These came together by accident. As a woman over the age of 13, I carry a small makeup bag filled with various items. You know, a small medicine bottle with some OTC painkillers, lip gloss, hand lotion, hair brush, etc. All those little things that help make a day go more smoothly.
In the past couple of years, some unique additions have been made. I have anxiety that likes to fluctuate in its severity levels. And there is nothing like a worldwide pandemic, a husband with a fancy heart needing a transplant, three kids, that's enough, right? to require some extra help for my anxiety. Slowly but surely, I added items that made an enormous difference.
Smarty pants scientists found that anxiety can be helped by engaging the five senses. The first thing I added was scented silly putty. It comes in a darling little container and if asked I can tell people that this is to help strengthen my fingers--no one needs to know. Then an essential oil roller was tossed in. Some spinning, fidget rings were added, and the final piece was the strong-tasting candies. I liked the idea that if one of my tools didn't work then I had others to reach for. These tools started making a big difference.
My daughter also has anxiety, so when school started back up, she and I put together a kit for her. It was her idea to find the spinning and wire rings as well as the textured stickers. Choosing the various pieces helped empower her so that when she felt anxiety nipping at her edges, she could reach for her bag and find a tool to help her refocus. But it wasn't until my mother visited and I handed her one of the spinning rings to help ease her anxiety that the idea that this might help others appeared.
So here I am hoping that you will let me help you ease your anxiety or the anxiety of a loved one with a Coping Kit!
The Basic Bag is $30 and if you choose the more expensive products, the price increases up to $35. If you live near me, I am happy to deliver your kit but should you live outside of the Wichita area, shipping is only $5.
