Finding comfort in an uncertain world

When my daughter Abbie was really little, she had this blanket she took with her everywhere. It was a blue flannel with cows and moons, so super soft it was like wrapping up in a cloud.  It was edged in a yellow satin ribbon and when she was stressed, she’d rub the ribbon between her sweet, chubby little fingers, finding comfort in the silky feel.

Abbie couldn’t say the word blanket, so this soft piece of fluff was referred to as BB”.  There were many nights I searched the house, grumbling under my breath, because it was bedtime and BB was missing and no one in the house was going to get any sleep until she was found.

Over the years, BB shrunk.  Not because of the washing machine, but because Abbie’s love was so devoted that BB became a bit frayed and needed to be remade.  She was re-cut with new ribbon attached but eventually Abbie moved on.

BB still exists.  She’s a faded, soft fluff of a square with a ratty dulled yellow ribbon still attached to one side, and about 12 inches by 12 inches, a far cry from her original 3 ft by 3 ft glory. Nowadays BB spends her time chatting with the socks in my drawer.

But through it all BB was there.  Providing comfort in times of uncertainty. Allowing Abbie to feel to supported and secured as she navigated an uncertain world.

No one likes to think of themselves as a grown up, we all still want to be that little girl, who found solace and love with her blanket.  But we do grow up and the world around us is still uncertain and a bit un-nerving.

This past year, I’ve felt like that little girl.  Staring at all that’s happening with wide eyes, wondering what the world holds and how I fit into it.  The uncertainty caused by the pandemic, social change, and the election have left me feeling adrift, unsecure, and more than a little anxious.

I know I don’t have the answers to what the world needs.

And that’s okay. 

I can just be until I feel compelled to take an action, no matter how long it takes, if ever.

But I do have the ability to comfort myself.  To find hope, love, and safety within my own corner of this big, wide world.

And it’s critical that I do this.  For my own health, for the sake of my well-being.  Prolonged anxiety eats away at us, and our bodies, minds and spirits need to be nurtured, especially in times of stress.

Here are my “lovies”, those things that make me feel as if I wrapped up in BB.  Safe. Secure. Loved. Whole.

·         My Eeyore jammie pants – they’re hot pink say the words ‘no drama’ all over them.

·         Tea.  It’s a soothing ritual for me – the texture of the leaves, the scent, and the warmth soaking into my bones.

·         Reading a cozy mystery- nothing too intense, just a fun romp with a quirky heroine

·         Watercolor painting- my true Zen, because my mind empties, and I can feel a much deeper connection to ALL that Is.

·         A hot soak in the tub- sprinkle in some jasmine bath salts, add a few candles, set out my crystals, and I never want to leave.

·         Perri- my sweet fluff of a dog.  She snuggles into my back at night with her head resting in my waist.  The moment I feel her, I physically sigh and so does she- it’s a connection that’s grounding and spiritual.

Take a moment and think about your BB’s.

Remember, you can feel that sense of security in an uncertain world. 

When you’re feeling adrift, overwhelmed, or beating yourself up because you don’t have the answers.  Take a moment, breathe, and let out a deep sigh.  You don’t have to fix everything; all you need to do is pivot and take care of yourself.

It may seem selfish or indulgent to pick up your lovie and escape for a minute, but when you’re frustrated, depleted or afraid- you can’t help anyone.  Find comfort and strength first, then you can bring those gifts to others.

I’d love to hear all about your personal BB.  Simply comment below and share with me what brings you comfort.