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Spread a little magic…

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Christmas is most truly Christmas when we celebrate it by giving the light of love to those who need it most
– Ruth Carter Stapleton

Well, the Christmas season is nearly upon us and now is the time to start buying gifts for all your loved ones.  Of course, gifts can be bought and given at Christmas or birthdays – gifts are really lovely gestures for when a loved one or good friend is struggling due to personal circumstances.  One example, of course being when suffering a chronic illness.  When living with a chronic illness, we often experience both good and bad times due to our chronic illnesses, and when experiencing lows, I know due to personal experience that receiving a card or small present can bring a little sunshine to dark days as well as the pleasure in knowing that someone has thought of us, despite the overwhelming feelings of loneliness and isolation that can accompany life with a long-term health condition (especially one which results in the majority of days being spent in the house).

As it is the time of giving and thinking of others, I thought I would share some gifts that I have come across that someone going through a difficult time might appreciate, or is ideal for someone living with a chronic illness like myself!  And perhaps think about those who are experiencing difficult times presently and maybe think about sending them a card and a little something to remind them that they are not alone and that you are thinking of them.  It doesn’t even have to break the bank either – you could even try making a card instead of buying one, and if creative even make a present!

A friend of mine was going through a difficult time recently, and as funds were tight, I made her a little gift instead.  I took an old jar and cleaned it up, and thanks to my computer I printed lots of different positive and inspirational quotes I loved then cut them out and rolled each separate quote up, tied a ribbon around them and placed them in the jar.  I even attached a homemade label and called it a ‘Positivity Jar’ and wrote to take one out of the jar whenever feeling sad and low.  It was such a simple idea but my friend really loved and appreciated the thought, and even has it sitting on her dressing table and uses it whenever her bad days present themselves.  Other homemade presents might also include making a special playlist downloaded to a CD full of uplifting and positive songs to cheer them up during the bad days.  And if you are stuck for ideas there always lots of inspiration on Pinterest.

But here are some other lovely gift ideas for fellow spoonies…

Positive and Uplifting Gift Ideas 

It is common amongst the spoonie community to share through social media, positive and inspiring quotes – little mantras that help us stay positive and happy despite all of the limitations and constraints that our conditions places upon our lives.  It is these little mantras that help us and others who are going through a difficult time so what better present than one which provides positivity and inspiration to serve as encouragement to continue and persevere when the going gets tough.

My favourite online store for such inspiring and positive gifts has to be the Itty Bitty Book Company.  They are a small ethical and super friendly business based in Belfast, Ireland and offer a wide range of inspirational and positive gifts from cute badges to their gorgeous ‘Itty Bitty’ Books. In the books range are 3 different books offering inspiring quotes for Motivation, Positivity or Strength and in my opinion it is these Itty Bitty Book of Positivity and the Itty Bitty Book of Strength are ideal gifts for someone struggling with chronic illness or generally are experiencing a difficult time in their life.  I have all 3 of their gorgeous and handmade books and as they are small they are ideal to carry in your bag, and to read the lovely quotes and mantras when life gets tough wherever you are.

One of their beautiful prints would also be an ideal gift for any spoonie, and there are a number of different quotes on offer and if one of them has a favourite quote of theirs, even better.  They can easily be framed and placed in clear view of a bed or sofa; wherever they spend the majority of their time because of chronic illness, for example.  Or perhaps one of their cute little badges that can brighten dark winter coats or woolly hats, and are ideal gifts for a low-budget.  And they even offer inspiring greeting cards too which are blank so ideal when wanting to write a personal message inside.

To see the full range of products on offer, or to buy something for a friend (or yourself) you can check out their Etsy store here

Useful Gifts

From personal experience, I know that receiving gifts that have a useful purpose (such as a hot water bottle for example because of problems with feeling cold) can mean so much as it shows that someone as it not only shows that someone has thought of you, but also that they really care and therefore want to give you something that will make you feel better.  This can include a little comfort box filled with goodies such as a favourite type of tea, thick socks, body products and some sweets or chocolate.  For ready-made boxes that you can send with a variety of products that you can personalise for the person you are buying for, then I can recommend the ethical company Healing Boxes that make and send Healing Boxes especially for those experiencing chronic illness, or just experiencing difficulties in their life.  Lovely gifts on offer and a great way to show someone that you care.

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I can also recommend The Pillow Fort shop for fun and useful gifts for someone living with a chronic illness.  Examples of products on offer include cosy socks (for those with poor circulation and as a result suffer from cold feet perhaps), pill boxes (useful item that is a must for any spoonie as it helps to remember if you have taken medication or not!), cosy and cuddly soft toys that can be heated in the microwave (fun alternative to a hot water bottle as it is more comforting and just fun!).  And there are plenty more ideas and inspiration for useful gifts for the spoonie in your life!

Special Gifts 

Sometimes if we are able to  or the person is very close to us we like to give them a very special gift, which is especially true at Christmas for example.  One special gift for example is jewellery and I have come across some lovely pieces online.  Examples include some jewellery even inspired by the positive and uplifting quotes that we love,  I even own a pair of earrings, which are in the shape of rain drops and  a matching necklace in the design of a cloud with a rain drop attached and with these pieces of jewellery came a card with my favourite quote “Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass but learning to dance in the rain.”  I even have this card in my purse to remind myself that if I am experiencing debilitating symptoms when I am out that things will get better.  There are plenty of other pieces inspired by uplifting quotes on offer here.

Whenever we put a piece of jewellery on or look down and see it on display it can be a lovely reminder to remain hopeful during difficult times.  The online store Not on the High Street has a beautiful swallow necklace (bracelet and earrings are also available) for example which symbolises freedom and hope for example.  Another online retailer Lily Charmed even offers various items of jewellery than can even be personalised with a message of your choice on the card inside of the box.   I particularly love their spoon necklace which every spoonie will be able to relate to and love.  The snowflake may also be a nice charm to give as a reminder that the receiver is beautiful, special and unique as chronic illness can be difficult to live with, as well as often making you feel extremely different from your peers.

Other Gifts 

Other ideas for gifts which could be useful for someone living with a chronic illness might include:

  • Stationary – great idea for those who love writing and even if they don’t it might encourage them to start doing so as it can be very cathartic
  • Pyjamas – a must-have for any spoonie as we often crave comfort when we are feeling bad and pyjamas are the best type of clothing to offer this (that and perhaps onesies!)
  • Adult Colouring-in books – apparently these are very therapeutic for those experiencing depression and can perhaps offer similar benefits for those with chronic pain, as it could be a form of distraction
  • Gift card for iTunes or Google Play – these are especially great for those who love TV programmes or films as they can buy something to film to purchase to keep them company when stuck at home for example
  • Book – ideal for book lovers like myself!  Perhaps give them a book that they wouldn’t normally read
  • LED string lights – I love these as it gives any room a magical look and will help cheer a person who may be stuck in bed due to illness

So those are some of my top tips for lovely gifts for someone experiencing difficulties as a result of a chronic illness for example.

So perhaps think of those experiencing a difficult time this Christmas that will put a smile on their face and yours and let us all sprinkle a little magic this Christmas (and throughout the year!).

I have recently started a board on my Pinterest page called ‘Spoonie Gift Ideas‘  which has more ideas on special and thoughtful gifts for anyone going through difficult times because of a chronic illness.  Of course, if you have any other suggestions on what to pin then please feel free to get in touch on the blog or my pages on social media.

Let me know of any good deeds that you have done recently or throughout this holiday season and if you have bought something special for any other spoonies this Christmas.

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Reasons For loving Winter

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Winter can be hard for those living with chronic illness and chronic pain. But even despite this, however, there are still many reasons for loving winter.

What Immediately Comes to Mind When You Think of Winter?

When imagining winter, which words or images are conjured up in your mind?

For many, they would answer with images such as the nights drawing in during the early evening. Heavy rain lashing against the windows. The sounds of the howling wind outside and fighting against the constant outbreaks of colds and flu.

This myriad of some of the images synonymous with winter paints a pretty miserable picture. Especially when juxtaposed with images of summer such as the bright, warm sunshine, colourful and vibrant flowers and so on.

"Images synonymous with winters such as heavy rain lashing against windows and the sounds of the howling wind outside paints a pretty miserable picture. Winter is indeed the cruellest and relentless of the seasons." Share on X

Winter is a time to dread. Summer a time where everything feels alive and happy and time of endless possibilities.  Winter is indeed the cruellest and relentless of the seasons.

It is only the start of the autumn and winter seasons, and already, I have heard many people complaining and griping because of the cold, wet weather.

The Unrelenting Horror of Winter When Living With Chronic Pain

For those suffering from chronic pain, winter can be a challenging time. The freezing temperatures can exponentially increase the amount of pain experienced, for example.

"For those suffering from chronic pain, winter can be a challenging time. The freezing temperatures can exponentially increase the amount of pain experienced, for example." Share on X

In my experience of living with spastic paraparesis (causing stiffness and weakness in the legs) the bitter cold weather and the constant downpour of rain increase the level of rigidity and instability that I experience, thereby increasing my pain levels.

During previous years increased levels of pain, stiffness, and weakness has left me reliant on my wheelchair for the majority of the time when out of the house.

Winter weather can often exacerbate symptoms especially pain
Winter weather can often exacerbate symptoms especially pain

There are steps that I, and others living with a chronic illness and chronic pain during the winter months.  These can include wearing thermals underneath warm clothing to lessen the effects of the cold temperatures on our chronic pain.  Hot water bottles, warm blankets, and snuggly pyjamas are also fantastic at helping us keep warm.  These steps can help us with the physical pain associated with our long-term conditions. However, they do not lessen the emotional impact that winter has on our psychological well-being.

"Steps can be undertaken to help with the physical pain associated with our long-term conditions. However, they do not lessen the emotional impact that winter has on our psychological well-being." Share on X

The Emotional Impact of Winter on Emotional Well-Being

Many people experience some form of SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) a kind of depression associated with reduced exposure to sunlight.  Light therapy involves sitting in front or beneath a lightbox. As well as more conventional treatments for depression, including cognitive behavioural therapy and sometimes antidepressants can help ease the symptoms of SAD.

Winter can be a miserable time for many...and not a good time for those with chronic illness
Winter can be a miserable time for many and not a good time for those with chronic illness – Pinterest

I have talked about positive psychology before regarding helping cope with living with a long-term health condition.

One example of an exercise within the field of positive psychology is keeping a gratitude journal.

A gratitude journal encourages individuals to write down at least three things that have made them happy on that day.

Research suggests that by doing this, it can change the brain’s thought processes. It can even result in more favourable thinking patterns.  Therefore, to be more positive and happier during the winter months, perhaps we need to remind ourselves of the reasons to love winter.

"To be more positive and happier during the winter months, perhaps we need to remind ourselves of the reasons to love winter." Share on X

Why Should We Start Loving Winter, Then?

So what are some of the reasons we should love winter?

Reasons For Loving Winter: The Opportunity to Stay Indoors Without Judgement or Provocation

The cold and wet weather during the winter months provides the ideal opportunity to stay indoors. One that is the same for most people regardless of whether they live with a chronic illness or not.  When I tell others I want to stay indoors; there is disbelief on their faces during the summer months.

I am barraged with well-meaning encouragement to venture outside, supposedly an apparent cure for all my ills.  In the winter, on the other hand, others do not comment on my love of staying indoors. Let’s face it everybody wants nothing more than to snuggle beneath a blanket and enjoy a box-set binge when the bad weather hits.

"In the winter, others do not comment on my love of staying indoors. Let's face it everybody wants nothing more than to snuggle beneath a blanket and enjoy a box-set binge when the bad weather hits." Share on X

As well as being not judged for spending so much time indoors, I also feel that I am not going to feel envious or that I have missed out on anything fun.  Friends and family are also spending the majority of the time at home, choosing to stay in and binge the new series of TV programmes that tend to start when the weather begins to deteriorate.  Recently some of my favourite television programmes have returned to the Autumn schedule, such as Grey’s Anatomy and Criminal Minds.

Nothing more enjoyable than wrapping up warm during the cold winter weather or sit in front of a fireplace (if able)
Nothing more enjoyable than wrapping up warm during the cold winter weather or sit in front of a fireplace (if able) – Pinterest

Reasons For Loving Winter: Comfort, Blankets and Netflix!

Winter provides us with the perfect excuse to stay indoors and curl up with a blanket and a mug of hot chocolate.  It furthermore provides us with the ideal opportunity to enjoy an exciting book; or watch a film that you might never have otherwise watched via Netflix.  In other words, winter can provide us with the unique opportunity to bask in the enjoyment of being able to appreciate the little things that give us comfort and joy while also protecting ourselves from the atrocious weather.  Whereas summer is all about the fast pace and cramming as much fun in as possible, winter allows us to savour each moment.

A mug of hot chocolate is so comforting during winter - always make time when out shopping!
A mug of hot chocolate is so comforting during winter – always make time when out shopping!
"Winter can provide us with the unique opportunity to bask in the enjoyment of being able to appreciate the little things that give us comfort and joy while also protecting ourselves from the atrocious weather."   Share on X

I also love going to bed during the winter months and getting beneath my delectably thick winter duvet.  For me, this duvet is comforting, especially when feeling the effects of chronic illness.  Our winter wardrobes are also another enjoyable aspect of enjoying the cold and dreary months. To feel snuggly and safe beneath layers of warm layers of clothing such as big thick jumpers, woolly scarves and hats and thick socks when venturing outdoors.

I own a pair of Ugg boots which I continuously wear through the autumn and winter. They are so comfortable and also keep my feet incredibly warm. These boots are among my favourites and which people often comment on when out, which makes me feel good about myself.

My ever so warm and snuggly ugg boots!!
My ever so warm and snuggly ugg boots!!

Reasons For Loving Winter: The Delicious and Comforting Food and Drinks on Offer

A further reason to love winter is the food! Winter food provides comfort during the cold months. Mince pies, apple pies, pumpkin pies and other seasonal treats that appear in the supermarkets. Winter vegetables can be roasted or used as ingredients for bowls of steaming soups or even baked into delectable pies.

"Winter food provides comfort during the cold months. Winter vegetables can be roasted or used as ingredients for bowls of steaming soups or even baked into delectable pies." Share on X

Chilly evenings also provides the perfect pretext to enjoy a steaming mug of hot chocolate topped with whipped cream and marshmallows or sprinkles of cocoa powder. And if the weather is keeping you indoors, there is plenty of time to put everything you have learned from The Great British Bake Off into practice. Assembling a gingerbread house or experimenting with the abundance of seasonal recipes that you have always wanted to try but never found the time.

Reasons For Loving Winter: Halloween, Bonfire Night and Christmas!

Lastly, the most important reason to love the winter season is all the exciting events that occur during this time. Halloween, Bonfire Night and everyone’s favourite Christmas! These events provide excitement and wonder and the opportunity to come together with those whom we may not have seen for some time. It is hard to dislike Bonfire Night, as beautiful, colourful and vibrant lights are seen decorating the night skies.

"Halloween, Bonfire Night and Christmas provides excitement and wonder and the opportunity to come together with those whom we may not have seen for some time." Share on X

Even if we are too unwell to attend a local fireworks display, it does not mean that we have to miss out. We can still enjoy the firework from the comfort of our own homes, which I often do.

Doesn't everything look pretty and magical with fairy lights during the winter months?
Doesn’t everything look pretty and magical with fairy lights during the winter months? – Pinterest

Throughout November and December hangs the air of excitement and wonder as Christmas approaches.  Houses, shops, and town centres illuminated with colourful lights and vibrant decorations which are beautiful and cheery against the dark and dreary winter nights. 

"December hang the air of excitement as Christmas approaches.  Houses, shops, and town centres illuminated with colourful lights and vibrant decorations which are beautiful and cheery against the dark and dreary winter nights."  Share on X

Furthermore, with Christmas also brings a collection of beautiful food, heart-warming and cheerful family films. Television specials, festive events and activities, happy festive music as well as time spent with loved ones exchanging presents.

It is true that Christmas also brings a lot of activities that can deplete the number of limited spoons. Still, in my opinion, it is worth it for the happiness and the formation of happy memories that Christmas brings.

What are your reasons for loving winter?  You can contact me via Twitter using @serenebutterfly or sending me an email at brainlesionandme@gmail.com.  

Or comment below.

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Enjoy the small, simple silver linings

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I was inspired to write this new blog post after reading a particular article from ‘The Huffington Post‘

The article was regarding recent research by the biscuit brand go ahead! to find out what really makes people in Britain happy.

Surprisingly, what topped the list was not extravagant things  The list was compiled however by simple pleasures walking in the sunshine which topped the list as well as other feel-good pleasures such as getting into fresh bed sheets, having a cuddle from someone and listening to your favourite song as examples.

Reading the article, made me think of life with chronic illness.  Often when living with a chronic illness, such as lupus, multiple sclerosis and fibromyalgia for example, we are constantly looking for the next big successful outcome or achievement to make us feel-good or give us a sense of peace.  I know when symptoms are very bad, I know that I feel miserable, and only imagine myself only being happy again if I were to be miraculously cured or the severity of the symptoms subsided.  Day-to-day we are often too focused on our symptoms and the negative effect that they are having on us  not only physically but also psychologically and emotionally.

We therefore forget to focus on the small pleasures that make us happy and take us out of ourselves; the forget the negative situation that we find ourselves in and to find happiness in what is around us.

So, I have decided that I would write my own personal list of my own feel-good pleasures that makes me happy:

  1. Reading my favourite book
  2. Receiving a handwritten letter
  3. Looking at colourful butterflies

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  4. Receiving flowers
  5. Getting into fresh bed sheets
  6. Watching my favourite film
  7. Receiving a lovely comment on a blog post I have written
  8. Finding a lovely present for someone
  9. Receiving a hug from someone
  10. Seeing a rainbow
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  11. Being wrapped in a warm blanket especially on cold dark evenings
  12. Receiving an unexpected phone call from a friend
  13. Being pampered, e.g. a massage or a trip to the hairdresser’s
  14. Applying colourful nail polish on my nails
  15. The smell of popcorn
  16. The taste of chocolate
  17. Being kissed by my dog Honey
  18. Spending Sundays with Mum
  19. The feel of soft and clean towels
  20. Going out and enjoying the sunshine
  21. My gorgeous cushions which brighten my bed and helps keep me comfortable when I rest in bed
  22. Waking up after a restless sleep
  23. Browsing in a book shop
  24. Making decopauge cards
  25. Completing a level of a game that I had been stuck on for ages
  26. Publishing a blog post that I had been working hard on
  27. People smiling and saying hello to me on the street
  28. Enjoying my favourite drink and relaxing in my favourite coffee shop
  29. Laughing
  30. The sound of the rain

Those are some of the things that would be on my persona top favourite feel-good moment list.  What would be on yours?  Comment below and let me know!!

To see the full list of what British people voted as their top favourite feel-good pleasures, visit the Huffington Post article here.

 

 

 

 

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Sometimes we need to throw out the rule book…

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These past couple of days, I have been experiencing the severe trembling sensations in my legs.  Well, I have these sensations all of the time, of course, however the trembling has been somewhat more severe recently.  It is not just these sensations which I have found to be particularly troublesome of late; the fatigue, and the pain associated with the spastic paraparesis have also been bothersome.  At times, living with all these symptoms as well as the constant dizziness has been increasingly difficult and miserable.  Everyone reading this who also experiences chronic illness, will know that when experiencing a relapse, or a bad flare regarding our symptoms, you need to balance the amount of physical activity whether it be exercising, going out or doing chores around the house, with resting your body and taking a break from activity that may exacerbate symptoms.

And I have been doing this; I have listened to my body and took a break from attending the gym, as the trembling in the legs on the day I usually visit was particularly bad.  I even had to cut short my day out with my carer as I felt too unwell and tired to go anywhere else, on that particular day.  However, I have also found that whilst I was balancing the amount of physical activity I was doing and resting; the symptoms were still not improving.  So, when Thursday arrived, and as I hadn’t been out for a few days, and felt miserable as a result, I decided to thrown the rule book out of the window and enjoy the day without worrying about symptoms or maintaining that balance of physical activity with resting.  Of course, on the day I needed to take my wheelchair because of the severity of the trembling in the legs, but was determined that despite all this I was going to enjoy the glorious weather and spend the day away from my bed and the same four walls that I had been cooped up in for several days.

I am so glad that I went out despite not feeling my best and whilst battling severe symptoms.

I had a really enjoyable day out; the weather was gloriously warm and it felt so lovely to be out of the house and feeling the warm sunshine on my skin.  The symptoms, and especially the trembling in my legs were still so bothersome that I was unable to go to the gym, so we decided that instead we would spend the day visiting a little town near to where I live called Cowbridge. I had previously only been there once, and not for very long so thought it would make a change to visit somewhere relatively new and going into little shops and boutiques that I had never experienced before.  I even managed to treat myself to a gorgeous ring that I had seen online by one of my favourite jewellery designers Annie Haak, but had been unsure of purchasing as I was worried that it would not fit my very small fingers!  However, whilst browsing the shop windows in Cowbridge, we came across a little jewellery store that stocked these very same rings!  And after trying on the ring and found that it did fit my fingers, I bought it.  I am so pleased with my purchase and is a lovely reminder of our day out and triumphing over my symptoms.

The gorgeous Annie Haak adjustable ring that I bought for myself
The gorgeous Annie Haak adjustable ring that I bought for myself

“When we are experiencing more bad days then good, we need to make the most of those good days” (Click to Tweet)

The day was not just spent shopping; part of the day was spent relaxing in this pretty and scenic gardens that my carer came across on a previous visit to Cowbridge.  It was so nice just to sit and relax amongst the beautiful and colourful flowers.  It also created the perfect time to take some photographs to commemorate this splendid day out that I enjoyed so much.  In my experience of living with chronic illness, is that when we are experiencing more bad days than good, we therefore need to really make the most of those good days.  Living with a chronic illness, it is so wonderful to make lovely memories that we can look back on during the bad days and reflect upon.

The past couple of days after this day out has been very bad; the trembling in the legs were once again very severe, more so than before, and left unable to fully function.  Do I regret the day out now?  No, absolutely not.  As I said before, living a life with illness, where you experience more bad days than good, we therefore have to take full advantage of the days which are good.  Although it was not a particularly good day health-wise on this day, I felt that I could physically do more than previous days and so took full advantage.  I may be suffering after, however but I still have those lovely, positive memories to look back on and a gorgeous ring to admire.

So, although rest is vital and important when living a life with chronic illness, sometimes however it is just as important to sometimes throw the rule book out of the window and go and make memories to cherish and look back on when illness prevents us from doing anything else.  Let’s go out and live our lives, and take full advantage of the rare good days and make glorious memories in the process…

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There are a few of my favourite things…

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Welcome to the Health Activist Writer’s Month Challenge brought together by WEGO Health – a social network for all health activists.  Again, I am participating in the annual Writer’s Month Challenge in which I will be writing about my health activism and health condition based upon prompts given.

The prompt reads as given:

“These are a few of my favourite things”…It may not be brown paper packages wrapped up in string or warm woollen mittens, but what are some of the things you love?  What couldn’t you live without?

I have a lot of things in my life which I love – my friends, family and my pet dog Honey are at the top of that list but as I have written about them numerous times already, I have decided to concentrate on the things that I love which provide me with comfort on the bad days and helps me to stay positive.

So what is in my own personal ‘Comfort Box‘?

First of all is a pair of comfortable pyjamas.  I have a pair in which the bottoms are chequered and a simple pain black top.  It is great to have a comfortable pair of clothing to keep near the bed, as whenever I am stuck in bed due to my condition I still am able to change into something clean as an alternative to staying in the pair of pyjamas that you have had on all night!  It is also convenient for those days in which you have no energy to be able to pick out an outfit and are planning to stay at home anyway.  The pyjamas that I have kept for those many bad days, look more like lounge wear than conventional pyjamas so is less embarrassing if the postman knocks on the door to sign for a parcel!

Another favourite of mine to keep next to my bed is definitely my iPad.  When stuck in bed, it can be extremely monotonous and dull.  Therefore, I love my iPad as it keeps me entertained with a variety of different apps to use to suit my mood.  For instance, there is the Kindle app for when I fancy to lose myself in a book, or even Netflix when spoons are nonexistent that all I have the energy for is to watch a television programme or film that requires little thought involved to enjoy, or sometimes watching videos of cute and adorable dogs on YouTube to cheer myself up when stormy clouds appear, blocking all sunshine and positivity in my life.  I am even able to stream the many number of films and television programmes that I own from iTunes which can keep me entertained for hours.  Then there a number of games that I have downloaded to the tablet computer; a great distraction from pain and dizziness that seems to plague my life so much.  In my opinion, tablet computers are a must-have gadget for spoonies – it is easy and light to carry and can easily be used in bed, and the features that are available on tablets such as the iPad mean that you never have to be bored whilst stuck in bed again!

One thing I have learnt about living with a chronic illness is how important it is to have a relaxing place to recuperate. These not only brighten my bedroom but also puts a smile on my face
One thing I have learnt about living with a chronic illness is how important it is to have a relaxing place to recuperate. These not only brighten my bedroom but also puts a smile on my face

Above my bed, I have just placed some butterfly LED lights, which is now another one of my favourite things.  As many of you know, I love butterflies and have many accessories and pieces of clothing which has butterflies all over them.  When I saw these in a local shop, I thought they would make a lovely addition to my butterfly themed sanctuary.  Not only do they brighten my room and provide light, for when I am awake with painsomnia (for explanation of term see my series of the ‘A to Z of Chronic Illness‘) but they just put a smile on my face when recuperating in my quiet, relaxing space at home.

Some of my favourite letters and cards :)
Some of my favourite letters and cards 🙂

I treasure all of the cards and mail that I have received from numerous friends.  Their beautiful words and lovely sentiments never fail to bring a smile to my face and cheer me up when feeling low.  These are perfect to read again and again, especially when suffering a relapse or flare in your condition.  Letters from friends, or relatives remind you that you are not alone and that there are people who care when it can often feel that you are alone.  One of my favourite letters is one I received from the extraordinary  young woman ,Jodi Ann Bickley, who after suffering from ill-health herself established ‘One Million Lovely Letters‘; a project in which she writes letters to those who need a lift, whether it be because of illness, a breakup or bereavement.  The letter is gorgeous; with beautiful meaningful words and complete with glitter and sparkle.  The letter means so much as it is a reminder that I am so much more than my condition, and how I am not alone in the fight against my condition.  It is a perfect antidote to a bad day due to my neurological condition.

Some goodies from 'The Itty Bitty Book Company'
Some goodies from ‘The Itty Bitty Book Company’

Another item that brings me comfort is the little items that I have bought from the wonderfully positive company ‘The Itty Bitty Book Company‘.  This small and ethical company promotes positivity through using inspirational and motivational quotes in little books, prints, cards and even badges.  The quotes are all ones which I love and find helpful during times of struggle; I often take them to hospital appointments to help give me strength and positivity.  The designs are also truly beautiful and the bright colours makes me instantly smile.

Positivity Board -full of hope and inspiration
Positivity Board –  full of hope and inspiration

Another favourite thing of mine, is actually something that I created and that is my positivity board.  It has everything that inspires me and keeps me positive despite chronic illness – letters from friends as well as cards that I have bought with inspirational and positive quotes on such as “Life isn’t about waiting for storm to pass but learning to dance in the rain” and “Everyone wants happiness, nobody wants pain, but if you want a rainbow you need a little rain”.  It is these quotes and the idea of the positivity board which really helps in keeping me inspired and positive despite all the trials and tribulations that comes with the symptoms associated with my neurological condition.  Recently, I have found some ceramic shapes that also has lovely and positive quotes on them and as I have not go much space in my bedroom to hang them, I have therefore decided to place them in my comfort box and get them out when I am having a rough day because of how I am feeling or stuck in bed due to the weakness in legs.  These items are a great reminder that no matter how life may be tough in the present, there are still many more good moments to come; they inspire and uplift me when life with chronic illness becomes too hard to bear.  They help me remain a positive person and that are why they are part of my favourite things and carefully placed in my comfort box.

Some inspirational quotes
Some inspirational quotes

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