Lavender Comfort
- Dr. Joyce Brown
- 5 days ago
- 2 min read
The parcel delivery service left a package on my doorstop. Opening the box, I honestly didn’t know who'd sent it to me; however, the contents were just what I needed. An angel must have read between the lines of my posts and knew I needed rejuvenation … of the body and spirit.
My sister-friend had seen me struggling, probably heard it in my voice and felt it in my writing… and sent an extraordinary gift of comfort. Lavender Comfort is what I renamed the contents.
The contents were everything I needed—not just for that day, but for the weeks that followed: bath salts, oils, lotion, a scrub. As I sat in a warm bath, surrounded by her generous gift, I pondered how to move beyond discomfort toward a more relaxed, positive outcome.
I need to find equilibrium again because too many situations had piled up after another: my health challenges; unexpected and expensive home repairs that could not be delayed; grieving a friend’s extraordinary loss, and health challenges across the family.
And trying to settle a family estate in the midst of everything else. This message is not about estate planning, wills, or family drama…but ..PLEASE get your house in order before something catastrophic happens to you or your loved ones.
Discomfort, disappointment, and dealing with longstanding grievances can fray already difficult relationships. It’s more than uncomfortable…the discord cannot always be mended after harsh words and accusations are shared across social media and in private conversations that always find their way to the light.
Comfort can also come from spending quality time with friends. I have three friends with whom I attend theatre, sometimes church, and community gatherings. Their words and silence give me a chance to slow down, change perspective… or sometimes to wallow in the drama-filled situation…but not for long.
Today, we celebrated the holy season with a festive meal, gifts, and great conversation. I left there with enough endorphins and belly laughs to take me through the holiday season… as family marches to the finish line to bring closure to settling a family estate.
Healing can begin when the papers are signed, and everyone has had their say. Hopefully, we will regain a sense of family, learn to handle discomfort and disappointment with the same spirit that allows us to celebrate the happier, more comfortable parts of this journey called life.
Joyce A. Brown is a motivational speaker and author who uses her creative energy to give voice and meaning to the challenges women face in all walks of life. She grew up in Rockford, Illinois, in a household of strong women, but her professional career expanded her reach into Peoria and Battle Creek, Michigan. She is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and has served as a direct services worker, executive director, program director for a major foundation, and entrepreneur. Joyce has experienced many uplifting moments as a professional and as a dedicated parent and strives to bring those events and lessons to life through her characters in the contemporary fiction novels she pens. Visit her Author’s Page
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