The Things That Keep Us Awake

WINDHAM - When we were children, it was monsters under the bed or in the closet that kept us awake at night. As adults, we have found that these metaphorical considerations have taken on even scarier imagery at 2 A.M. These grown up monsters would begin to take shape again after hiding in our daily thoughts, lurking in the dark shadows of our minds. Once our tired bodies began to let go and assume that state of much needed rest, those images took on their assignment to remind us of all “the things” that needed attending to. 

Things like bills, health concerns, dealing with aging parents and adult children were the issues that were lurking awaiting us to fall into a deep slumber before making their appearance begging for our attention.

There were also things like the loss of friends, the steady continuance of the need for medical appointments and images of what our futures would be like “IF” the inevitable happened.

Sometimes our greatest battles aren’t fought during the day.

Here’s some ideas for how to become the master of your mind even during the depths of the night….

-Starting with a GRATEFUL HEART. List all “the things” no matter how small. This one consideration may be enough to get you back on track to yawning and then tucking yourself in to enjoy whatever is left of your bed time…do it now.

-Say a prayer…in your way, in your choice of faithfulness

-Consider some gentle stretching as long as you won’t wake your partner

Or you won’t disturb your pup. (Hey, the struggles are real sharing in the night time rituals). 

-Say these words to yourself until you yawn “ I accept the things I cannot control.”

…and your find that the time has passed and the first bird has come by your window to say

“Good morning!”   Now look forward to tomorrow and trust that all will be well again.

Pat Larsen is a syndicated columnist who loves, works, plays and prays in Green County, NY with her husband Chris and their pup, Lily.

Have a story you’d like to share or just want to say hello…contact Pat at

518-275-8686.