TheCozy

This post should actually be called 8 Gifts for People with Chronic Illness, pain, anxiety, and anyone else experiencing WTF moments. I love to give gifts, it is how I show affection. When those around me suffer, I give my time, gifts, and meditations to them.

These are all gifts I have received and given. They are not single use, they are not disposable.

1.  Glassybaby

I love glassybabys because you are gifting something handmade, beautiful, charitable and personal. They highlight different charities for different illnesses and causes so you can easily match your gift to the recipient through the cause, theme, or color.

2. Warmth

This will be a recurring theme but the format can vary in meaningful ways.

The hottest hot pad I’ve ever found.

3. Cozy Toes

In the hospital between the lack of circulation and the single pane windows, my feet were always cold. I was also suffering from extreme anxiety. My Auntie sent me these awesome slippers. You simply microwave the insoles and they stay warm for hours.

4. Robes

A robe is always a good idea. Winter, summer, after showers, while working from home, give the gift of cozy. Honestly, not a terry cloth fan, you can do better.

For after showers and springtime: Waffle Texture Robe

Cozy warmth for winter: Teddybear Realness

The softest of soft: Total Comfort @ Target

5. Warmies

For the kiddos or the young at heart, super soft stuffed animals that you can heat up, with lavender scent.

WARNING: It's a little creepy watching them go around in the microwave.

6. Food Delivery Giftcards

Postmates, PrimeNow, Caviar, UberEats, the list is endless. Did you know they deliver to the hospital? Right to your room!

7. App Store Giftcards or even better, Apps

I didn’t have the energy or the state of mind to read, even music was too harsh. I found some soothing apps/games that helped me pass the time.

Key features:

Calm colors

No time limits

Low visual requirements

Some soothing options:

Zen Koi

Prune

PAUSE

Calm

8. Candles

Something I missed while spending so much time in sterile environments was pleasant smells.

I suggest researching some local candle companies (they’re everywhere) to add some personalization.

Here are my favorites:

Good & Well Supply Co.

PNW, great scents for men and women

Isle of Skye Candle Company

Scotland, truly unique and beautiful

Tri-fold, stair climbing, hand truck.

This week the summer cold is upon us. Perhaps because it’s been a rainy June.

Anyway, despite being immunosuppressed, I manage not to catch the small stuff. Colds and viruses don’t get to me.

And this is how I keep it that way.

1. Every day when I get to work, the first thing I do is wash my hands. The first thing I do when I get home is wash my hands. Literally, keys down, bag down, and to the sink I go. I like mixing foaming soap and regular liquid soap. Foam seems to get the best coverage the quickest but good ole soaps suds up even better.

3. Vitamin C is a part of my every morning. I take it in a few forms. Pills don’t work for me so I try to get it in my foods and beverages.

4. I never touch my face. It started as a way to keep my makeup on but now I realize the worst germs have trouble getting my vulnerable nose, ears, eyes, and mouth. I support my head during meetings with my scarf or sleeve but no skin to skin contact during the day.

Just don’t call me a pessimist. Hypochondriac, melodramatic, irresponsible, lazy, sure. But just not that word.

Accusations from others mean nothing when you’ve already used those words against yourself. Question, review, accuse; and on and on. Critical thinking is not all it’s cracked up to be. But all of this resides in the conscious mind, the name calling, experiences, and judgments.