We all have seasons of our life that are rough. From grieving to having a ton of work to do, to going through relationship issues we will always face times that are lower than other. It is normal to be in trying times, and sometimes it is hard to move on and keep going. These are my top picks for comfort items that I love to treat myself to, grab from around my house, or have someone bring me during a rough time.
1. A Comfy Blanket
I am a big believer in the fact that being comfortable helps you get through things that can be uncomfortable in all other senses. My favorite thing to do is to wrap myself in my fluffy blankets. I have three blankets that were gifts from two of my friends and I always reach for them whenever times get hard. They also are symbols of hugs to me as well.
2. Leggings
LulaRoe leggings are something that I wear all the time, and I love. There is something so fun about looking at all the cute patterns. I sometimes will splurge when I need something bright and fun in my life.
3. Comfy Clothes
Who wants to be uncomfortable when you are working through things that can make you feel rough physically or mentally. Not me. I love going to Primark and buying the cutest loungewear. I not only feel comfortable but also feel confident in myself.
4. Sweets (Cupcakes, Chocolate, Brownies)
I think that a good treat can be justified during a hard time. I love dark chocolate with oranges infused in it, and I am a big fan of cupcakes from a certain bakery near my old elementary school. Just try not to turn to food as something to get you through rough times.
5. Coffee
Enough said. When you do not sleep you need some energy.
6. An Encouraging Text
Just texting someone you know is having a hard time is so appreciated. Consistency is key to showing someone support. Sometimes they will not need anyone, but just by showing you are willing to go through the trenches with someone is more meaningful. I have a list of people I text weekly to remind me to check in with them to let them know they are not fighting their battle by themselves.
7. A Handwritten Notes
When someone takes the time to reach out and check and see how you are it means so much. When someone takes the extra step of using their writing to express that, it means so much more. Handwriting is something that is being phased out for typing. Writing just has so much more meaning.
8. Motivation
Something that I have done that has helped me get through rough times is really positive reinforcement for myself or even negative reinforcement. IF I get up, do all the housework, and my other daily tasks I can justify having Chick-Fil-A for dinner. I also might take a break from some more redundant tasks. It also helps by writing down quotes and randomly placing them in places that I will see. Many things can be motivating, but it helps when you make it part of your daily life.
9. Books
Reading not only helps you learn things but for me, it is the best way to leave my world and go on adventures to far away places like 1776, mystical places, Hogwarts, or Narnia. Books open doors to different worlds. Some books can even motivate you and excite you for life.
10. Notebook
When you give someone a notebook you give them a tool to be able to express things that they might not be able to say out loud to anyone. In the play Hamilton one of the main lines that are said throughout the play is, "Why do you write like you are running out of time" and I believe that writing is a release of emotions. Writing can help you through the roughest times ever.
11. Handmade Goodies
Making someone something goes deeper into the realm of caring. Making something not only shows someone you care but also serves as a reminder of that very thing. Creating things also helps when you feel down. When you can make beautiful things it can help to remind you that you were created to be something beautiful.
12. Themselves
When someone is going through something rough the best thing you can do is text them consistently and not just about how they are feeling. One of my best friends sends me messages almost daily and most of the time it's about normal stuff like how something funny happened, or her and her husband's journey of buying a house.
When I need to talk I know she will respond and not just be my friend because she feels bad for me. Reaching out to someone should not be a tick on a to-do list, but rather a friend just being a friend. If you notice someone is not around, it is God laying it on your heart to reach out to them, do not just ask other people about them and speculate.
Reach out to them, not their friends and just treat them like normal. Sometimes all they need is someone being on their side for them. If they want to talk, sure let them, but sometimes it is great to just have a normal conversation.
Everything you do for someone is so appreciated, even if you feel like it is so little. This is just some ideas that you can do for yourself and others you know might be going through a hard time.
Being in a valley can be very lonely reach out and love on someone even if you do not know what is going on.
