on all those pains, disappointments, and worries.

Pull the blades free of your heart so that you can share what put them there in the first place with those that want to help.  They are there to listen, and in listening will help provide you with the greater sense of stability you need right now.

DECK USED: DREAMERS TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I slept in. Not only did I sleep in, but I really, really slept in.  I got over 12 hours of sleep, and it felt amazing getting to just relax in bed for a bit when I woke up with no one around to bug me.

Healing from Grief

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Today’s meditation was skipped.

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COTD01The @GlitterbyInk #DivineGoddess25 Challenge
Words and Wisdom Prompt for January 1 : Destiny

Today’s draw is the Temperance card combined with the affirmation “We can overcome the suffering of loss with renewed energy and the right balance.”

We are not meant to exist in a place of constant sadness and pain. It is not our destiny, nor healthy for us in the long term.

Today’s cards are a reminder that healing from loss takes time. Grief is a horrible experience, and it can feel like it stretches on forever and will never ease.

It can be difficult during these times not to curl up into ourselves and hide away from the world, and at the beginning, this is absolutely healthy.  Eventually, though, to emerge out of the cloud of sadness and suffering that grief brings us, we must step out of that secluded space we’ve made for ourselves and let others in.

The last step of the healing process is not one that we can do alone, but requires others and the world around us.  It involves finding a balance between the hurt and the joys that the world  still has to offer, and letting those joys begin to soothe away the pain.

DECKS USED:  TAROT OF THE HIDDEN REALM AND WOODLAND WARDENS ORACLE

#DiscordTarotholicsJan2025 Challenge
Prompt for January 1 : Do the 1st Quarter Spread

New Years Tarot Reading with the Mystical Tarot of the Saints, Shadows of the Middle Ages Oracle, Wishcraft Oracle

Year Ahead Theme : Temperance

Moderation is the name of the game this year.  Take care not to move too fast or go overboard in the grand scheme of things. Remember that even things that are healthy and good can turn bad for you if taken in excess.

Theme for January : Two of Cups

Together time. It’s been a long winter with an extended stretch of separation from those that love you and your emotions. Use this month to begin opening up to your emotions and connecting with those that have your well being at heart. Close relationships are the best to indulge in during this time.

Focus / Advice for January : Turtle

Stay focused on the themes of stability and protection right now. Take things slow and practice a modicum of care and caution.  There’s no rush, and no need to push.

Ray of Hope for January : Bubble Power

Have fun and seek a lighthearted perspective. This ties in with the need to take things slow this month.  Step away from work and breathe in some fresh air.  Enjoy rather than just plowing forward with determination.  It’s time to meander instead, and check out the wonder around you while you’re at it.

Theme for February : Queen of Coins

Stability is carried forward from January into February, and you are encouraged to foster those stability factors in your life this month, as well as share that stability with others.

Focus / Advice for February : Talisman

Hold close those things that help you to stay centered. Foundations can feel shaky from time to time, even when you have a stable one under your feet. Give yourself what you need to keep yourself sure footed and centered, otherwise you may find yourself scattered and out of sorts.

Ray of Hope for February : Aqua Luna

It can be difficult not to fall into feelings of scarcity, especially when tremors make your foundation feel even minutely unstable. Make sure you are reflecting on your blessings and connecting with a sense of gratitude for them, and it will help you in seeing that things aren’t as bad as they are feeling in the moment.

Theme for March : The Star

Hope and optimism is the theme for March, and will require you to take a conscious effort at leaning into those ideals and perspectives.  Don’t allow yourself to fall into dark pathways, but keep your chin up instead. Be positive. Be indomitable in your hope and optimism.

Focus / Advice for March : The Moon

Connect with your intuition and emotions, and allow yourself to let go of uncertainties. It is in exploring your emotions that you remove feelings of uncertainty surrounding them.  Don’t allow them to go unexplored and thus the uncertainty you feel concerning them to grow out of control.

Ray of Hope for March : Time Capsule

Root yourself in all that you are. In who you are. Take time to explore that in the present, instead of always looking ahead to a better you that you are wanting to develop into.  It’s okay to be in the present and like yourself in the now, while acknowledging that growth will come in time.

DECK USED: MYSTICAL TAROT OF THE SAINTS, SHADOWS OF THE MIDDLE AGES ORACLE, WISHCRAFT ORACLE

Daily Self Kindness

I helped Ms B take down the outside decorations on her house this morning so that my brain wouldn’t be constantly worrying she was going to get up on a ladder and attempt to do it while I am not around.

Finding the Positive for December 29 – 31

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Card of the Day Tarot Reading with the Christmas Tales Tarot, Christmas Cheer Tarot, and Yuletide Tarot

December 29 – Mental Health Card of the Day

Today’s meditation was skipped.

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Today’s card is the Five of Cups combined with the affirmation “You are not failing. Depression lies. Keep going.”

There is a specific reason that these card of the day exercises are always focused on the positive. It’s a part of the mental health exercise that my therapist encouraged me to start a few years ago.

The problem is that when your brain resides constantly in a state of negative inner narratives and pessimistic views, it begins to hold sway your emotions and outlook on life, and can thus negatively influence your mental health. That is where my therapist comes into the picture, because I am absolutely one of those people whose brain lives in that negative space when left to its own devices.

This card of the day exercise is for self-care, and focuses on helping in seeing a more positive, optimistic perspective. When I started a few years ago, I really didn’t think it would help. In fact, I scoffed at the idea and was not at all enthusiastic about it.

Years later, though, there’s no arguing with the results. By pulling a card each day asking for “a positive message to carry with me throughout the day and offer perspective”, and taking the time to write out what that positive message is each day?  I have managed cut down on the number of depressive episodes I experience as well as shorten their duration.

This exercise doesn’t mean that the bad stuff isn’t still there, or that I ignore it. It just provides a positive touch of perspective to my otherwise pessimistic mind. It helps.

With the holiday rush over, it’s time to get back on the wagon. Today’s cards are a welcome back, as well as a reminder about what this exercise is all about.

I hope that in my sharing these daily cards publicly, it helps you too.

DECK USED: CHRISTMAS TALE TAROT AND SELF-MADE CHRISTMAS AFFIRMATION CARDS

December 30 – Mental Health Card of the Day

Today’s meditation was skipped.

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Today’s card is the Knight of Wands combined with the affirmation “I choose to see the magic and wonder in every moment.”

There is a reminder here about being enthusiastic in the pursuit of the things that you enjoy.  Don’t trudge through life with your enthusiasm flagging, but instead sprint forward eagerly like a kid with a sled in the snow. 

When you bring this enthusiasm into the every day, and apply it to ordinary moments, it allows you to see life through a lens filled with magic and wonder, rather than the sloop shouldered disregard that us adults often cast our gaze upon the world around us.

Don’t let fun, amusement, and moments of gaiety and laughter pass you by.  Dive in to experience and savor them instead.

DECK USED: YULETIDE TAROT AND SELF-MADE CHRISTMAS AFFIRMATION CARDS

December 31 – Mental Health Card of the Day

Today’s meditation was skipped

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Today’s card is The Hierophant combined with the affirmation “You make the world merrier with your festive cheer.”

Okay, so… to be fair?  I’m not really the cheery type. This isn’t really a surprise to those that know me. I do, however, really love the holidays.  I love seeing everyone’s enthusiasm for decorating and making things look beautiful and festive.  I like seeing the traditions that take place, and how they differ from person to person and from family to family.  I find a great deal of joy in these things.

In the week following Christmas? I’ve actually been able to enjoy some of them too.  I’ve taken drives to look at the decorations that people still have out on display, and visited stores where I’ve taken pleasure in seeing the holiday frosted cupcakes, the decorations on last-minute sale, and enjoyed the more relaxed atmosphere of everyone -not- rushing around like spastic chickens with their heads cut off.

In doing these things, I’ve seen those around me also finding enjoyment in them… in getting to share them with me.

Today’s cards are a reminder that when traditions are shared? They take on meaning. Importance.  And an atmosphere of joy and enjoyment that touches everyone involved.  Traditions are important. They’re special, and they’re meant to be savored and enjoyed.

Happy New Year everyone!

DECK USED: CHRISTMAS CHEER TAROT AND SELF-MADE CHRISTMAS AFFIRMATION CARDS

Finding the Positive for December 4 – 5

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The Storybook Christmas Tarot, The Christmas Tarot, and Christmas Affirmation Cards

December 4 – Mental Health Card of the Day

Today’s meditation was skipped.

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The @GlitterbyInk #DecembersChild24 Challenge
Healing the Inner Child Prompt for December 4th : Wonder

Today’s card is the Lovers card combined with the affirmation “You make Christmas feel like a warm and cozy hug.”

This affirmation card triggers a specific memory for me.  Last year (I think it was last year?) Gideon gifted my sister with a weighted axolotl plushy, which she absolutely loves.  Because the ends of it’s long arms are weighted, she says when she snuggles with it she can wrap its arms around her, and it feels like a real hug. I also have a weighted plushy from him (a fox) that I snuggle with often, because it’s size and weight makes it feel somehow… more substantial than a pillow or regular stuffie. Mutually, when we snuggle with these plushies, we feel a miraculous kind of release and easing in our chests and solar plexus.

Which brings us to the message in today’s cards and the wonder prompt for today.  For when we find things that make us feel good and soothe us on the inside, it feels like a kind of magic. Something wonderful to wallow in for a moment, and return to again and again.

In life, there are times when we need that connection. Not so much to a person, but to that feeling of peace and soothing. Today’s cards are a reminder to return to what helps us in connecting with that feeling.  It’s important to untie the knots inside now and then, especially when stress in life is high.  Doing so is a healthy choice, and a kindness.  An act of self love that we all need from time to time.

DECK USED: THE STORYBOOK CHRISTMAS TAROT AND SELF-MADE CHRISTMAS AFFIRMATION CARDS

December 5 – Mental Health Card of the Day

Today’s meditation was skipped.

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The @GlitterbyInk #DecembersChild24 Challenge
Healing the Inner Child Prompt for December 5th : Healing

Today’s card is the Four of Wands combined with the affirmation “Tis the season to be jolly. Fuck jolly.”

A few days ago, I had a COTD that encouraged seeking out the magic in the holiday season, even when it’s not your favorite part of the year.  Today’s card is a reminder that sometimes it’s okay to retreat when you need to… even when others hold expectations over you to not do so.

Healing takes time, and isn’t always convenient. Whether you find refuge in being home alone, or refuge in the embrace of family or friends… the cards for today are encouraging us that it’s okay to give yourself what we need. If that means celebrating?  Then celebrate.  If that means retreating and being a Grumpus over the holiday season?  That’s perfectly okay too.  The key is that whatever you choose, it is a healing process, and not just letting old wounds fester.

DECK USED: THE CHRISTMAS TAROT AND SELF-MADE CHRISTMAS AFFIRMATION CARDS
Note: This particular affirmation card was made from a Christmas Card gifted to me. I don’t know the artist’s name as it wasn’t on the card.