sleep on it

     Last Friday we returned from our annual spring break trip to Brian Head Utah.  Yesterday was feeling like such a Monday as I dragged the kids (and myself) out of bed and tried to get back to the busy routine of our lives.  I felt so fatigued all day and struggled to push myself through the vacation laundry and other things that needed to be done.  By 9:30, I was wiped and decided to call it good.  Today I hoped to be done with the fatigue. For some reason, it lingered.  My brain has been tired and cluttered lately worrying about different things.  It's so easy to get caught up in the "what-ifs".  It's a game I try not to let myself play, but today, I had to fight to overcome it.
     Several years ago, a friend of ours, who is a doctor, told me that efficient naps should last either thirty minutes or two hours…. something about the whole REM cycle and producing restful sleep.  I like order and I like when things are clearly defined.  So, after learning about this little medical fact, I embraced it. And after many years of practice, I am an expert at the thirty minute "power nap" (something my kids will attest to…) I don't even set an alarm.  Occasionally, I just need one of these naps, and I always wake up feeling better.  So, as I dragged myself out of bed again this morning, I had the passing thought, "This is going to have to be a power nap day".  And then I had a glorious thought….
     Navy is getting spayed and will be at the vet all day. That means that after I've dropped the kids off, I could take the Golden Ticket of all power naps and make it a two hour nap! 
     I considered the possibility.  It sounded divine, but also super indulgent and probably not necessary. Then I reminded myself that I am a much better mom when I am not tired and overwhelmed.  So, YES I decided, I would go back to bed after dropping Gentry at school.  And when I got home, I did.  I burrowed down in my comforter and set my alarm clock for two hours later and drifted off into on the most restful sleeps I've had in years.  Then I got up and took a crazy long hot shower.  Then I put on one of my favorite Pandora channels, and spent a ridiculous amount of time doing my hair and make-up.  And then,  I felt better.  And then, I was ready to take on my mom job again with a little more patience and a little more kindness.  The two hour power nap is a very rare thing for me, but today, it was time well spent.  Because a happy mom=a happy family.

   

  Happy St. Patty's day.  And to all you moms out there.  Take the power nap.  You've earned it!