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Smudgecat @
Kilonian @
pepperbug @
BruseRuby @
Bistre @
apprehensive @
SkyistheGround @
wuushi @
szardoo @
luckybarbarian @
BFD666 @
Screenmaster @
MyMorningGlory @
Hananathenerd77 @
Cherryfleck @
Voltsy @
NuclearFudge @
Lunartwist @
AWB @
hydrangxas @
asstrollogy @
Vhitmire @
Dinolee @
Boop707 @
Xayxayx @
COparade @
Lykantos @
Asteraxeae @
FlyingPeanuts @
VMaelor @
RevHellebore @
doctorshrooms @
Marabis @
Skeletina @
BeckAlistiere @
SymposiumMagarum @
daimondai13 @
AttilaThePun @
nyausgris @
TaviStars @
Mitski @
FreyaShadow @
Forsake @
kawoofy @
LunaChi @
NuovoSangue @
TheFatRabbit @
PeachTeaLatte @
Voltsy @
Morax @
Homuncullus @
aurallene @
DarkYnx @
Sealterbloind @
csp57222501 @
UwiBami @
IcyGlaceon471 @
DemonKid @
DracoLunae @
WatermelonWolfo @
Twalio @
Juanita @
Asimiii @
Self @
Wyakin @
furo @
KiyaEldrahash @
KiyaEldrahash @
CaptainSili @
Aeraki @
Stormfly @
Dynamix @
ClickTwelve @
MysticTales @
Skyfrost @
phoxdraw @
CheshireGata @
Digimon11 @
WickedPixie @
BirchConcentus @
Deathstalker @
RedWolfRedRose @
SpiritFlower @
NopeRopeSnoodle @
Draconia34 @
HammySammyWhammy @
Koobi @
ThornsofaRose @
Dragonraven21 @
ilan @
elduwen @
repretwan
Thank you all for the amazing submissions.
There was not a single story here that was not powerful in its own right, not a single person who didn't take their mental health seriously. Whether you were giving yourself a break or making time to do something important, or even venting your feelings about this very difficult year, I'm proud to see the people in this community making strides in the way of self-care. I hope you can continue to make that time for yourself. Fortunately, it sounds like many of you will.
This contest was never about choosing an "important" story. All the stories written here are subjective and personal, and to pick based on "importance" simply wouldn't be in the spirit of self-love. So, when it came to making a choice, I tried to select stories that I thought provided lessons that others could most benefit from. (Yes, that's plural! There are multiple winners.)
That said, there were many stories from people who are clearly going through a very tough time. To all the people who used this place to speak out about your struggles, I wish you the very best. Grief, mental/physical illness, and toxic relationships are never easy to face in a normal year, and are particularly distressing now. When I read your stories, I felt my heart reach out to you. I think it's especially important for you individuals to remember to be loving to yourselves. You deserve that love. You do.
There were also quite a few stories from people who wrote about how they asked for help. Reading these stories was wonderful for me on a personal level. I'm learning to get better at this too! And I think it's something that a lot of people forget. I'm proud and empathetic towards anyone who mustered up the courage to reach out to others. Whether you needed help with something vital or with something fun and creative, your stories were inspiring to read.
And now, to announce the "winners." There are... four. Yep. Yeah. Four. It was that hard for me to narrow it down. But I think these users' stories each encapsulated a lesson that is important for us all right now.
Initially, this contest was proposed as a way to convince people to practice self-care over the course of the past week. The majority of responses were about things people had done prior to the competition. I decided that this was what people felt the contest needed to be, and so that's what it became. Still, I did enjoy reading the handful of entries from those who practiced self-care by using this giveway as a springboard.
@
Cherryfleck is a user who falls into that category. She admitted that she may not have practiced self-care if she hadn't seen this post, and then she acted on it. Her way of self-caring was to leave her room, go downstairs, interact with people a little, and grab a bite to eat. 2020 has been a year of weird schedules. It can be especially easy to fall out of patterns and even forget your own basic needs. So sometimes the most vital self-care can just be reminding yourself to do something routine. Talk with others. Eat something. Look at a different scene. And for Cherryfleck, I could tell this came with a bit of struggle, but I'm glad she did it, and she was too. I hope other users with anxiety and/or trouble with executive functioning can be inspired to add a little normalcy to their life. It can make all the difference.
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Voltsy is another user whose post was a great reminder for something we should all do: be our own cheerleader. She practices self-care by telling herself what she's proud of. If you read her post, you'll see great examples of how to deliver positive self-talk. Voltsy also shows that you can turn a negative thought (such as "this pandemic sucks" [my words]) into something useful and kind ("in spite of things that I do not like but cannot control, I have been able to continue living my life and being happy" [her words]). Learning to appreciate yourself isn't always straightforward, but it can be a fantastic skill to have. Ask a doctor or check out online resources to start practicing for yourself!
Making friends is difficult for some of us in a normal year, but in 2020, it's especially easy for that skill to falter. @
Vhitmire reminds us that we can even make new friends in these crazy times: we don't have to let the pandemic ruin that too. Even though their depression and health have held them back, Vhitmire was brave enough to expand their social circle in an online chat. It sounds as if it's been nothing but a positive experience for them, and fully worth taking the leap. Don't let your so-called "flaws" hold you back from trying: there's always going to be a friend out there for you. Vhitmire is a prime example of how being brave enough to say hello can lead to something wonderful.
And lastly, @
phoxdraw's story. Like many of you, this has been a tough year for phoxdraw. When I read their story, at first I was deeply saddened. But, as phoxdraw put it, "there's a point where that all becomes too much, where the weight of everything becomes too much to bear and threatens to crush you if you do not change." You can read their story and see the changes they are nurturing within their own mind. It's beautiful to see, and I think truly inspiring. And, admittedly, I do relate to it personally. I know how hard it can be to decide to put yourself first. And oh, it is scary. But it's also a beautiful journey, and I was touched to see someone else going through that. Phoxdraw has had a lot stacked against them, and they aren't the only one in this thread who does. If you read their post, I hope you'll be reminded of your own power, your ability to flourish. Even if it feels impossible, the truth is that we are all capable.
Some of you have been going through and reading all the entries, which I think is great. Each of these stories has wisdom to share. The ones I selected here were the ones I thought imparted some of the more universal messages. But they're all good, and I enjoyed reading every last one.
Thank you all for participating. Whether or not you got a scroll, I hope you felt something was earned from your experience or the experiences of others. Stay safe, and be well. <3