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“Boundaries are the distance at which I can love you and me simultaneously.” Prentis Hemphill

We can change our minds, take time out and choose what feels right… without explaining every choice.

#Boundaries #SelfCompassion

Artwork by themindfuldoodles

A hand-drawn illustration on a warm cream background. The heading reads: “Things you’re allowed to do without explaining yourself.” Six colourful drawings appear beneath. A plant represents “Change your mind”; a smiling cloud, “Take a quiet day”; a door, “Say no without a long explanation”; a butterfly, “Outgrow a version of yourself”; a flower, “Choose what feels right for you”; and a blue cup, “Protect your peace”. Small hearts, stars, flowers and leafy branches decorate the image in pink, blue, green, yellow and purple. Artwork by themindfuldoodles.

September 13, 2026 at 2:04 PM

Create the Ripple

@createtheripple.bsky.social

“You are far too smart to be the only thing standing in your way.” Jennifer J. Freeman

We likely carry fears, expectations and old beliefs as truth.

What might become possible if we trusted ourselves a little more and took one small step today?

#SelfBelief #Potential

Artwork by anxiety.positive

A square, hand-drawn graphic on a white background. Broad, uneven rainbow bands curve from the upper-left corner, down the left side and across the bottom of the image. The bands are pink, bright pink, purple, blue, turquoise, green, yellow, orange and red, with a lightly faded, textured finish. In the centre is a large, irregular black cloud-like shape with rounded edges. Inside it, tall white hand-painted capital letters read: “GET OUT OF YOUR OWN WAY!” The words are arranged across three lines, with an exclamation mark after “WAY”. The credit “anxiety.positive” appears in black handwritten lettering above the central shape, towards the upper-right corner.

September 11, 2026 at 9:57 AM

Create the Ripple

@createtheripple.bsky.social

“Trust is not built in big, sweeping moments. It’s built in tiny moments every day.” Brené Brown

Trust isn’t something we have or don’t have; it’s something we practise in the small moments when we choose to believe in ourselves a little more.

#Kindness #SelfTrust

Art work by Simply Anxious

An illustration on a white background with the words “Sometimes you just have to TRUST” at the top. The word “trust” is written in large black handwritten lettering over a soft peach brushstroke. In the centre, a woman with grey hair tied in a loose bun sits cross-legged with her eyes closed. She is wearing a cream jumper and pale sage-green trousers, with one hand resting over her heart and the other in her lap. Small green leafy stems sit on either side of her. Around her are six soft, irregular pastel shapes containing the words “yourself”, “the uncertainty”, “the process”, “the timing”, “the redirections” and “the slower pace”. The colours are muted peach, beige, pink and sage green. The credit “@Simply_anxious” appears at the bottom of the image, with a grey muted-sound symbol in the lower-right corner. Credit: Simply Anxious.

September 8, 2026 at 12:28 PM

Create the Ripple

@createtheripple.bsky.social

“If your compassion does not include yourself, it is incomplete.” Jack Kornfield

What do you need?

A hug, some hope, a little joy or simply some time… take what you need.

🧡

#SelfCare #Kindness

Artwork by joyfulsmolthings

Square hand-drawn illustration on a pale pink background scattered with darker pink dots. A large notice outlined in black reads “TAKE WHAT YOU NEED” in playful white lettering. It is decorated with a smiley face, stars, a heart, sparkles and a rainbow. The cream section below is divided into tear-off strips featuring colourful words written sideways, including REST, HUG, LOVE, TIME, JOY, HOPE and FAITH. Artwork by joyfulsmolthings.

September 5, 2026 at 11:17 AM

Create the Ripple

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“We have seasons when we flourish and seasons when the leaves fall from us. Given time, they grow again.” Katherine May

Self-care can be a pause, fresh air, gratitude, letting go or noticing what’s working; what small act of care will you choose this September?

🧡

Art by Positively Present

Illustrated September self-care checklist on a white background, headed “September Self-Care” in black lettering. Colourful hand-drawn prompts include calling a friend, telling someone “I love you”, writing about how you feel, celebrating what’s working, eating something healthy, letting the past go, taking time out, going outside, wearing something comfy, looking at pretty art, letting go of negative thoughts, drinking warm tea, remembering how far you have come, slowing down, not overbooking, listening to happy music, complimenting yourself, remembering that it’s temporary, considering how lucky you are and being your own cheerleader. Small autumnal illustrations include leaves, an acorn, apple, warm drink, stars, rainbow, mushroom and balloon.

September 2, 2026 at 9:14 PM

Create the Ripple

@createtheripple.bsky.social

“Sometimes letting things go is an act of far greater power than defending or hanging on.” Eckhart Tolle

We carry so much, often without even realising it.

A little reminder that we don’t have to carry it all today.

🧡

Art by themindfuldoodles

#SelfCompassion #LettingGo

A warm, hand-drawn illustration on a cream background with the words, “You don’t have to carry it all today.” Eight colourful backpacks are arranged across the image, each representing something we may be carrying emotionally or mentally. They are labelled: “the expectations”, “the overthinking”, “the need to please everyone”, “the unfinished things”, “the fear of disappointing someone”, “the comparison”, “the pressure to have it all figured out”, and “the things that can wait”. The backpacks are purple, green, yellow, pink, blue, orange, turquoise and coral, with small decorative details including hearts, flowers, a storm cloud and a clock. Hand-drawn hearts, flowers, stars, leaves and colourful marks surround them. At the bottom, the words read, “A lighter tomorrow is possible.” The overall image feels gentle, reassuring and encouraging.

August 31, 2026 at 5:56 AM

Create the Ripple

@createtheripple.bsky.social

“If you don’t like the road you’re walking, start paving another one.” Dolly Parton

Life is preciously short… have a go, take the step, feel a little brave.

What are we waiting for?

🧡

#DollyParton #Courage #Belief

Artwork by joyfulsmolthings

A bright, playful illustration set against a blue sky dotted with small white specks and surrounded by large, soft white clouds. In the centre, a pair of legs wearing striking pink cowboy boots appear to be stepping through the sky. The boots are decorated with large golden-yellow sunflowers, brown heels and soles, and darker brown decorative panels around the top. A simple black outline of a bird flies in the distance. Across the bottom, handwritten black lettering sits over roughly painted white brushstrokes and reads: “You’ll never do a whole lot unless you’re brave enough to try” Dolly Parton. The overall image feels joyful, optimistic and full of movement. Artwork by @joyfulsmolthings.

August 27, 2026 at 8:01 PM

Create the Ripple

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“Be patient toward all that is unsolved in your heart and try to love the questions themselves.” Rainer Maria Rilke

We really don’t have to have everything worked out straight away… sometimes giving ourselves a little time is exactly what we need. 🧡

#SelfCompassion #Kindness

Artwork by Katie Abey

A bright, hand-drawn illustration by Katie Abey, set against a dreamy pastel rainbow background blending lilac, pink, peach, yellow, mint green and blue. In the centre is a large, rounded white speech bubble with playful, uneven black lettering reading: “It isn’t always easy to accept a situation that you find yourself in. Take your time.” Beneath it sits The Gentle Gerbil, a small golden-brown cartoon gerbil with huge round white eyes, tiny paws, whiskers and a slightly bewildered expression. A hand-drawn arrow points towards the gerbil alongside the words “The Gentle Gerbil”. White stars, diamonds and little sparkles are scattered around the background. The overall feel is colourful, gentle, reassuring and playful.

August 26, 2026 at 8:20 AM

Create the Ripple

@createtheripple.bsky.social

“When you recover or discover something that nourishes your soul and brings joy, care enough about yourself to make room for it in your life.” Jean Shinoda Bolen.

What will you choose more of today?

#SelfBelief #Kindness

Artwork by simply_anxious

Illustrated graphic titled “I choose ‘MORE’”, with nine small pastel drawings representing mindful mornings, trust in myself, people that feel safe, meaningful connections, appreciation for life, kindness to myself, ‘me’ time and rest, moments that make me feel alive, and time in nature. Small pink flowers are scattered across the white background. Credit @simply_anxious.

August 23, 2026 at 10:21 AM

Create the Ripple

@createtheripple.bsky.social

“We are all apprentices in a craft where no one ever becomes a master.” Ernest Hemingway

Maybe we’re not meant to have it all figured out, maybe we’re simply meant to keep learning as we go.

🧡

#learning #SelfCompassion

Picture by Positively Present

A white illustrated graphic with colourful rainbow curves in purple, blue, turquoise, yellow, orange and pink around the top right and bottom left corners. Multicoloured stars and small black sparkles are scattered around the image. In the centre, black text reads: “WE’RE ALL JUST FIGURING IT OUT AS WE GO. ANYTHING YOU’RE ‘SUPPOSED’ TO DO HAS BEEN MADE UP BY YOU OR SOMEONE ELSE.” The credit @POSITIVELYPRESENT appears underneath.

August 20, 2026 at 8:48 PM

Create the Ripple

@createtheripple.bsky.social

“You mean I’m allowed to be kind to myself?” Kristin Neff.

Yes, you are. Your needs matter too, and being human means making mistakes, asking for help, not having all the answers and remembering that you are never too much.

🧡

#kindness #SelfCompassion #SelfCare

Picture by @joyfulsmolthings

ALT text: A colourful hand drawn illustration showing layered green, yellow and brown rolling hills beneath a large yellow sun with orange and yellow rays. A small person in a red top and blue trousers stands between the hills with both arms raised. Large black handwritten text across the hills reads: “It’s safe to ask for help”, “I can make mistakes”, “My needs are important”, “It’s okay to not have all the answers” and “I am not too much”. Green bushes appear around the horizon and @joyfulsmolthings is written across the upper part of the sun.

August 18, 2026 at 5:48 PM

Create the Ripple

@createtheripple.bsky.social

“Besides the noble art of getting things done, there is the noble art of leaving things undone.” Lin Yutang

Sometimes what we choose not to do matters just as much. What’s on your ‘I don’t need to’ list today?

🧡

#kindness #SelfCompassion #SelfCare

Artwork by Simply Anxious

A white illustrated graphic headed “I DON’T NEED TO…” in large peach coloured capital letters. Eight illustrations of women appear around the image alongside the handwritten statements: “Burn out to prove my worth”, “Explain myself to people who don’t get it!”, “Sacrifice myself to fit in”, “Carry other’s expectations”, “Hide away when I’m hurting”, “Pretend I’m okay when I’m not”, “Apologise for struggling” and “Keep pushing when I’m tired”. The illustrations include women sitting at desks and with laptops, holding a “SORRY” sign, covering their ears, sitting cross legged and sitting beside a dog. The account name “@simply_anxious” appears at the bottom. Artwork by Simply Anxious.

August 16, 2026 at 3:45 PM

Create the Ripple

@createtheripple.bsky.social

“Talk to yourself like you would to someone you love.” Brené Brown

Being gentle with ourselves means remembering that trying our best can look different from one day to the next…and what we can give today is enough, more than enough.

🧡

#kindness #SelfCompassion #SelfCare

Picture by Nikki Miles

A colourful illustration on a deep purple background. At the top, an orange cat with closed eyes peeks over a large cream coloured cloud shape. Pink star shapes and small dots appear above the cat. Inside the cloud, handwritten text in pink, purple and orange reads: “Please be gentle with yourself. You’re trying your very best and it’s good enough.” Below the cloud are rows of large teardrop shapes in shades of pink, purple and orange. Picture by Nikki miles

August 14, 2026 at 9:32 PM

Create the Ripple

@createtheripple.bsky.social

“Joy is not made to be a crumb.” Mary Oliver

Joy and difficulty can and do exist alongside each other.

We don’t need everything to be perfect to snortle and chortle and laugh until our faces hurt. Let’s let ourselves experience more joy.

🧡

#joy #gratitude #happiness

Art by joyfulsmolthings

A square illustration on a pale blue background featuring two orange and yellow butterflies. The larger butterfly has a smiling face and black antennae. Text across its orange wings reads: “Happiness is not the absence of problems. It’s the ability to find joy and gratitude in the midst of them.” A smaller orange butterfly flies below. White spirals, dots, yellow sparkle shapes and black dashed flight lines surround the butterflies. The artist name @joyfulsmolthings appears beside the larger butterfly.

August 12, 2026 at 6:48 AM

Create the Ripple

@createtheripple.bsky.social

“Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you.” Anne Lamott

We may just have a little time to do nothing, be in nature, be by ourselves… it can help things feel a little better.

What would be good for you?

#kindness #SelfCare

Art by simply_anxious

Illustration on a white background titled “Days that can make it all feel a little better”. Six pink themed illustrations show two cups of coffee with “a day with someone who gets you!”, tea and cake with “a day to yourself”, slippers with “a day with no plans”, walking boots and drinks with “a day out in nature”, an Om symbol above “a day where the mind is peaceful”, and a person lying down reading with “a day of ‘just being’”. @simply_anxious appears at the bottom.

August 9, 2026 at 5:30 PM

Create the Ripple

@createtheripple.bsky.social

“I am not a product of my circumstances. I am a product of my decisions.” Stephen Covey.

We can spend so much energy on things we have no control over. Maybe give a little more focus to the stuff we do have say over.

What will you focus on today?

#wellbeing #SelfCare

Art by mentalhealthwithemma

A cream coloured graphic headed “Things you CAN control this weekend…” with @mental.health.with.emma underneath. Nine watercolour seaside illustrations are arranged in three rows. A seagull reads “How you speak to yourself”, a wave “Who you spend time with”, and a sailing boat “What you say yes to”. A lifebuoy reads “How much time you spend online”, a shell “How you look after your body”, and a fish “Where you put your attention”. A seahorse reads “How you treat others”, a striped deckchair “Whether you rest”, and an anchor “Where you look for joy”. Picture by @mental.health.with.emma.

August 8, 2026 at 6:20 AM

Create the Ripple

@createtheripple.bsky.social

“Be faithful to the little things because it is in them that your strength lies.” Mother Teresa

Our month doesn’t have to be filled with big plans to be a good one.

Often it’s the small everyday moments that stay with us longest. 🧡

#kindness #learning #positivity

Art by Positively Present

Illustrated graphic titled August To Do List by Positively Present on a white background. Twelve colourful icons are arranged in a grid with matching text: Focus on the good (sunflower), Illuminate your truth (torch), Entertain new ideas (popcorn), Look up at the moon (crescent moon and stars), Give yourself time to relax (gift), Create something (paintbrush and rainbow), Be open to learning (stack of books with an apple), Sit with your feelings (palm tree), Enjoy it while it lasts (ice lolly), Set down your baggage (suitcase), Survive the storms (storm cloud with rain and lightning), Let yourself sparkle (purple gem). Picture by Positively Present.

August 5, 2026 at 4:46 PM

Create the Ripple

@createtheripple.bsky.social

“When you recover or discover something that nourishes your soul and brings joy, care enough about yourself to make room for it in your life.”
Jean Shinoda Bolen

What will you do to support your self-care?

🧡

#SelfCare #Wellbeing #August

Artwork by Positively Present

Illustrated “Self-Care for August” poster with colourful hand-drawn icons and prompts including explore a new hobby, take time to relax, stand tall in your truth, protect your peace, look for the good, stay in the present, connect with old friends, have fun with creativity, plan a new adventure, allow healing to happen and celebrate your life’s eras. White background with small stars throughout. Credit: Positively Present.

August 2, 2026 at 2:01 PM

Create the Ripple

@createtheripple.bsky.social

“Glimmers are these tiny moments of OK-ness, joy, excitement, ease, calm.” Deb Dana

Tiny joys don’t erase difficult days… they do remind us they aren’t the whole story.

What glimmers did you notice today?

🧡

#SelfCompassion #Gratitude

Artwork by Katie Abey

A colourful illustration of a cheerful cartoon gibbon with rosy cheeks and a green backpack walking through a rainbow background filled with stars and sparkles. A speech bubble says, “Off to find the tiny joys and then live for them.” An arrow labels the character “The Gibbon of Glimmers.” Artwork by Katie Abey.

July 31, 2026 at 6:17 PM

Create the Ripple

@createtheripple.bsky.social

“Keep some room in your heart for the unimaginable.” Mary Oliver

We can spend so much time imagining what might go wrong that we forget to imagine what could go right.

Today, may your ‘what if?’ be filled with a little more hope and possibility.

🧡

Art by simply anxious

#Mindset #Kindness

Illustration on a white background with the heading “WHAT IF?” in large yellow letters. Around the page are colourful summer-themed illustrations including a sun, a jar of lemonade, pink sandals, a camera, a person relaxing in a swim ring with fruit, a beach ball, a suitcase and an ice lolly. The accompanying phrases read: “Things really can get better.”, “The life you want is still possible.”, “It could all work out beautifully.”, “You don’t need everyone’s approval.”, “You’re allowed to choose yourself.”, “You haven’t missed your chance.”, “You are already enough.”, and “You don’t need their permission.” The creator handle “@simply_anxious” appears at the bottom.

ALT credit: @simply_anxious

July 29, 2026 at 4:13 PM

Create the Ripple

@createtheripple.bsky.social

“Have no fear of perfection - you’ll never reach it.”
Salvador Dalí

The things we call imperfections are so often signs that we’ve lived, learned and tried.

Life isn’t meant to be perfect. It’s meant to be experienced.

Be messy, clumsy and imperfect.🧡

#SelfCompassion #Kindness

Art by katieabey

Illustration on a white background surrounded by large green tropical leaves, small leaf shapes and outlined heart doodles. At the top is a cartoon green iguana facing left with large white eyes, black pupils, pink circular cheeks, darker green stripes across its back, small triangular spikes along its neck and spine, and a tightly curled tail. Above the iguana, black handwritten text reads “THE IGUANA OF IMPERFECTION” with a curved arrow pointing towards it. Below, large black hand-lettered text reads: “STOP WAITING FOR EVERYTHING IN YOUR LIFE TO BE ‘PERFECT’ BEFORE YOU ALLOW YOURSELF TO ENJOY IT. THAT DAY WILL NEVER COME. THE HUMAN EXPERIENCE IS SUPPOSED TO BE CLUMSY AND WONDERFULLY IMPERFECT. SO ENJOY IT NOW.” The artist credit “@KATIEABEY” appears at the bottom centre.

July 27, 2026 at 6:50 AM

Create the Ripple

@createtheripple.bsky.social

“Daring to set boundaries is about having the courage to love ourselves, even when we risk disappointing others.” Brené Brown

Every boundary is a reminder that you matter too.

Protect your peace. Your time. You wellbeing. Yourself.

🧡

#SelfCompassion #Kindness

Art by anxiety.positive

White background with large hand-lettered text across three lines. The first two lines, in bold black uppercase lettering, read: “BE A BADDIE” and “WITH SOME”. The third line reads “BOUNDARIES” in large uppercase letters coloured in a rainbow gradient, progressing from red, orange and yellow through green, turquoise, blue, purple, pink and light pink. In the lower right corner, beneath the word “BOUNDARIES”, is the creator credit in small black handwritten text: “@anxiety.positive”.

July 26, 2026 at 7:13 PM

Create the Ripple

@createtheripple.bsky.social

“Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realise they were the big things.” Robert Brault

Look for the good. Go outside. Do something you love. Be kind to who you are today. They’re small things that quietly make a big difference.

#Wellbeing #Mindset

Art by positively present

Illustration with the heading “Don’t forget to” surrounded by colourful hand-drawn reminders. The artwork encourages focusing on the good, doing something you love, spending time outside, loving who you are now, being brave, and remembering that every day is a fresh start. It features a sun, clouds, mountains, trees, a rainbow, moon, stars, hearts, an open book, paint palette, pencil, magnifying glass and a calendar, reinforcing the message that everyday habits support wellbeing.

Credit: Positively Present

July 24, 2026 at 3:38 PM

Create the Ripple

@createtheripple.bsky.social

“I used to dislike being sensitive. I thought it made me weak. But take away that single trait, and you take away the very essence of who I am.” Caitlin Japa

Some qualities we’ve spent a lifetime trying to change are the qualities that make us who we are.

🧡

#Sensitivity

Art by joyfulsmolthings

July 21, 2026 at 8:06 AM

Create the Ripple

@createtheripple.bsky.social

“Break this pattern of over-accommodating and instead have healthy boundaries, say no when you need to, and ask for what you want without guilt.” Aziz Gazipura

Sometimes the kindest thing isn’t giving away another slice… it’s believing we deserve one too.

#SelfCompassion

Artwork by Heidi Pickett

Illustration titled “People Pleasing Pizza”. A large pizza sits in the centre with several slices being taken by different hands. Around the pizza are handwritten messages explaining that we can become so focused on making sure everyone else is full that we stop noticing our own hunger, we can get used to having nothing left for ourselves, healing begins when we reconnect with our own needs, limits and desires, and that we deserve a slice too. The pizza is topped with cheese, mushrooms, olives, onion and pepperoni on a white background. Artwork by Heidi Pickett (@heidipsychology)

July 20, 2026 at 6:44 PM

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