Once you have chronic illness, the caring for yourself becomes your daily routine. The things that make life easier,  warmth, cleanliness, softness, hydration are definitely worth being celebrated.

Although these things aren't glamorous, they are very grounding. They help us to remember that even though life is tough, we can still get comfort from it.

So instead of a candy bar, your Spoonie Cauldron may contain some wipes, a mini lotion, a soft pair of socks, and a note with the words: "You're doing great."

That's the kind of treat which doesn't expire as fast as sugar does.

Our Spoonie Cauldron

Here are small and semi-cheap things that members of the chronically ill community use and that they love throughout the whole year. They would make an amazing surprise to be found in a cauldron for the taking on Halloween, instead of artificial sugar filled candy:

  • Mini hand sanitizers – clinic days or situations where you can't avoid germs are the perfect use for them
  • Alcohol wipes – for medical access, devices, or quick disinfecting on the go
  • One-use baby wipes – a gentle cleanup of sensitive skin when the energy is at a low level
  • Mini tissue packs – infusion rooms, hospital stays, or travel bag are the places where these are very useful
  • Fun bandaids – because if you are using them often, they might as well be cute
  • Lip balm – dry air and medications may cause lips to crack very easily
  • Single-use electrolyte packets – assist in the process of dehydration and fatigue
  • Tea sachets or honey sticks – a calming and comfortable choice when you don't want to have sugar
  • Epsom salt packets or foot soaks – made to soothe tired or overworked muscles
  • Reusable hot/cold packs – help relieve pain or regulate temperature
  • Compression socks – practical, and come in nice patterns
  • Soothing lotion or hand cream minis – extremely necessary during the fall and winter period when the air is dry

BeWell picks: a pair of Cozy Socks for infusion days can be split up from our 3 pack, a Mini Pill Pouch for meds or small supplies can be split up from our 15 pack, or the One Day Pill Holders!

Everything may look quite insignificant here, but if you consistently have a life full of fatigue, pain, or constant appointments, then these tiny things are capable of making a huge difference. (More of adifference than a piece of candy!)

Building Your Own Spoonie Cauldron

No matter if it is for you, a friend, or your care team, fill it with things that bring relief and joy. Put in some color, some texture, a little bit of comfort.

Close it with ribbon, hide a nice note inside, and don't forget that celebrating Halloween or any season can be different when your main goal is simply to feel good.

So this season, why not skip the candy aisle and go for the things that bring comfort?

Because sometimes the best treats are the ones that actually help you feel a little more like yourself.

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