I posted this image and caption on Instagram a few moments ago:

I am so lucky that I already got such a lovely and perfect comment. If you can’t read it, it says, “And I like-Perfect Just As You Are, even when you aren’t your prettiest, or funniest or most joyful or best self.”

This was written by a very special woman whom I am blessed to know. She happens to be very beautiful on the inside and out.

In any case–and by case, there is no pun intended there, though feel free to run with it–

the above photo is my Self Sooth Kit.

As part of my recovery, I am in therapy.

This therapy focuses on practical tools to help me in different areas of life and mental health.

I was recently tasked with making a self sooth bag or kit or just to gather items, and I took this idea and ran with it
(yesterday, I literally ran to get the perfect teabag from my favorite coffee shop, but I will get there).

For me, I have this bag, with a message on it so perfect for me, attributed to one of my very favorite authors.

The process of creating my self soothe kit was therapeutic in it’s own right, as it provided me with a healthy, positive distraction, and now the benefits are endless.

I am going to now open up to you (because I am usually so closed off and shy) and share with you the things that are in my self soothe kit, in the hopes that you may make your own. My little bag is small enough to tote with me anywhere; I can carry it with me in my bag, leave it in my car, or keep it on my night table.

And so, as an insight into what soothes me, here is a list of what is in my kit:

Sight

1. Photographs. I have a photo of my family at my wedding and a photobooth strip of K and me from a Brett Dennen concert.

2. A cartoon based on Hemingway’s short story entitled “Hills Like White Elephants”. This is why.

3. Cards/Notes that have moved me. Some are simple–some are from strangers–some are from people who remind me of my healing process and others are from my people.

4. Song lyrics.

5. A drawing from my daughter

Taste

1. Chocolate. I didn’t get all fancypants here. I like dark chocolate. Enough said.

Touch

1. Twin’s Gift: For Valentine’s Day last year, Twinny got me a set of 4 napkins; on the pieces of soft cloth are love letters from famous authors to their beloved friends. I LOOOOOVE the letters themselves, but touching them brings me instant comfort.

(secret: I like to rub soft things up against my cheek. And if I need to get into a comfortable, “safe” position, I place my hands on my cheeks. It’s just my thing. And now you know.)

2. Soothing Lotion

3. A beaded bracelet and worry doll from my daughter that I can pick up and hold, feeling the light weight and thinking of the enormous weight she holds in my heart.

4. TRUST rock. This was actually given to my husband, but it slowly migrated to my night table (next to my crystals, of course!) It is smooth and heavy enough and it reminds me to stay grounded.

Smell

1. When my husband and I had a very special, much needed getaway in May of 2014, we had our one and only ever couple’s massage. We bought this oil after our treatment, and my husband started to wear it as his scent. He has since moved on to another cologne, but this smell will always bring me back to that wonderful time of relaxation, warmth and love.

2. Mint tea from my favorite shop. I keep the delicate little pouch in the wax paper container, and as soon as I open that little bag I can take in the sweet aroma.

Sound

1. I have a playlist on my phone called “Becca Feels” on it I have everything from Classic Rock to purely instrumental music, but each song on here gives me The Feels. Some of these songs make me emotional, and so when I am down, I avoid them. Hence, my “Book of Mormon” soundrack inclusion here. If I want to get a little boost, I can play “I believe” and laugh and lighten the mood.

So, why am I posting this? Because it works. It doesn’t wash away my problems, but it helps me, especially in those moments when things feel particularly overwhelming. I take a bite of chocolate and rock out to “Comeback Kid” and I know that, as they say, “This too shall pass.”

So, maybe you’ll give it a try?

I hope you do.

With love–xx,

B