Chronic Illness: The Perfect Bedroom

Peace, solitude, calmness, protection. If I could take you to the perfect bedroom, it would be large, but feel cozy; it would be lit and warmed by the rays of the sun.

When we are tired, we find ourselves curled up underneath a favorite quilt. When we awake, we want to feel refreshed and renewed. When we are sick, we want to to feel comforted by our surroundings. When we escape to our bedroom, we want to feel relaxed; we want to remember the feeling of tranquility.

It's often hard for us to find this calmness and peace in a place where we spend frustrating hours awake. Our nightstand is peppered with bottles of pills for pain and even for sleep. With just a few changes, you can redecorate or rearrange your bedroom, making it efficient and a place where you can find the serenity that a bedroom can provide.

Buy a quality mattress. Shop around. Ask your friends what name brand they have and if they like it. Buy something that will last.

Find a comforter for your bed that will not only bring you warmth, but also comfort. It will define the style of the room, so make sure you're going to want to look at it for a long time.

Buy a quality pillow to sleep on and other pillows to cuddle with. Lots and lots of pillows will also give you that decorator's touch.

Buy a bedside lamp that is touch sensitive. It will save you from stretching and fumbling around.

Have a dresser that has rolling drawers. Make sure the handles are easy to grasp; change them if they aren't.

Have a pretty basket near the bed. Put your heating pad, massage aids, etc. here.

Keep a Bible, a good book and your journal near the bed for those times you can't go to sleep. If you can't sleep, it's always better to do something than to just lie there.

Buy a small water pitcher. Having this on your bedside table will make taking medications easier.

Keep a flashlight by your bed. If you have to get up in the middle of the night and don't want to wake anyone else up, this will come in handy.

Get a cozy robe and slippers. You may want to put a hook on the back of your door so the robe is easily available.

Have an alarm clock nearby. If you don't like to be jolted awake, alarm clocks are available that wake you by simulating a sunrise or by playing pleasant sounds.

Have a telephone near the bed. Find one that has programmable buttons in case of an emergency.

Have a lap-desk or book holder nearby. You may get tired holding a book, and a book holder can make all of the difference.

If you're stuck in bed for a few days, keep some note cards by your bed. If you feel bad, try cheering someone else up.

Display something that brings back good memories. Whether it's a doll, a trophy, or a jar of shells, display something that brings a smile to your face when you see it.

Surround yourself with pleasant scents. Try an aromatherapy candle or some potpourri.

Display your favorite photographs. Get those pictures out and put them where you can enjoy them. Indulge yourself with frames that you like.

Frame your favorite quotes. When you find something that inspires you, frame it!

Have a chair that is easy to get in and out of. Whether you're putting on your shoes or just need to rest, a comfortable wicker chair can be wonderful to sink into.

A canopy bed, throw pillows and pretty curtains can add some flair and a romantic feel. Decorate with soft fabrics and colors. Make sure your room is at a comfortable sleeping temperature.

That our healing or lack of healing is between us and God. We get tired of people saying, "If you just prayed harder." Or "I can't understand why God isn't healing you!"

The very basics about our illness. Like for instance, that we may tire easily or forget things. Perhaps we can't sit in the sun for a long time or walk far.

That just because we may cancel our plans doesn't mean we don't respect them or their time. We genuinely would be there if we could.

That we can make our own choices about what is too much for us to do, or when to hold back. We know our limitations.

That we are tired of hearing about so-called cures. If they want to share something with us, mail it and then forget about it. We can choose to read it at our convenience.