What’s In My Happy Box - And Why You Need One Too
I woke up on Tuesday after 5 days of tears, naps,waves of rage and craved fish soup. Fish soup in 27 degree celsius British weather? Yes, Fish soup. It's my happy, feel-good dish. It makes me feel warm and full. Cup half full or half-empty? Gurl my cup got filled all the way up. The day before, on Monday, I arrived at therapy looking like a corpse, and I have to admit I hadn’t bathed or combed my hair for 2 days. I just felt so zonked. After an hour with my therapist, I can’t lie she is a magician, I left feeling empowered. More so, because she doesn’t let me sit quietly for the hour, and she helped me to climb out of my emotional ditch and empower myself.
Not everyone has a therapist, but everyone can have a happy box. I've been told numerous times by therapists to create a happy box that holds happy things and I've just never got around to officially doing it. As there is no time like the present I decided this week to locate an empty box and stock up. I did it because like many others I want to help myself by preparing for the bad days whilst I'm having good days.
The contents of the box are really helpful when trying to either settle heightened emotions, and when pulling yourself into the present. I'm sharing the goodies in my happy box to spark your interest in creating your own happy box. It’s all about catering to your 5 senses. Happy boxes also make the best gifts. Because of the nature of it, it’s really personal and thoughtful.
Taste
A pack of your favourite biscuits, chocolate bar, boujie herbal tea …
What’s in my box? Fish soup of course! Well it can't go in the box for obvious reasons, but I make sure that meal is included. And I always have Marks & Spencers Pistachio & Almond Cookies as back up! In my soup though I have Red bream fish, Okra, Butternut squash, Plantain, Yam, Dumpling, Spring onions, Scotch Bonnet *I've given you the ingredients because sharing is caring, but I got to be honest, my yé is different from your yé*
Smell
A fragranced candle, flavoured oil, scented soap,
What’s in my box?Some French perfume my Ga'mama has used on my since I was a baby. It's not the best smelling perfume but it brings up warm memories of being at my Ga'mamas house.
Touch
Leaves, play dough, sand, a ribbon, a piece of jewelry…
What’s in my box? I have some sea shells that I've collected at beaches throughout my travels and brought home with me. They have different textures and I love playing with them.
Hear
A music single/album, a recorded message on a USB…
What’s in my box: Miguel's 2018 album 'War & Leisure' really grounds me. The album is so wavy and follows Miguel's R&B/Soul aura. Except for 2 songs the album has no swear words and I find his voice really soothing.
My two favourite songs when I need cheering up are 'Pineapple Skies' followed by 'Caramelo Duro' which has me dancing and repeating 4/5 times.
See
Bath bombs, a prayer, uplifting quotes, photos …
What’s in my box: 3 photographs
Far right photo - This was taken in Tunisia, 2013 the first time I ever went on holiday, like actually got on a plane and left England. The picture reminds me of a time I was independent and tried something for the first time, reminding me that it will happen again.
Far left photo - This was taken on my third birthday. My mum took me to the cinema for my first time and we saw 'Casper'. Plus I had McDonalds which was a treat. This picture reminds me that there were some really good moments in my childhood.
Middle photo - I'm about 6-9 months old there. It brings me happiness looking back at the beautiful & peaceful lil bubba I was.
Do you have a happy box? What would/do you keep in your happy box?