Embracing the Fog: How a Bad Night's Sleep Revealed Deeper Truths
It's 6:54 PM on June 11th, and I'm sitting in the library, ready to write. The funny thing is, I'm absolutely not in the mood. My brain feels foggy, my energy is low, and honestly, I just want to curl up. But this is precisely when the best writing happens—when you push through the resistance. So, here we go. The words might flow, or they might not, but the act of trying is the victory.
Navigating the Sleep Challenge: Acceptance and Forgiveness
Last night, sleep eluded me. This is unusual, as I've been sleeping incredibly well lately, which only amplifies my concern. But instead of fighting these "bad feelings," I'm choosing to lean into them. It’s okay to have a poor night's sleep. It's part of getting older, part of understanding when we're at full steam and when we're a little off. This is simply part of the adventure.
My brain feels heavy right now. It's astonishing how one night of poor sleep can have such a profound impact. Yet, this is also part of the process, part of the joy of life. My challenge today is to look in the mirror and accept this sleep disruption, to love myself even when I don't feel my best. I can create a new story from this moment, allowing myself to feel the emotions without letting them define me. Life is happening for me, even this uncomfortable feeling. I can love the journey, even when it’s tough.
I forgive myself for the poor sleep quality, acknowledging that the environment wasn't perfect last night. That’s okay. It’s part of the journey. Tonight, I'll be in the moment and create a new story. I'll make a conscious effort to sleep better, to love myself, and to set the stage for a great night's rest. Maybe the full moon played a role; who knows? What matters is releasing those old narratives.
In the past, a night like last night might have plunged me into a funk, or even depression. But I'm choosing a different path now. I know I will get a good night's sleep and feel great tomorrow. This is about having the courage to keep doing things differently, to stay in a high state of mind even when sleep falters. This is part of healing my sensitive brain.
Small Victories and Future Commitments
Despite the mental fog, I'm proud to say I still got my push-ups in today. I’ve already walked five miles and will get a few more in tonight. The momentum continues.
Yesterday, I promised myself I'd rejoin the gym today. I didn't. I forgive myself for this. My brain simply wasn't "in the game." I was slow, and I accept that. I'm giving myself space to heal, to let my brain and body rest today. Forgiving myself for not falling back asleep last night is part of that process. I trust I will sleep better tonight.
The Pillars of Sleep: Crafting Your Sanctuary
Sleep is absolutely vital to our overall well-being. It’s a core pillar of my life, fundamentally impacting how I feel and how I show up in the world. It’s okay to feel deeply, to push forward, and to keep shifting. There are so many things we can do to improve our sleep. The environment is paramount.
Ditch the screens: Are screens and technology away from your bed? Notifications and bright lights can keep your mind spinning. Knowing the time also throws me off. I prefer a dark room with no electronics, which can be challenging in hotels or during travels.
Consistency is key: I aim for a similar bedtime most days. About seven years ago, I started my nightly routine at 10 PM, and it transformed my life. I've even been known to leave events early to ensure I hit this bedtime.
Listen to your body: Waking up without an alarm is best for my body. While alarms are sometimes necessary, letting my body wake naturally sets me up for success.
Temperature matters: While I've adapted to various temperatures across the world, a cooler room usually helps me fall asleep faster. I've even found myself sweating in warmer climates. Finding your perfect temperature is part of the adventure. I remember the fan I used to have in my own place – a luxury I miss sometimes! And while I generally prefer silence, the ambient hum of road noise can occasionally be therapeutic.
So, here’s to a better night's sleep tonight and a clearer, more energized tomorrow. What small change can you make to your sleep routine tonight?
Connect... Gordon GordonBufton@Proton.me @GordonBufton33