Hi Friends!
Not coming on here today to recap the reward style conference, I will soon, but not today because I can’t think of anything other than the below…
I’m sorry this topic isn’t the most uplifting post for a Monday but it is something I’m currently witnessing and after brainstorming on my own, I thought it would be beneficial to write about it because everyone goes through hard times and maybe, just maybe, this post can bring some comfort to those who are experiencing something similar.
One of my very best friends is in a tough place with a sick family member. I want to do anything and everything I can to make this easier on her, and although I don’t think there is anything in the world that can make it better, maybe some little things will ease the pain and even give her a little joy. Aside from being there for her emotionally and making sure she knows she can talk to me and come see me whenever she needs, I started thinking about some other things I can do to make things just a little bit less burdensome at home, and even some things I can do for additional comfort.
I’m also no expert on the subject so I’d love to hear from you, and I’m sure we all would, so if you have any suggestions, please post them in the comments below.
Music
Make a spotify playlist and check to see if she has bluetooth speakers. Create a playlist of some of your favorite songs you shared with your friend, songs you listened to in high school, college or whatever. Songs that will remind her of those happy times. And maybe ask her what her mom’s favorite music is and make one for her mom, too. Mix in some of your favorite mellow, easy music so they can listen to it throughout the day quietly in the background. I find that having music on gives a space a pleasant vibe, we always have music on in the background of our home and I swear it makes for a happier home.
Food
This is an obvious one but as soon as I get off this plane I’m turning on my stove and making a big batch of tomato sauce with meatballs. I know my friend’s mom can’t eat too much of this food at the moment, but the rest of her family needs to eat so at least this takes the burden off of that. Some other great recipes would be a pot of chili, chicken soup, roasted chicken with a veggie and rice, lasagna, sausage and lentil soup, homemade cookies. Here are links to some of my favorite tried and true recipes:
*if you’re not local, an uber eats credit could help, or talk to local restaurants and set up a schedule. Include any other friends and take turns.
Beverages
How about a nice box of luxurious teas, this box of tea looks so nice, her favorite coffee, a couple boxes of La Croix, her favorite wine.
Essential Oils
Essential oils are wonderful for emotional and physical support. Depending on the sick person’s tolerances, oils can be used to relief symptoms but it’s all about finding the right ones for the specific ailments. There is a great book I refer to all the time, Essential Oils Pocket Reference Guide, where you can look up the oil and/or the ailment and see which oils are good for what. My particular friend’s family member is having a hard time with breathing so we’re going to try diffusing R.C. to see if that can help. R.C. has three has three varieties of Eucalyptus and is comforting when applied to the chest and throat. There is also a Breathe Again roll-on that I’m ordered ASAP which has Peppermint, Myrtle, and Copaiba with four different types of eucalyptus.
For my friend I’ll be bringing her Peace + Calming and White Angelica to soften the space and create a peaceful environment, Lavender, Frankincense, Cedarwood to help her sleep, and my favorite happy blend JOY for during the day. If you need help with essential oils, I’m always here so feel free to email me.
Reading Material
I love reading the US Weekly types of magazines, they’re fun and mindless and can make you feel better about your own life 😜 Then there’s the fashion magazines, home decor ones. I LOVE magazines. Pass along your favorite books (sadly I’m not in a reading phase so have no recommendations here) but if you do, please post in the comments section!
Loungewear
What about some comfy and pretty lounge clothes. Most of the time I’m assuming is going to be spent around the house, so a nice set of comfy pants and a matching shirt, a cozy bathrobe, a beautiful cashmere throw she can use to keep her family member comfortable. Slippers and or cozy socks. Here are some suggestions:
Netflix
If she doesn’t have an account, buy her a package and text her a list of your favorite shows. Or give her your log-in (sorry Netflix!). Sometimes I think people are just going through the motions and need the suggestions.
Manicure Set
If you can’t take her to go get your nails done, what about sending her a nice manicure set so she can do her own. I found this one at Sephora and you can send it with some favorite nail polishes.
Hire a cleaning service
Send her your cleaning lady, or look up local cleaning services in her area so it’s one less thing she has to worry about.
Laundry
If you can get to her house, pick up her laundry, bring it to your home and do it. Ask her if you can put it away when you get back to her house.
I think that’s all I can think of for now, if you have any other suggestions, please comment below so everyone else can see. Again, I know this topic SUCKS but it is inevitable that someone we love will eventually go through something like this, or different, but in hard times, it’s nice to have something to refer to for ideas which is why I wrote this post.