We started IOP a little differently today. Instead of just diving into the check-ins, we did a mindfulness exercise. The clinician put some music on. I didn’t recognize it. I think it was Indian. Then, we closed our eyes and just listened. If any thoughts came into our heads, we let them pass and stayed in the present moment. It was relaxing.
It was a big group today, so check-ins took most of the first two hours. My check-in was a little awkward today. I didn’t know what to say. I was feeling kind of blah. Not bad or good or OK. Just blah. I was tired again. I think that’s four out of five days this week where I didn’t sleep well. Blah, blah, blah.
Next, we talked about our weekly goals. Mine was to spend more time around people. I did a pretty good job with it. Yesterday was the only day this week where I was by myself all day except for group. And I talked to my mom and my partner on the phone, so I wasn’t lonely. I deserve a pat on the back for being social this week.
The last hour was spent with arts and crafts. We were each given a piece of poster paper. We were supposed to write some kind of affirmation on it and then decorate it any way we wanted. There were paints and stickers and markers and crayons. I chose to use crayons. As you can see above, I have the skills of a five-year-old, so crayons seemed most appropriate.
My quote was, “I give myself permission to heal.” I don’t know why I picked it. I’m not good at affirmations and positive self-talk and stuff like that. I do want to give myself permission to heal. Maybe it’s an aspirational affirmation.
So, that was the end of my fourth week. It was a good week. I feel like I made some progress. What more can I ask for?
