By the end of 2017, I realised the aftermath of hurricane Maria had really taken its toll on me; I withdrew from my active life with friends and family, opting to be on my own, silently shaking my fists at fate between bouts of intense anger and tears of frustration and fatigue. When 2018 rolled up, I resolved to improve my mental health and went on a self-help book shopping spree.
Out of all my purchases, the most challenging read was 12 Rules for Life by Jordan B. Peterson. Rule 2, Treat yourself like someone you are responsible for helping, resonated deeply with me. After the hurricane, I threw myself into helping family and friends and worked tirelessly. I neglected myself. Peterson points out our responsibility for young children, the elderly and even pets is characterised by a greater level of care than that we have for ourselves . What is something that makes a world of difference to young children that we treat with utmost attention? Rest. Parents and caregivers agonize over full nights of sleep and naps; their children enter an intense program of rest training.
“Time for bed, my little darling.”
“C’mon little junior, it’s nap time.
A new year is here, I’m doing well but battling bout of insomnia. I remembered Rule 2 and decided a return to rest training had to be prioritised. First Sunday of February, what would normally be billed as a Super Hygge Sunday, was a Super Hygge Sunday of rest.
I have put a lot of effort into making my room an airy, peaceful sanctuary. Good quality, fleecy bedding makes sleep toasty. Leafy babies (my nickname for my plants… they also have individual names and that’s a separate post!) adorn the windowsill and side table. It’s a fantastic place to rest and feel at peace.
💕