Hello all!

Today, we have our Phone Wallpapers for the Month of June!! Each of these is meant to capture the serene yet wild spirit of Summer while encouraging you to chase adventure. Best of all, these are entirely FREE to download!! There is a breakdown of each below. It is our hope that these inspire your day and can be used to inspire mindful stories at your TTRPG tables.

Watercolor River: A gentle river runs through a mountain valley, spreading serene, calming joy that flows as freely as the waters themselves.

Emerald Serenity: A mountain lake is met with a forest that bursts at the seams with an emerald color, all while inspiring the most calm of thoughts.

Grace Surrenders: A lively sky aglow with colors meets a mountain lake gently kissed by a colorful shoreline lined with trees.

Please let us know which is your favorite and download each as a PNG below!
#neurodiverseart #artinstorytelling #storiesmatter #compassionatestorytelling #shareyourvoice
https://www.patreon.com/wheelsofpower/posts/emerald-grace-161023233?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

Men's Mental Health is a Collaborative Journey.

Mental Health is a series of losses, wins, pains, and lifelong lessons. That doesn't diminish the value of pursuing wellness. However, a particular Community often left to quietly suffer, worry, and carry burdens beyond our community is the Men's Mental Health Community.

I need to be clear, I am not implying that Men should command others, hold women back, carry toxicity, or even be hostile, what I am saying is that men are inherently taught to suffer in silence. To be brave until we break. Even to never share our truth. This leaves us alone, and that isn't how healing works.

We need to support, collaborate with, and listen to the men in our lives. To help them heal in a collaborative journey. We must be as kind as we expect them to be and act with empathy that enables spaces to help those seeking change.

And because of that, we need to be bold enough to let the men seeking their truest wellness know they are deserving of that journey.

Happy Men's Mental Health Awareness Month!!

#storytelling #storiesworthtelling #collaborativejourneys #mentalwellness #shareyourjourney

Happy Pride Month All!

No Matter how you walk your pathway, or you carry the worth of your voice, or even how the world judges you, carry yourself as the wildly wonderful Unicorn you are!

There is no one who can carry the courage of your kindness, the strength of your spirit, or the wild magic that shimmers as you shine. So know your value as the incredible person you deserve to be. 

Be proud, be strong, be bold. 

There is so much to be grateful for.

Sharing a genuine moment of amazement. This year, my D&D Camps are so popular that I have had to launch a 4th- in person camp and an online D&D camp!!! The Best part is the online camp is nearly full and the 4th in person one is slowly reaching its minimum!!

This information has caused my heart to swell with genuine joy. I honestly would never have expected this, and genuinely, I still sit in awe of this each day. This wonderfully silly thing I do is growing by leaps and bounds,  and so many are chasing the silliness with me. Truly, I am wildly proud and humbled.

I never expected for this to be so successful, but it goes to prove that work led with kindness, driven by empathy, and supported through respect builds bridges.

#empathyinleadership #exploringplay #craftingmindfulstories #storydrivenplay

Hello all!

Today we have the last story of our Mental Health TTRPG Colloborative: Serena Akinahew - A Story of Beasts and Joy

1Where did your journey with TTRPGs start?

It started when I met my husband. We sat down with a little Cthulhu short story. A friend and I were curious, and I wanted to play, plus I wanted to impress the boy that I like. We dropped our characters, and then we jumped in, and I remember being surprised because there wasn’t much instruction. It was just and go. It was fun, though outside my comfort zone, and over the years I enjoy it more and more. Everybody plays differently.

2 What benefits did you observe as you played the game?

I particularly like its versatility. There are so many different ways to play a game; you can play it as horror, campy, or funny. You can play the game lightheartedly or seriously; there’s a place for everyone, whether you’re the big person who has lots to say, you enjoy being the comic relief, or you’re more of an observer and along for the adventure. If you have a very good set of playmates, it’s always fun.

3 Can you tell us a bit about your experiences/ joys/ positive experiences that have cemented TTRPGs as a vessel for wellness?

Simply, it gave me a chance to share time with people I enjoyed, share food, laugh, and tell stories. It helped mIt helped me by giving me something to look forward to, and it even came with a bit of a script, so if I didn’t know what to talk about or didn't want to talk about day-to-day life, there was plenty set up for me to talk about is one aspect of TTRPGs that you feel will empower people who have not started to play or are considering playing.

Find people who want to spend time with you and find the style you want to play in so you can find a group that aligns. For example, I like DnD fine, but I ADORE playing Call of Cthulhu, and I especially like the one-off stories because you can do them in one evening, stress-free if you don’t know when you'll be able to play next.

Additionally, you can reject any questions you do not like.

Hello all!

Today as part of our Mental Health Awareness Month TTRPG Colloborative we have three story of Casey Van Camp, a dedicated creator and Facilitator.

My journey with tabletop roleplaying games started years ago on the back porch of my parents’ home. My older brother and a neighbor were sitting together talking when my brother told me to join them. I had no clue why until he began describing a massive troll attacking us and asked what I wanted to do. I didn’t know what to do next, but I knew I was having fun.

That first encounter drew me into the world of tabletop roleplaying games. It introduced new worlds of exploration, impossible problems, dangerous adventures, and opportunities to become someone else for a time. I was always eager to dive into a new story. Over time, though, I realized the games were offering me something more than adventure or escapism. They were offering connection, creativity, and restoration.

As I grew older and started running my own games, I realized the joy was not just in defeating monsters or finding treasure. It was building worlds and sharing them with others. TTRPGs became a creative outlet during stressful and frustrating periods of life. They gave me a healthy way to process emotions, release frustration, and reconnect with imagination and wonder when everyday life felt exhausting or overwhelming.

Through storytelling, I created alien civilizations among the stars, terrifying creatures born from isolation, and worlds filled with beauty, danger, mystery, and hope. Around the table, people laughed together, solved problems together, and created stories together. For a few hours, stress gave way to creativity, collaboration, and connection.

TTRPGs also helped me grow as a person. They strengthened communication and active listening. They helped me become more comfortable speaking in groups and engaging with people whose experiences differed from my own. They taught me empathy, collaboration, and the importance of understanding perspectives outside my own. Around the table, everyone had a voice. Everyone contributed to the story. Everyone mattered.

One of my favorite parts of tabletop gaming has always been watching people surprise themselves. I have watched quiet players slowly gain confidence and lead their group through difficult decisions. I have watched people convinced they were “not creative” invent solutions nobody else considered. I have watched friendships form between people who otherwise may never have spoken to one another.

For me, wellness through TTRPGs comes from that sense of belonging, creativity, and shared imagination. In a world that can often feel isolating, stressful, and overwhelming, tabletop games encourage us to slow down, be present, and create something meaningful together.

There is something uniquely human about sitting around a table and telling stories together. To imagine together. To laugh together. To solve problems together. Storytelling is one of the oldest ways human beings connect with one another, process emotions, and make sense of the world around them. TTRPGs create a space where people can safely explore ideas, emotions, leadership, and self-expression without fear of permanent failure.

For a few hours, everyday stress gives way to creativity, collaboration, understanding, and community, and that can be deeply restorative. The games do not replace professional support, nor do they solve every problem, but they create opportunities for connection, growth, expression, joy, and healing in ways that can have a meaningful impact on people’s lives.

Over time, I also realized that building a gaming party around the table is not so different from building one in real life. A good party is made up of people who support one another, face challenges together, and recognize that everyone brings something valuable to the journey. Some people lead from the front while others keep the group grounded, encourage others when things become difficult, or quietly help carry the burden when someone is struggling.

Life can be exhausting and isolating at times, but a strong party reminds you that you do not have to face every challenge alone. Your presence matters to the story. Without you, the quest becomes harder, the victories mean a little less, and the connection around the table is not quite as strong. In many ways, TTRPGs remind us that community, support, and shared purpose are some of the most important things we can have both in games and in life.

If someone has never played before, the one thing I would want them to know is this: you do not need to be an actor, know every rule, or be creative on command. You only need curiosity and a willingness to try.

Find a group, ask questions, try a session, and give yourself permission to participate without pressure to perform.

You may discover that the game becomes more than a game. You may discover stories that resonate deeply with you, friendships that last for years, and parts of yourself you never expected to find along the way.

You Can Find Casey' Camp Gragonsgate Below .

https://www.facebook.com/share/1KSRTzKfaT/

A Journey in Play: Thomas R Wilson’s TTRPG Story

1 Where did your journey with TTRPGs start?

My Journey with tabletop role-playing games started with one of my closest friends. I had considered playing for quite a while, but never fully given it a try. That was until Serena asked me to play Dungeons & Dragons with her and her now-husband, Tom. I remember my first session vividly: the palpitations in my chest as I faced great beasts, the sweat forming on my fingers as we played, and the laughter of the group echoing in the room. I had always loved storytelling, but this was something new, something that mixed my love of gaming with something strangely alien and complexly real.

It was not long afterward that I started my own campaign, finding a love of the game intertwined with more applied Storytelling, and getting to spend time with friends who are now among the most important people in my life. It is wild to me that this game has been a cornerstone of some of my greatest successes in life, but also my vessel for pursuing a level of wellness I thought I would never have. Each time I lead a game, I bring a unique and meaningful world to life through the rolling of dice and the passion of my creativity.

2 What benefits did you observe as you played the game?

For myself, I have witnessed a growing sense of courage and strength in the development of my creativity, in the exploration of building a creative career, and in the fostering of a passion that blossomed into a wildly successful life. This game is as much about life for me as it is creative expression.

What I have witnessed in others, however, is the development of self-advocacy, creative thinking, mindfulness, peer relationships, and a more whole community. I am so incredibly lucky to say that my community can embrace play while also exploring purpose in our daily campaigns. And for so many, this game has become their safe space where they are truly seen and heard.

3 Can you tell us a bit about your experiences/ joys/ positive experiences that have cemented TTRPGs as a vessel for wellness?

Tabletop Role-Playing games are a genuinely positive experience in my life and in my community. I have personally helped hundreds of kids to find their voice, build confidence, explore their ideas, and build a community. So often, I work with kiddos who are told they don’t belong, or that they are too much of a problem, or that they are struggling in other community spaces. Through compassionate leadership, kind communication, and gentle guidance, paired with a game that empowers and uplifts rather than takes away and ignores, they have found their footing in life.

Additionally, I have personally made countless connections through these games and have reached a deeper understanding of stories than ever before. I love this game not because I make money, but because it is a tool to help the community at large, offer hope and light, and help those left behind find their home away from home.

4 What is one aspect of TTRPGs that you feel will empower people who have not started to play or are considering playing?

I truly believe anyone can learn to play this game well with the right game master. Sometimes that is the hardest part, but when you find a game master who is supportive, respected, compassionate, and teaches you as you learn, you can truly succeed. Additionally, you may even find lifelong friends and a close, connected community that celebrates your silly and joyful successes.

Overall, D&D and other tabletop role-playing games may become the pathway to your best future and your closest friends. As this game has one of the most supportive and heartfelt communities of any community I have been a part of. I truly wish you the most joy and passion you can experience when you start playing any game in this genre.

Ty Smith: A Story of Healing Through Gameplay

As part of mental health awareness month we are highlighting stories of healing through TTRPG'S.

Today we have the Story of Ty Smith, one of the grandest and most passionate advocates and D&D players I know.

My story starts when I was young, and I got my first diagnosis of Sensory Integration Disorder. The treatment at the time was to take a surgical sponge with stiff bristles and rub it as hard and fast as possible in the hopes of creating new neural pathways. My reaction was less desirable, and I spent most of my life after that in the mental health system.

When in the hospital, the only comfort, the only peace of my world, I was allowed to take into the hospital with me was Collectible Card games known as Magic: The Gathering. In a place of crises stripped of all my loved ones and no comfort, the only piece of my world was my cards, and I was grateful to have them.

But I lived in Treatment centers, I went to school in treatment centers, and the only socialization I was allowed to do was in groups. I was not allowed to have a friend until I was 18 years old, and the only thoughts I had reinforced in my mind were how I hurt people.

For roughly the last 14 years, I’ve been using games to find out who I really am. To break through all the noises that the system planted into my head, to test boundaries and learn common social skills I was never given a chance to develop when I was younger. I know I’m alone, that many people use games to find who they are or to outline the good of who they are by being a little dark in a fantasy setting.

I first started playing D&D 3.5 when a school bus driver invited me to his game. I had fun and been in a few games since most ended poorly until I found a wonderful Discord community. I find that to be a powerful tool, but that is only a small part of gaming potential, now that there is more ways to make it accessible than ever before, customizing atomization with creativity there are tools that assist with just about everything allowing the tical of rolling heavily dice seeing it role and al the formulas that at one point made it hard some to play just answered automatically!

My community is taking gaming to the next level by making their own system! Their games frequently have tons of Homebrew added in, but they do a good job balancing so everyone is strong as they want to be, and the suffering is all the same!

There are programs to help with storytelling, 3D printers so you can make your own characters, adventure, or even a game! We live in a wondrous age that crosses imagination with technology to support what we choose, but by giving all players a space, we can all enjoy! For the first time, really in my life, I’m able to be authentic to myself, developing healthy boundaries and wonderful friendships thanks to a game that allows me to practice skills I never had as a child and an adolescent.

#gameplay #storiesheal #motivatingplay

Gaming Can Be a Pathway to Mental Wellness.

One of the most common questions I get is how Dungeons & Dragons can support the mental health and wellness journey. For those who play the game, this may be obvious, but for those who don't, it most likely isn't.

The simple answer is that, when run well, it crafts a community, can lead to a degree of healthy escapism, can foster active, real-time decision-making, and is a game of healthy communication.

The more complex answer is that D&D is built on shared Storytelling. Throughout the game, each player is allowed to embrace challenges, explore complex narratives surrounding good and evil, process prompts, and engage with a narrative that encourages autonomy. These are crucial skills to practice for real life, but not ones everyone is regularly tasked with. Through careful facilitation in a sensory-friendly space, we blend these skills with meaningful dialogue to foster lasting success. Most importantly, it offers a viable avenue to embrace all of this through play. Finally, this often means this style of play can be the beginning of a deep and meaningful journey of wellness.

So next time you consider playing, know that Dungeons & Dragons is a beautiful game that can actually benefit long-term wellness, especially with the right game master.

May 6th is National Nurses Day

Nurses are so often the hidden warriors of the healthcare field. They serve every role, take constant flak, get very little credit, and endure great emotional pain.

Nurses also define the difference between great care and miserable treatment for patients. And yet they are far from the face of doctors' offices or hospitals. And still, they work incredibly hard every day, doing their very best.

So today and always, may we honor the journey of these incredible people, and honor their efforts to heal, support, and uplift them, and act with the care they deserve.

#nationalnursesday #nursesdeservelove #supportnurses #bettercarefornurses #nursingisajourney

Hello All!

To celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month, we are looking for articles and brief highlights of community D&D programs to share with our community.

​We hope to have compassionate, supportive, and mindful articles that detail how to support Neuro Diverse Youth, Support Families, or evolve supportive education. We will share these with our community and highlight you and your organization across all our media. This is a volunteer offering. This is also our pilot outreach to help spread education to those in need.

​Highlights:100 to 300 words We also want to help share programs, details on your organization, special upcoming events, or a brief outline of your mission. And should link to social media, and should align with a strengths-based, supportive mindset. 

​Articles should be 500-900 words, use inclusive language, and have a strengths-based mindset. Please also contact ndttrpg@gmail.com for more details.

#storiesforhealing #communitydriven #storiesthatempower #ttrpgstories #gamingheals #storytellingmatters

Comics are Literature!!

It does my heart so much good to be able to see the level of appreciation comic books get every day in our modern age. While the movies are still far more popular, comic books hold incredible value.

Since Today is Free Comic book day, this is a beautiful opportunity to explore the moral value, the lessons on the indomitable human spirit, and the levels of compassion that fill each page.

And yes, while comics have their flaws, and no story is truly perfect, the storytellers behind those works still deserve to be supported.

And perhaps you will find a wall crawler or a superman who can inspire you in ways they have inspired me to be kind, for the sake of kindness.

link to find your local shop: StoreLocator https://share.google/mD5E6pgOgsXI01m1i

#freecomicbookday #comicsholdvalue #comicsinspirechange #bekind #motivatethroughstories

Breathe, Be, Pause, and Hold Still

May is Mental Health Awareness Month.

So often this month, people focus solely on the pain, sorrow, and hardships, and while that is so very much part of the mental health journey, it is still a journey that can be a blessing. Learning to honor ourselves, to shape who we want to be on that journey, and to take the first steps toward our better selves is just as valid. And it is just as deserving of attention.

In our world, we are too often focused on the bad, shame ourselves, and hold onto sorrow, but that keeps us in that profound misery. Learning to accept our flaws, to dance in our joy, and to chase our wellness is the life raft in those waters. And we all deserve to appreciate and love ourselves fully.

This is not to diminish the incredible people who are struggling, but to offer another perspective. YOU are deserving of feeling joy. YOU are deserving of feeling well. YOU are special.

Because of those truths, you deserve to be kind enough to yourself to embrace the beauty within you, to live a life where you smile at your greatness, and you deserve to get to the point of your wellness journey where you walk into the peace and hope you deserve and always have.

#honoryourvoice #celebratethejourney #inspiredstories #celebrateyourwellness #chaseyourlight #inspirewellness

Hello all!

Today, we have April's Digital Stickers!! Each of these is meant to capture the relief from feeling alone and isolated, all while honoring what brings joy and those who walk our imperfect journeys alongside us. These are meant to also help add a smile on those days when we feel lost in our pain and inspire us to chase the simplest joys in life.

You can download each as a PNG below!

Please let us know which is your favorite!!

https://www.patreon.com/posts/journey-of-joy-156600097?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

Sharing A Moment of Storytelling In Action.

The Art attached has immense and immediate value. In a recent Dungeons and Dragons session, one of my students became "the designer" and had the opportunity to draw our world and the characters they thought had value to our story.

As we went, they crafted many beautiful works of art that everyone held in high regard. However, as we went, they started drawing a character they wouldn't tell us the name of. Then, as it was finished, I was asked: "Do you like it?" After I gushed over it, they smiled and said, "It's you!"

For me, this was more than just a drawing; it was an act of creative joy and a gentle reminder of our work together. This was a sign of how much joy our group has brought them and proof that I have truly had an impact.

Sometimes the small, simple moments hold true beauty, and sometimes the greatest results of kind spaces are the ones that fly by quickly but deserve to be honored forever.
#storiesworthtelling #creativeplay #shareyourstory #youthplay #mindfulstorytelling

Autism is more than a word, a diagnosis, a lived experience, or an idea; it is a complexly beautiful component of life.

While it can be so easy to post about the beauty of Autism, while many families struggle for care, assistance, allies, and hope, it still doesn't diminish the truth behind these words. Autism is beautiful, despite the struggle.

And yes, Autism is profound, and strong, and wise. Autism is a pathway to a community strong, brave, and hopeful. Yet, that doesn't diminish the struggle families go through, or the sleepless nights, or the frustration families feel dealing with a system that almost seems to work against them. But it doesn't help to highlight the importance of recognizing that our friends, allies, and family members are deserving of the very best, and that those caring for them deserve the same.

And in that, Autism teaches those brave and loving enough how to embrace challenges, how to understand words not spoken, and how to carry on with a love bold enough to pursue better things.

We, as advocates, community members, business owners, and allies, should honor that boldness and be brave enough to act with greater compassion and listen better, not just this Autism Acceptance Month but every single day afterward.

Autism Acceptance deserves to go beyond just one month, and bravery deserves to be honored always.

Hello all!

Today, we have April's FREE Adventure Series Posters!! Each of these is meant to capture the lively and beautiful zen of Spring while also inspiring a genuine call to action that gets us all up and moving. Additionally, they can be used to recreate a simple and joyous scene, or they can be used to inspire a magical moment in your TTRPG games!

There is a brief snippet of each below.

Watercolor Joy: A world of orange and yellow begins its transition to the boisterous and beautiful season that is Spring, all while being oddly calming to look at.

The Chosen Pathway: A simple white picket fence is nestled deeply into the embrace of Spring's blossoming flowers, all while leading the mountains not far beyond.....

Where Spirits Run: A field belonging to the wild and romping spirits of Spring meets a hillside bursting with blues and greens, all while offering the sleepy calm of a gentle Spring Night.

You can download each below and let us know which is your favorite. 

https://www.patreon.com/posts/journey-chosen-155643621?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

Today is a day to honor the wild, furry, and gentle confidants that support us.

Animals represent the beauty around us. For so many individuals, they are the brilliant and truest friends that we have. They live without judgment, listen fully, and help heal our hearts.

Additionally, no matter their breed or heart, they serve as loving allies to the Neuro Spicy community, acting as protectors and heroes in our times of need, staying with us when the world casts hatred upon us.

It cannot be overstated how important they are, nor how vast their wealth is.

So today, may they get an extra treat, hug, and love, and may we fight on for them when they need us to.
#nationalpetday #petsdeservelove #mypetsshine #honourourpets #carrypetpride

Hello all!

Today, we have April's Phone Wallpapers! Each of these melds a calm Mountain Scene with the lively beauty Spring is so known for! These are meant to help you get a reprieve from the chaos around you while still being on your phone! Additionally, these can be used to set a serene scene in your TTRPGs!!

There is a brief description of each below.

Flowers Bloom: A world of green and yellow mix into a gently hopeful scene that elicits the feeling of a Mountain breeze and quiet solitude.

Beyond the Gate: Wildflowers and light colors meet and surround a white fence, while promises of mysteries and gentle grace await you.

Midnight Blossom: A deep-blue sky, alive with firefly-like stars, hangs above a kind valley scene that sings with the beauty of wildflowers and bushes.

These are entirely FREE to download, and may they offer you peace! Let us know which is your favorite!!

#ttrpgdesign #motivateplay #creativestorytelling #inspirethroughplay #tellyourstory #braveryinplay #mindfulstories #mindfulgameplay

https://www.patreon.com/posts/like-wildflowers-155214101?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

Autism is a journey, not a limitation.

April is Autism Acceptance Month, and as such, now is a beautiful time to remind ourselves of the incredible members of the community and their worth.

While the journey of Autism is one of hardships, pain, confusion, and far too often a lack of support, it is also one that crafts compassion, community building, and love.

Those within our community are individuals with abundant pride, defiant strength, and full and worthwhile knowledge. While some seek to take away our voices and our value, we are so incredibly strong. As advocates, we are bold; as leaders, we change paradigms; and as students, we shape education for the better.

This mission shines a light on our beauty, not our struggles, and our daily lives showcase the loving attention of those who care for us and stand by us. We are truly and profoundly a community of drive and love.

So this month and always, may we shine brighter, raise our voices, and inspire those who don't understand to listen with gentle pride. And for those who refuse that opportunity, may we stand proud, unwavering in our worth, and shake the foundations of ableism to build a better future.
#autismpride #autismacceptance #communitypride #ourvoicesmatter #storydrivenwork