Lovely Donna. I think it’s wonderful you know what soothes you and that you embrace that. I don’t have a blanket per se, but I do know that when my cat curls up in the crook of my arm and I pat his fur and he pushes his head up against my hand that definitely helps calm the old nervous system. :)
It's interesting the things we do with our body that offer relief. Circling your thumbnail with your index finger is a great, easy thing you can do anywhere so it's a great tool. I just realized how calming it is when I put my warm wheat bag on my chest when I'm laying in bed. I'm like, "how did I get to be this old and not know how great this is!?"
I kind of hate to say so, as I know that it doesn’t do my waistline much good, but I love to cook and bake, and feel really ready for anything if I have taken the time esp in the AM, to put the beginnings together anyway, of a good pot of soup of some description. Probably it does help my waistline as it’s so nice to come home to if I’ve been away from home all day, and doesn’t tempt me to reach for other junk.
Yes, having something homemade to come home to after work is a big win for sure! I've worked with people in my coaching practice who use baking as their comfort mechanism and it's definitely a tricky one if we have nobody to give it to. However, there are many creative ways to bake healthy things that make life more enjoyable.
Hey Elizabeth, you just reminded me where my childhood blankie might be. It might be hanging out with Lambie! Ha. I looked all over for it this weekend to take a picture for you but couldn't find it so thanks for the reminder.
Of course you have the perfect name for your blankie, I love it❤️
My Lambie and your Bunny sound like they are cut from the same cloth!
Donna, there's nothing likena good blankie to ease our spirits in troubled times. I've had a lot weighing me down of late. Cuddling up on the couch with my cozy blankie makes a wolrd.of difference.
I know you have Sweetie, so much stress. If only cuddling with a blanket could actually make it all disappear, wouldn't that be wonderful? I'm sending you peaceful vibes as you navigate this challenging time💕
Thank you Donna, The good news about cuddly blankets is they do make things better for a little while. They help us rest and get through the challenges. As do peaceful vibes sent from friends! Thank you.
What an incredibly thoughtful gift. I had a blankie when I was little and I was inconsolable when it was left behind at a park and my mom wasn't able to find it again. No replacement blankie would do either. It was that one or none. And I suffered in my little toddler core without it.
My go-to nowadays is breath work.
Standing or seated, grounding myself, closing my eyes and then I usually do box breathing, in for four, hold for four, out for four, hold for four. And repeat until I'm able to extend the exhale and slowly but surely my nervous system calms down. The trick is to catch myself before I get too deep into the triggered spiral that I can't come back with the breath work. I'm very happy that hasn't happened for awhile now, so there's progress!
The breath is the handiest tool for sure because it's there at all times. I love the box breathing too but my fav is the one I learned from Martha Beck about visualizing the space between our eyes.
I feel for your sad, toddler self. It's almost an abandonment losing your blanket at that age and not being able to replace it.
I was going to use that exact word Donna. I felt abandoned. And not for the first time in my life, but I thought that might be a touch too dramatic to tie to a lost blankie, but hey, it was what it was. xo
Hey, you're back! Or at least back online! Welcome Sweetie, I hope it was amazing. I will see you over on Beyond The Comfort Zone or text you to touch base❤️
This is wonderful! I don’t have one thing per se but meditation and spending time in the woods are both transformative for me. As a child in a traumatic household I bit my nails down to the quick. As an adult, I have many hobbies but few that soothe weariness, reduce agitation, or refresh my mind like trees (and sunshine) or meditation
I absolutely agree Cori! Trees and sunshine are the very best for bringing us back to center. After reading your comment (thanks for dropping in here💕) I realize I use my blankie when the wheels are really falling off and nothing else will do, whereas I frequently go out into nature when I'm already feeling good. Maybe I need to turn that around a bit more.
Yes we have favorite blankies, mugs, and I have items that I love to wear to feel comfortable and cozy. The blankie or object provides a needed hug at times. A comfort. There is nothing wrong with any of that. Items, as funny as it sounds, provide a stability in a precarious world and when that world gets turned upside down we do need things to keep us on track. It's the same with smells that we remember from our childhood. Fond memories provide stability. Fond items in our lives provide that as well.
And growth is so important. Are we really the same person we were when we were 20? If the answer is yes then that is so very sad.
EKB thank you so much for these insightful comments. I appreciate you taking the time to respond.
Your words about smells made me remember a recent conversation I had with my husband; my son had been working on fire suppression this winter and would come home smelling of diesel fuel. Even though his clothes didn't come in the house we could still smell it and I told my husband it reminded me of my childhood on the farm where my Dad and Uncles would always smell like that. Even though I find it an unpleasant smell it didn't bother me because of the good memories.
YES! You are are right that being the same person we were at 20 would not be in our best interest so here's to continued growth💕
When there are no words that will ever offer comfort then a comfort item like a blanket is all we can do. This is why so many folks bring food after someone dies and there is nothing else we can do. I am so sorry to hear about Samantha's friend's Mom💔 I'm sure you are a good support for her.
A torn up blanket shows a lot of love, sweat and tears and just might be your magic writing blankie!
I hadn't considered it before, but my "blankie" is probably music. Right after Dan died, I listened to the YouTube video The Prayer by Celine Dion and Josh Groban over and over.
After I stopped watching the news on television last fall, I discovered Tim Janis's music. What I liked the most about church as a child was the music. Tim combines scenery and music - including my favorite hymns in a very healing way.
I love this Janice, thanks for sharing. While music is not my go-to I know it can be an anchor for so many. I played a lot of songs on repeat as both of my parents were nearing the end of their life. They both loved music and I know it would have been getting through to their soul. I am glad you use it to find comfort and I'm going to look up Tim Janis's music.
You are amazing! Love how you so brilliantly are able to weave together such profound teachings from your past lived experiences. I eagerly look forward to every Sunday morning.
My blankie is a white very very fluffy housecoat that I purchased at a spa in Tofino. What doubles the comfort is wearing my luxurious white "fluff ball" robe and sitting up in my bed, pillows stacked against the headboard, in the sanctuary of my beautiful bedroom. This evokes big big gratitude and " all my puny sorrows" just kinda dissipate or at least lesson. Gratitude helps shift me more into a state of grace...and meditating from this space with a good cup of coffee nearby kinda shifts me to a place of " Ok, I got this, I am blessed"!
Sigi!!! I am over here doing a huge happy dance to see you in the comments section. Yay!! Thank you for your kind words, I'm so glad you look forward to Sunday mornings.
I can picture you in that beautiful bedroom, in that beautiful robe, with the perfect coffee. You have the whole thing down to a luxurious art. Sometimes it's only in considering life without a ritual like that that we realize how much it brings to our life.
Also, I can see how a robe like that is like putting on armour against difficulties. For some reason it just makes everything more manageable.
I think we have the same blankie and I got mine for the very same reason! After Curtis died, my aunt sent me that exact blankie with a card explaining that it was meant to serve as an angel hug. She said I was to think of him when I wrapped myself in its comfort and warmth.
I still use my blanket every single evening when I settle in on the couch. ❤️
Well yes, of course. But the photo and description seemed to be of particularly lovely quality. Those aren't as easy to find. I have a similar type one (Amazon) but the velour side is sort of cheap and unappealing. Thanks. Still looking for my perfect blankie.
I love the idea of an angel hug. I had never thought of a blanket as a grief gift but it's certainly front of mind now. I'll think of you and Curtis when I'm snuggling in❤️
This truly touched me on this sunny Sunday morning where I live. Some acts of love stay with us for a lifetime, their lessons unfolding endlessly and offering wisdom that flourishes when our hearts remain open. As always, sending light, dear. 🌹
Lovely Donna. I think it’s wonderful you know what soothes you and that you embrace that. I don’t have a blanket per se, but I do know that when my cat curls up in the crook of my arm and I pat his fur and he pushes his head up against my hand that definitely helps calm the old nervous system. :)
Couldn't have come at a more perfect moment for me, Donna. Thanks for this (yes, I've got work to do. ;) 💙💚💛
Snuggle in Hon💕
Deep, deep breaths. And I also circle my thumbnail with my index finger. Don't know why. LOL. And, when all else fails, French fries. xo
It's interesting the things we do with our body that offer relief. Circling your thumbnail with your index finger is a great, easy thing you can do anywhere so it's a great tool. I just realized how calming it is when I put my warm wheat bag on my chest when I'm laying in bed. I'm like, "how did I get to be this old and not know how great this is!?"
Yes, there's always french fries!❤️
I kind of hate to say so, as I know that it doesn’t do my waistline much good, but I love to cook and bake, and feel really ready for anything if I have taken the time esp in the AM, to put the beginnings together anyway, of a good pot of soup of some description. Probably it does help my waistline as it’s so nice to come home to if I’ve been away from home all day, and doesn’t tempt me to reach for other junk.
Yes, having something homemade to come home to after work is a big win for sure! I've worked with people in my coaching practice who use baking as their comfort mechanism and it's definitely a tricky one if we have nobody to give it to. However, there are many creative ways to bake healthy things that make life more enjoyable.
Thanks for sharing Jan❤️
I still have my blankie from when I was little. it's called Snuggles. it's in a special trunk with my old Bunny.
Hey Elizabeth, you just reminded me where my childhood blankie might be. It might be hanging out with Lambie! Ha. I looked all over for it this weekend to take a picture for you but couldn't find it so thanks for the reminder.
Of course you have the perfect name for your blankie, I love it❤️
My Lambie and your Bunny sound like they are cut from the same cloth!
awww yeah
Donna, there's nothing likena good blankie to ease our spirits in troubled times. I've had a lot weighing me down of late. Cuddling up on the couch with my cozy blankie makes a wolrd.of difference.
I know you have Sweetie, so much stress. If only cuddling with a blanket could actually make it all disappear, wouldn't that be wonderful? I'm sending you peaceful vibes as you navigate this challenging time💕
Thank you Donna, The good news about cuddly blankets is they do make things better for a little while. They help us rest and get through the challenges. As do peaceful vibes sent from friends! Thank you.
😘❤️
Who doesn’t love a good blankie? And such a gift ❤️
I know your boys LOVE their blankies!
Oh yes ☺️
What an incredibly thoughtful gift. I had a blankie when I was little and I was inconsolable when it was left behind at a park and my mom wasn't able to find it again. No replacement blankie would do either. It was that one or none. And I suffered in my little toddler core without it.
My go-to nowadays is breath work.
Standing or seated, grounding myself, closing my eyes and then I usually do box breathing, in for four, hold for four, out for four, hold for four. And repeat until I'm able to extend the exhale and slowly but surely my nervous system calms down. The trick is to catch myself before I get too deep into the triggered spiral that I can't come back with the breath work. I'm very happy that hasn't happened for awhile now, so there's progress!
The breath is the handiest tool for sure because it's there at all times. I love the box breathing too but my fav is the one I learned from Martha Beck about visualizing the space between our eyes.
I feel for your sad, toddler self. It's almost an abandonment losing your blanket at that age and not being able to replace it.
I was going to use that exact word Donna. I felt abandoned. And not for the first time in my life, but I thought that might be a touch too dramatic to tie to a lost blankie, but hey, it was what it was. xo
Losing a comfort tool is a big deal for a child for sure.
What a sweet, loving, tender gesture to send you an adult blankie. The whole world needs one right now.
Hey, you're back! Or at least back online! Welcome Sweetie, I hope it was amazing. I will see you over on Beyond The Comfort Zone or text you to touch base❤️
Yes, it was the most amazing gesture.
This is wonderful! I don’t have one thing per se but meditation and spending time in the woods are both transformative for me. As a child in a traumatic household I bit my nails down to the quick. As an adult, I have many hobbies but few that soothe weariness, reduce agitation, or refresh my mind like trees (and sunshine) or meditation
I absolutely agree Cori! Trees and sunshine are the very best for bringing us back to center. After reading your comment (thanks for dropping in here💕) I realize I use my blankie when the wheels are really falling off and nothing else will do, whereas I frequently go out into nature when I'm already feeling good. Maybe I need to turn that around a bit more.
Great point! I went into the woods today for the first time in months. I feel like a butterfly emerged from my chrysalis.
Yes we have favorite blankies, mugs, and I have items that I love to wear to feel comfortable and cozy. The blankie or object provides a needed hug at times. A comfort. There is nothing wrong with any of that. Items, as funny as it sounds, provide a stability in a precarious world and when that world gets turned upside down we do need things to keep us on track. It's the same with smells that we remember from our childhood. Fond memories provide stability. Fond items in our lives provide that as well.
And growth is so important. Are we really the same person we were when we were 20? If the answer is yes then that is so very sad.
EKB thank you so much for these insightful comments. I appreciate you taking the time to respond.
Your words about smells made me remember a recent conversation I had with my husband; my son had been working on fire suppression this winter and would come home smelling of diesel fuel. Even though his clothes didn't come in the house we could still smell it and I told my husband it reminded me of my childhood on the farm where my Dad and Uncles would always smell like that. Even though I find it an unpleasant smell it didn't bother me because of the good memories.
YES! You are are right that being the same person we were at 20 would not be in our best interest so here's to continued growth💕
I love this, Donna. My daughter and I sent a blanket and other soothing items to her friend who lost her mom to a drunk driver.
I adore one particular blanket— I have a collection— that has ripped at the seam but I won’t give up on it. It’s on my lap when I write or meditate.
When there are no words that will ever offer comfort then a comfort item like a blanket is all we can do. This is why so many folks bring food after someone dies and there is nothing else we can do. I am so sorry to hear about Samantha's friend's Mom💔 I'm sure you are a good support for her.
A torn up blanket shows a lot of love, sweat and tears and just might be your magic writing blankie!
I hadn't considered it before, but my "blankie" is probably music. Right after Dan died, I listened to the YouTube video The Prayer by Celine Dion and Josh Groban over and over.
After I stopped watching the news on television last fall, I discovered Tim Janis's music. What I liked the most about church as a child was the music. Tim combines scenery and music - including my favorite hymns in a very healing way.
I love this Janice, thanks for sharing. While music is not my go-to I know it can be an anchor for so many. I played a lot of songs on repeat as both of my parents were nearing the end of their life. They both loved music and I know it would have been getting through to their soul. I am glad you use it to find comfort and I'm going to look up Tim Janis's music.
You are amazing! Love how you so brilliantly are able to weave together such profound teachings from your past lived experiences. I eagerly look forward to every Sunday morning.
My blankie is a white very very fluffy housecoat that I purchased at a spa in Tofino. What doubles the comfort is wearing my luxurious white "fluff ball" robe and sitting up in my bed, pillows stacked against the headboard, in the sanctuary of my beautiful bedroom. This evokes big big gratitude and " all my puny sorrows" just kinda dissipate or at least lesson. Gratitude helps shift me more into a state of grace...and meditating from this space with a good cup of coffee nearby kinda shifts me to a place of " Ok, I got this, I am blessed"!
Sigi!!! I am over here doing a huge happy dance to see you in the comments section. Yay!! Thank you for your kind words, I'm so glad you look forward to Sunday mornings.
I can picture you in that beautiful bedroom, in that beautiful robe, with the perfect coffee. You have the whole thing down to a luxurious art. Sometimes it's only in considering life without a ritual like that that we realize how much it brings to our life.
Also, I can see how a robe like that is like putting on armour against difficulties. For some reason it just makes everything more manageable.
❤️❤️
I think we have the same blankie and I got mine for the very same reason! After Curtis died, my aunt sent me that exact blankie with a card explaining that it was meant to serve as an angel hug. She said I was to think of him when I wrapped myself in its comfort and warmth.
I still use my blanket every single evening when I settle in on the couch. ❤️
Where did you buy it? I'm searching the comments looking for the "where can I get one like that?" links. I need.
I think my blanket might have come from Indigo/Chapters which is a bookstore here in Canada.
Thanks Donna - it's beautiful!
You can get fluffy blankets anywhere. Walmart, Amazon, any bedding shop, etc.
Well yes, of course. But the photo and description seemed to be of particularly lovely quality. Those aren't as easy to find. I have a similar type one (Amazon) but the velour side is sort of cheap and unappealing. Thanks. Still looking for my perfect blankie.
I love the idea of an angel hug. I had never thought of a blanket as a grief gift but it's certainly front of mind now. I'll think of you and Curtis when I'm snuggling in❤️
And I'll think of you when I am 😊
Love “angel hug.” 🥰
I did too. I don't know where she came up with the idea but it was beautiful and sentimental. ❤️
❤️❤️
This truly touched me on this sunny Sunday morning where I live. Some acts of love stay with us for a lifetime, their lessons unfolding endlessly and offering wisdom that flourishes when our hearts remain open. As always, sending light, dear. 🌹
Sending light back to you too😘 (I real)ly wish my computer had nicer emoji's, these ones do not reflect my vibe at all🤣