🍿 Showtime: The DIY Drive-in Cinema Comfort Kit

Nov 12

Drive-in movies offer a sort of palpable freedom - there's something so rebellious about watching a movie outside, where you can blend the artistry of modern technology (aka movies) with a night out under the stars.

Drive-in cinema has this way of being at once nostalgic while also being such a potent portal to the present moment, and all the sights, sounds, smells and feels that come with it.

With all the drive-in movie hype, it's easy to skip over the less than idyllic qualities of drive-in cinema, especially for those of us whose bodies are currently strugglin.

If you struggle with a chronic health condition, your experience of going to the movies may look something like this....

Great Expectations: how you feel rolling into the drive-in theatre

You are parked in your sweet ride, two rows from the front! * fist pump * This is awesome.

'god, I love drive-in movies,' you think. The novelty, the charm - it's captivating, exhilarating

A Series of Unfortunate Events: what happens 5 minutes in when the bowels come knocking

Damn it. Your inner Gremlin is calling and you need to find a place to drop a deuce, Fast & Furious. You begin walking around desperately (but not too fast - gotta keep that sphincter control). Eyes darting left, darting right. No bathroom in sight. This rom-com is quickly turning into a B-grade horror flick...

The Lord of the Flies: the appropriate nickname for the port-o-potty you finally stumble on

Thank god. You found it. It smells like something died inside, but it's about to be Groundhog Day, but less cute, and you don't have a second to waste. You sit down and bam - Gone in 60 Seconds - and feeling one hell of a lot better.

Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close: how it feels when the movie starts

You're back at your car - whew! - and the movie is starting up. Yes! fist pump This is what it's all about.

But uh-oh. You didn't realize until now just how close you are to the screen and the sound is now reverberating out of the 20 cars parked right next to you, making your nervous system feel like its about to Short Circuit...

True Grit: the will you muster to sit in a car for so goddamn long

Whatever - you made it this far and you are not leaving.

Even though your belly is rumbling again...

Even though sitting in this car is starting to crick your neck...

Even though your nerves are on edge as the live-action rolls over and into your eyeballs and the hi-def surround sound blasts in your earballs, reminding you of the many Perks of Being a Wallflower and just watching movies in the comfort of your own home...

'god,' you think in a deflated tone, 'I sure love drive-in movies....'

A Never-Ending Story: the trials you seem to face every time you just want to have a frickin good time...

The credits flash up on that screen and before you can say 'Jackrabbit,' you are peeling out of there like Baby Driver, sans the cool shades because it’s obvi dark outside.

'Just another movie with all The Usual Suspects' you say to yourself with a sigh, bummed and none-too-excited to take yourself out on one of these drive-in date nights anytime soon.

Deliverance: the name of your must-have Drive-In Cinema Comfort kit

If this sounds like an experience you know all too well, and you are ready to have more autonomy, joy, and freedom amidst dealing with a chronic illness, then let me introduce you to Deliverance: your must-have Drive-in Cinema Comfort Kit.

Because, while our bowels may scream 'There Will Be Blood,' I believe those of us experiencing chronic health issues deserve joy amidst dealing with some harsh stuff going on in the bod, and can discover ways to support ourselves that allow us to still participate in and savor the experiences of the world.

Now for the kit - Say Hello to my little friends…

Nervous System Soothing Mocktail -

for when you really want to chill the frick out. Ideally, you are on some type of nervous system formula for more than just the day, but, eh, work with what you got. One of my favorite quick and easy mocktail combos is as follows:

Sparkling water of choice
Splash of lime or lemon juice
One or two dropper squeezes of Herb Pharm's Nervous System Tonic (not an affiliate link, just a link-link)

Warm Herbal Beverage

Thermoses aren't just a schooltime pastime; make a belly-soothing blend like this one to quell those nerves and support a more smooth digestive experience:

Chill Belly Buddy: