A Positive Path with Holly Lebowitz Rossi: Sources of Comfort

Hi, I’m Holly Lebowitz Rossi, writer of the Guideposts blog, A Positive Path, here to talk with you today about sources of comfort.

With so much happening and changing in the world, we need easy ways to soothe and nurture ourselves, and sometimes comfort can be found in places we don’t always think to look. Maybe some of these ideas can help you feel more settled and supported today.

Soothing smells can signal our brains to relax and stay in the present moment. It’s easy to bring a comforting smell into your home with a plant like lavender, an essential oil, or you can head straight to your kitchen cabinet and pull out the warm comfort of vanilla or cinnamon.

Childhood objects can put comfort right into your hands. Turn to simple items like a blanket, stuffed animals, or a souvenir from a childhood trip. These might be tucked away in a closet somewhere, but if they soothed you in your younger years, they can certainly do so again.

Nature might be the ultimate source of comfort. It’s permanent yet ever-changing. Being in nature’s presence can remind you that your life, like the oceans, mountains and forests, can remain steady through a lot of change. Step outside to see what natural elements await you, or bring the outdoors in with a houseplant, even a little bitty one.

Cozying up to books you’ve read again and again is like coming home to a familiar, comforting welcome after a long journey. My comfort book is actually my collection of Cathy comics. I discovered these during my teen years, and they never fail to make me smile, to ground me, to put things in perspective.

Finally, find comfort and soothing self-talk, which can remind you what you already know, that you are loved, safe, and strong enough to weather life’s storms. Try this easy technique for comforting self-talk. Breathe in and think to yourself, I am. As you breathe out, think of a word that represents comfort and support to you right here and now. I am safe, loved, calm, strong, or simply I am here.

Wishing you comfort, peace and authentic positivity, today and every day.