Friday Reflection #14: Hiccups & Fun Finds
Gaming therapy, dealing with discomfort, and my first week back on IG
Welcome to Friday Reflections! A weekly newsletter sharing 3 thoughts and/or things I loved and learned from the week as I navigate learning how to create a life I’m nourished by, and thriving in, without my mom (or caregiving for her).
Hey there and Happy Friday!
Before I continue (or forget), tomorrow is both my brother’s birthday, and the last day you can celebrate with me by getting a 20% discount on a paid subscription to my newsletter forever.
I told myself that I wouldn’t put anything behind a paywall, but…
I’ve been playing with the idea of creating a wrap-up reflection post to put behind a paywall!
It would come out once a month, and would include:
A brief summary of the weekly Friday Reflections from the month.
An overall reflection of that past month.
Honorable mentions that didn’t make Friday Reflections.
And maybe some additional thoughts I’d rather have behind a paywall (like thoughts coming up in therapy… ya know, more personally intimate things).
Also? Maybe—if I get there—BTS of creating the comics I plan to create! Or maybe even secret ones for you once I’m at that level!
That’s the idea anyway!
I’m planning on playing with the first piece (which will be a little chunky as it summarizes 17 Friday Reflections!) by either just giving you the whole thing so you can see what it’ll look like, or giving you a hefty preview (rather than a more brief preview).
I feel comfortable and good making this my only paywalled thing because it’s more so that you’re paying for the convenience of a summary for the month, and some bonus mentions or views of things I’m already talking about.
And of course, just not as easy access to the more private things I’d rather have behind a paywall, but still being pretty open in my public pieces!
So if you want in on that addition, be sure to sign up for paid. If not or you’re unable to—no worries! You still have access to quite a bit of the same. :)
A couple of people have already taken up the offer to go paid (thank you!!) and it’s greatly appreciated! To the newest person–THANK YOU! You know who you are! :)
I like to keep the new paid subbies private in case they don’t wanna be called out, but I MUST let them know I see them and deeply appreciate them!
Also, keep the comments and shares coming! I deeply appreciate your kindness, and interacting with you too!
I created this offer because I’m celebrating my firey declaration of commitment to this newsletter last month, and my return to IG with new intentions!
Actually, let’s chat about how my first week back on the platform went.
The first week back to IG
It’s been okay! Slightly overwhelming at first as I tried to sort out in my mind how I wanted to navigate the space, but I think I’m happily getting the hang of it. I miss a lot of people over in my IG community, and I still wanted an outlet to post meaningful posts and quick videos. Both, whenever they came to me.
I may draft a small handful, but ultimately? I’m not playing by too many rules over on IG. When an idea pops into my mind, I create it and let it out in the IG universe.
Somewhat surprisingly I haven’t done too much scrolling on IG. I’ve checked in with a few people on stories, but ultimately I get in to post and reply to people, then get out! And pretty easily too, when I remember the other things in my life I’m prioritizing–especially during the daytime.
But I’m gonna tweak my methods a little bit more in the future. I’ll probably add an allotted amount of time to my daily planning app, allowing myself to scroll and interact more on IG during the day so I can be involved with the somewhat curated community I have over there.
So far, so good!
But there was a more challenging part of my week this week…
Thing One: Choosing discomfort
I drew a self-portrait to post on IG at the same time this newsletter is coming out, and I wasn’t completely satisfied with it!
Silly me has an expectation of what I want my art to look like (sorta) but the thing is, is that I’m still learning. I’m still developing my skills.
So the typical journey ensues of learning something new and having to sit with its uncomfortable growing pains.
This has been happening a lot lately:
When I decided to start these Friday Reflections. I really wanted to write weekly, but had absolutely nothing to share so I posted whatever I could, envying those who had set schedules for their fantastic themes and topics every week.
Said art practice and developing “my style.” See above.
Returning to IG in my own way. Despite it going well so far (see above), I still want my account to “make sense.” Even if I was showing up more like a personal brand than a direct service, I want my space to have some type of intention and cohesiveness… So we shall flail and find out what lands!
I’m learning though, that discomfort truly is part of the process when trying something new. But you’ll get through it if you just keep going.
I truly don’t know how many times I heard YouTubers I had playing in the background while I worked tell people wanting to start something like a channel just say, “… Ya just gotta do it! Just start and keep going.”
So true.
Thing Two: Gaming group therapy!
Thank goodness I got back on IG so you could learn about this, huh?
An ad came up for a therapy company that includes licensed therapists, group therapy, and gaming (anything you want I think! I’m seeing Stardew Valley, Minecraft, and more)… And I had to look into it.
I looked into the comments and there were people who said they’ve been using it for months or years and find it helpful! You show up anonymously, and somehow (if you’re wanting to), you get to game with others or you can play your own game during group therapy.
I think it’s used as a security thing to make showing up easier for some people, or a more engaging experience.
Your first session is free. Anything after is like $30 per week for:
Weekly 80-minute anonymous sessions (I think they’re held on Discord) by licensed therapists, and they go over goals for the session
Accountability
Worksheets
There’s a bit more I know I’m missing; it sounds really neat!
And apparently, there’s a really supportive community on Discord if you can’t afford the therapy aspect.
I’m halfway through “enrolling”; they need you to sign off on some things for legal reasons before letting you in.
I may look into it when therapy comes closer to its end… We’ll see what options are available for me, but my interest is REALLY piqued by this concept!
You can learn ALL about it on their website. Seriously, there’s A LOT of info on there.
Thing Three: The 77-year-old who married herself
I heard this story last Friday night and knew I wanted to share it. I’ve heard of people marrying themselves, but hearing how Dottie was made fun of for not knowing how to read, and calling herself a dummy, made my heart ache!
She recently taught herself to read, starting her self-studies a few years ago and wanted to express the love she has for herself (and make fellow residents happy) by marrying herself.
I loved her symbolism behind it, and the vows she stated.
If you wanna stay heart warmed, I wouldn’t check the comment section on news sites.
Don’t do it.
But the whole thing was so sweet, and in the name of self-love!1
If you read/watch her story, I’d love to hear what you think in the comments.
COMMENT BUTTON HERE
BONUS: Sacrifices, Intuition, & Intention
With me opening myself up to more ideas and online spaces, have come more decisions to make on what I decide to focus on day-by-day.
Nearly any decision that can require me to give more of my energy, time, and attention finds me running through a sprawling list of questions:
What will I have to sacrifice to make this happen?
Does this help me reach an important future goal?
Am I truly enjoying this? Despite the (possible) discomfort?
Is this something I can incrementally work on incorporating into my life now? In the future?
What about my other commitments? How will they be affected?
These may be helpful questions to ask before you put more on your plate. Like me having to cut my Stardew Diaries short because of the amount of work involved! (Sobs)
But alas, sacrifices had to be made…
I’m having so much fun exploring and playing with ways to interact with you and seeing what sticks with my schedule!
I hope you’re enjoying things here yourself! I know I am and am SO grateful for you being here. :)
Thank you! And I’ll see you soon.
Due to editing, I don’t know if the main motive to marry herself came from her wanting to keep making residents laugh, to symbolize the love she has been showing herself, or if she decided to after being super proud of herself for teaching herself how to read.
Not sure, but sweet nonetheless!
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