Myalgic Encephalomyelitis

Nightstand Contents

1. Wooden Incense Holder

2. Incense- I burn incense everyday to help ground myself.

3. 3 Crystal Rocks- I love working with different crystals as part of my spirituality practice. The blue one was gifted to me by my mother-in-law.

4. 1 Wooden tray-This tray is part of a vintage serving set from the 60’s. I love this tray because it has pressed flowers and butterflies on it.

5. 1 Water Cup with Straw- I’m mostly supine, and this is so much easier to drink from, than having to sit up and drink from a glass.

6. 3 Bottles of medications- I take for sleep, inflammation, and pain. There’s also a bottle of Advil, homeopathic cream for eczema.

7. 1 jar of Tiger Balm- for pain.

8. 3 Dropper Bottles - flower essences that I like to drop into my water each day.

9. 1 Moisturizer - moisturizing body oil for eczema.

10. 3 Aromatherapy rollers- I use for sleep, headaches, and energy.

11. 1 Agate

12. 2 Plants- Bringing elements of nature to my nightstand was really important to me. However my cats nibble on every living plant that has ever come into our house, so I opted for plastic ones. So far so good!

13. 3 owls- I have three ceramic owls on my nightstand. One is a flute, and the other two are containers where I store my earplugs, eye mask, lip balm, hand cream, etc. There is a ceramic owl plate hanging on the wall as well. My friends and family know I love owls, so when they travel they often bring me back souvenirs that are owl themed. I haven’t been able to travel for some time, and these owls bring me great comfort. My nightstand companions come from all over the world: Costa Rica, Bolivia, Turkey, and Germany.

14. 1 Lamp- from IKEA that I actually picked up for my partner, but he never used, so it eventually made its way to my nightstand.

15. Amber necklaces- belonged to my father’s mother who I unfortunately never got the chance to meet. I feel deeply connected to her, and have had them hanging by my bedside for as long as I can remember.

16. Picture of a lake- This I picked up from a second hand store. It’s a very old vintage image, and I feel nostalgic when I look at it. It reminds me of a lake I once lived on, during the summer before I became sick. It was a time untouched by ME/CFS, filled with freedom and adventure. I often stare at it, wishing it was a portal I could step into and go back.

17. 3 Canvas Prints- This is a vintage set I picked up from a second hand store. I loved the abstract images of nature, and the colours. One image looks like an abstract fern, but also speaks to me on chronic pain. The other image with the boxes makes me think of how regimented and restricted life with chronic illness can become, in order to manage your symptoms.

18. 1 display plate-With owl- see above three owls description.

19. C-Pap Machine- I used a CPAP every night to treat my severe sleep apnea.

Top Drawer Contents- My top drawer (not open in image) is literally filled to the brim with nutritional supplements.

Christina Baltais

Christina is an artist, and advocate for those navigating the waters of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis.

You can see her artwork here at her beautiful site, Words as Medicine.