The “Feel-Good" First Aid Kit

I have no idea when I started doing this – maybe 25 years ago now?

I have no idea exactly where I got the idea from either. Just some random pre-internet advice that possibly came from a book or a magazine article..... I honestly could not tell you.

I do know that I have carried this Kit with me for more house moves than I can count and even though I only unpack it every couple of years – it still floods me with the same intention I packaged it with. Good Feels 😊.

First thing I notice is the smell. Smell is such a powerful memory trigger, and this is no exception. Even with my eyes closed, I already know I have left a bar of tangerine scented soap in the kit, and some slightly faded Nag Champa incense. I love the way this kicks off a dopamine cascade so delicious and intense, that it now feels visceral to me.

I lift out the cards & notes & concert tickets and pop them aside. The first item that grabs my attention is a tiara made of glittery pipe cleaners, with the word “Mum” spelt out in contrasting colours. A gift from my now 26-year-old, made in preschool and handed over with so much pride!!! I can still see his beaming face as he presented me with my crown!

Next up – a bunch of bracelets & necklaces strung together by my nephews one school holiday they came to stay. I find my youngest's dummy & the clip we used to pin it to his “giggle bear”, it looks atrocious – but the memories are just divine!

Locks of hair from each of my little ones. A hand-stitched teddy from one, and a hand-stitched & glued fairy from another. Random photos, cards, medals & reminder notes – all evoke the most wonderous feelings. Nostalgia, loss, joy, connection, happiness... I welcome them all with love.

The Feel Good First Aid Kit has done its job again. I am blessed xx

If you would like to put together your very own Feel Good First Aid Kit, I recommend the following:

  • Find a box you like. Mine is a glossy lavender printed gift box, about the same size as a shoe box. My first one probably was a shoe box!

  • Pop in cards, concert tickets, trinkets that have value to you, something you will get a kick out of unpacking at a later date

  • Something fragrant. You could pop in a favorite soap or incense, or spray a card with your best perfume or essential oil blend

  • Bath bubbles – in spill proof bottles

  • A pedicure or manicure kit

  • Meaningful body care items- body scrubs, face masks, whatever will pick you up when you need it

  • DVD’s & CD’s– sneak a couple of your all-time faves in the kit

  • Mini photo album – precious photos with people that make you feel loved & special

  • A reminder card – add a list of guided meditations, self-esteem talks, emergency contacts for when you’re not feeling your best

  • Candles, fairy lights… whatever sparks joy for you

Add to the box whenever you can but be choosy! These boxes can get quite full & quickly too! Be mindful to store things that could get damaged in tissue paper & zip lock bags, or little boxes of their own, ensure lids are tight. The last thing you need when you pull your Kit out is to find your keepsakes water damaged or broken. Store with love & kindness.

I can’t count the joy my kit has brought me over the years. What will you put in yours? 

Kirsten Harper