What’s Saving My Life: My Blanket

Every so often here on the blog I take a break of sorts and whip up a quick post that answers Barbara Brown Taylor’s question, “what’s saving your life right now?” If you’re new around here or want to know more about how I came upon this practice you can read more here. 

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A quick story to set the scene:

 

I woke up really excited on Christmas morning 2018. I couldn’t wait to open my presents.

 

Nick and I typically just do stockings for one another because honestly, we just don’t need or want much. Plus, the Advent/Christmas season is so full that adding in a pressured gift giving situation for each other is more of a drain than a joy.

 

But.

 

In the days leading up to Christmas 2018, somehow, I convinced myself. CONVINCED myself that I knew what Nick was getting me.

 

There was no way it would fit in a stocking.

 

It was way more than our agreed upon budget.

 

And yet.

 

I was convinced that Christmas morning I would wake up to my very own weighted blanket.

 

I didn’t. Instead, I got a creative, thoughtful gift that was totally a surprise.

 

Later in the day I confessed to Nick how sure I was that he was getting me a weighted blanket. He laughed.

 

I realized that I had never told him how much I wanted a weighted blanket. I don’t even think had mentioned a passing interest.

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I’m telling you this to set up the greatest moment of my life thus far: my 30^thbirthday, when, you guessed it, a 20lb box showed up on our doorstep and I unwrapped my very own weighted blanket!

 

I immediately had Nick cover me up and all of my stress and worries slipped away. Honestly. (Unfortunately for Nick two days prior I had pushed my arms too hard in the weight room and I couldn’t straighten them or carry anything more than a book. So, my second birthday present was him carrying my blanket up and down the stairs all weekend so I could use it on the couch, too. It was like living in a dream.)

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I’ve thought and written a lot about simplicity recently and how we should travel light and how freeing that was this summer in Italy…but y’all…I’ve legitimately thought about packing my blanket and taking it with me next time I fly to Texas. I probably would if I wasn’t so worried about checking it and having it get lost or messed up.

 

This blanket is saving my life right now.

 

I have never slept better. I don’t toss and turn anymore. I lay down and my breathing gets deeper. Nick found one that is all cotton, so I don’t get too hot. I’m dreaming consistently. I wake up refreshed and with my jaw unclenched. It’s the best.

 

The end of this summer has been a full one. I find myself needing deep rest and needing it often. My blanket is helping me get the rest I need.

 

And that, is saving my life.