The first one would be getting lost in a good book. Now when I do get sick it hits me harder and there is nothing more helpful than a really gripping story. Thinking back to childhood this is the shelf in the library that I gravitated toward. Over a few years I read nothing but collections of stories from around the world.
Fairy Tales collected by Andrew Lang
Fairy tales have coloured my view of what is the ideal comfort, and who can forget The Princess and the Pea. Though she slept on a huge pile a feather beds she could still feel that irritating pea under her mattress. I got a feather bed a few years ago and I don't believe she could have felt the pea. A feather bed is very cosy and comfortable, as we know from both fairy tales and historical fiction. You can put it on top of your regular mattress and test the pean theory with a piece of Lego. It gets a big AAAH from me.
The Princess and the Pea
When I think of Little Red Riding Hood the first thing I see in my mind is the wolf, snuggled into Granny's bed with her sleeping cap on. And I am sure the wolf is snuggled under a duvet.
There is nothing warmer and lighter to sleep under than a goose down duvet. I have taken some advice I read once to use the duvet alone without a top sheet. That makes it easy to shift at night and the bed is made with a shake in the morning. Sleep is vitally important in chronic disease. That's why I am so fixated on maximum comfort and minimum irritation.
Wolf in bed under duvet
This fits into Little Red Riding Hood again and here we have the loyal pet dressed as the wolf and pretending to be Granny. "Oh what big teeth you have". A pet is the source of so much comfort and fun for people. Time and again I read of the devotion and strong connection between pets and those who live with them. It's healthy, often lifesaving, and a lot of fun to live with a "furry person".
Loyal Pet
Cashmere shawl (worn by the good witches). I can't find a fairy tale to match this choice but I am convinced that good witches are not only nice but fluffy. Nothing can match the luxurious feel of a soft shawl or wrap.
Fluffy Shawl
Hansel & Gretel
And now my final (and most scary comfort). What symbolizes comfort food better than the witch's house in Hansel and Gretel that is made of candy and sweets. So tempting and I don't even have the excuse of being an undernourished small child.
So much sugar to tempt Hansel and Gretel
Fairy tales always have a dark and frightening side and so does the reason I am so attached to my comforts. Chronic illness is a real burden, and unfortunately you never get to retire or toss it aside. Giving treats to the body and soul makes it easier to cope and gives us something to look forward to. Small pleasures are one of the joys of life.
This post is part of a blog carnival:
Ideas for Relieving Rheumatoid Arthritis Pain
http://rawarrior.com/ideas-for-relieving-rheumatoid-arthritis-pain/
A very good idea from Kelly for an (almost) year end round up, so we can all go into the New Year happier and healthier.
