While shopping for small but elegant gifts such as musical boxes or jewelry cases, you may come across an item called a worry box. A worry box may contain elements of a music box and it may hold jewelry, but it has a slightly different agenda. It has to do with friendship and compassion in a difficult time.
Any style box or container can serve as an ad hoc worry box, but commercial models usually have intricate design work, inspirational poetry, and at least one Guardian Angel-style figure. The basic idea is for the recipient to write down his or her current concerns on a piece of paper and immediately place it in the worry box. The inspirational words found inside the lid are intended to reassure him or her that the Guardian Angels will help these worries disappear over time. A worry box sold in gift shops can also play inspirational music, such as “The Wind Beneath My Wings” or “When you wish upon a star”.
As worries and problems begin to diminish, the recipient is encouraged to replace them with other thoughts before he or she finds any piece of mind. Some mental health experts believe that the rituals around a worry box actually provide some comfort in times of stress or sadness. Expressing feelings of worry or grief in writing can prove to be purifying. It allows the person to acknowledge the emotional pain and then safely give it away to a spiritual being.
A worry box can be a great gift for those recovering from illness or accidents, or friends who may be facing difficult financial or emotional times. Although they choose not to follow the rituals right away, a musical box of concern can be a special memorial. The craftsmanship of the high quality box can be impressive, especially that of the Guardian Angel characters.
Manufacturers of high-end music boxes will often develop a worry box line as well. Online gift directories also offer a wide variety of worry box designs. For those who like a good craft project, homemade worry boxes can be built out of unfinished wooden jewelry boxes, which can be found in many craft stores, and some creative painting or decoupage. Be sure to include at least one Guardian Angel figure and an inspirational poem or personal greeting.
- The worry boxes can provide comfort in times of stress or sadness.
- Some mental health professionals claim that people suffering from grief may benefit from the rituals associated with a worry box.
- A worry box can be given to some coping grief.
