For the past few years now, I have kept something called a comfort drawer in my house (thanks to the wonderful Sarah Ban Breathnach for the original idea!).
A comfort drawer is a special, dedicated little drawer (or other space) whose purpose (and what could be higher!) is to hold a treasure trove of treats and comforts for your truly.
When you have one of those days where everything goes wrong, when you get some bad news, are disappointed or are feeling up against it in whatever area of your life, you can take refuge in your comfort drawer. Isn’t that a wonderful thought?
As you lean your head against the bus window or crawl through traffic after a hectic day, or sit in another tedious meeting, or listen to a partner or friend moan and twist, you can conjure up your drawer in your mind and make your choice…
what will today’s treat be?
Now, I’m not going to tell you what should be in the drawer, that’s up to you. You know which things in life delight and inspire you, that lift your spirits, amuse or sooth.
But so you start to get an idea, here’s what’s currently in mine;
A bath bomb
Some scented candles
A new note book
Some coloured pencils and a little colouring book
Perfume samples of scents I don’t usually wear
Foot rub cream
A miniature body lotion
A french manicure kit
A bar of almond chocolate
A poetry book
A little pewter buddha
A packet of postcards to send to friends
The only rules of the comfort drawer are, that you must replenish the stocks – one in, one out and that the drawer has comfort as it’s sole use – don’t shove these beauties in amongst your socks or the remote control and charger collection! if you don’t have a drawer why not buy one of those lovely cardboard gift boxes or suitcases and use that instead?
You can make it a little game to pick up little treats for yourself when you are out and about, holidays and day trips are great for this, but truly, treats can even be found on the local high street or in the supermarket. You can also store stocking fillers and little gifts you got at Christmas and birthdays in your comfort drawer too.