50+ community Weekend Check-in January 24-26, 2020
Hi beautiful 50+ community 
. Hope you all had a good week.
Today I like to share some tips for finding sleep 
Weighted items – When youre at the dentist having x-rays done have you ever noticed a feeling calm when they put the x-ray apron on? Weighted items such as weighted blanket, weighted lap pad, weighted vest or ankle weights can provide deep pressure. Weighted blankets can also help with sleep issues.
Another way to trick your brain into sleep is simply to tap your thighs lightly like playing a drum, tap right, left, right, left. Whilst tapping on your legs at the speed of a ticking stopwatch breathe slowly in for a count of 4 and out for a count of 4, continue this cycle for a 3 to 4 minutes or even longer if you like. 
For more information regarding this exercise see Tedx How To Trick Your Brain Into Falling Asleep.
Those who tried the "drumming" for a few nights come back please and let us know how it went.
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@amiablePeace77 I like weighted items which is good because I have lots of blankets to stay warm lol.
I have a weighted blanket and it really surprised me I expected it to be another 'gimmick' but it really seems.tl.calm me and help me settle dow.
@ListeningKaty
I am going to try this weighted blanket. It makes good sense.
Thank you
@95969 I really hope that you benefit from it as much as I do.
@ListeningKaty
That's awesome. I learned that weighted blankets are actually also used in deep touch pressure therapy.
@soulsings
Good idea particularly with the present weather conditions where you live.
This goes out to @Lauren63!!!!❤
When my face is a mess from crying and lord knows how slow I type.....
@ Lauren63 .....seems to know what to say.❤
When I seriously don't want to talk about the trauma.....
@ Lauren63.....has a way to make me feel that it is safe to speak of it ❤
When I am so lost I feel hope is slipping into the abyss
@ Lauren63..... can make my soul see a shimmer of light I never thought was there❤
When I feel I will never trust , or feel part of a community, or have a true sense of safety....
@ Lauren63....is the feeling one gets when you come home and finally shut your door. Safe!!!! ❤
You have helped me more than you can possibly know. Thank you friend. ❤
@amiablePeace77- I looked into weighted blankets- instead have a pile of wonderful thrift shop scores- old comforters. rainbow crocheted throws and topped off with a Pendleton blanket. Somehow being cradled in the handiwork created by a stranger is soothing.
@barncat
Sometimes things we never expected are soothing for us so it's worthwhile to try different things. Glad you found that pendleton blanket and thanks for sharing.
@amiablePeace77- the beautiful Pendleton blanket was a wedding present from my coworkers in the ICU- 25 years ago.
@barncat
25 years, wow, what a lovely wedding gift. you must have taken great care of it to still have it.
I couldnt get to sleep last night- in such emotional turmoil right now. My husband told me last week he is infatuated with a younger woman- and that he planned to leave me when his parents died (they are both deceased now) The irony is that gorgeous blanket was a present from MY friends- and now it is MY friends who are beside me during this unsettling time. And my beloved horse was put down on our 25th wedding anniversary- and buried on Sept 11th.
@barncat
My heart goes out to you. 25 yrs....it is a long time. Men, ugh. It is like a death. Too boot, jeez your horse dying. Sept 11. You are such a kind, warm understanding soul,!!!
. I think you deserve the world. Think of the words you have graced me with. Now tell yourself them. You are loved and wonderful!!!
@95969
I just wanted to ask you something but absolutely only if you want. I wonder since you are a healthcare worker, do you find it difficult NOT to compartmentalize ?
Wishing you well
@95969- I really don't compartmentalize very well- my work stress spilled over into everyday life- at least for the first day off. I am retired now- thank heavens- and finally enjoying it- except now my husband has stirred things up big time. We have a new horse- and he has been a wonderful goofy distraction.
@barncat
*warm smile* I can picture you and your horse!! That would make anyone smile. So happy for you. What's his name? How old ?
I have no clue about men though. I wish, I wish I did. But nadda.
@95969- my horses kept me same last couple years. And taught me huge lessons on loss and grief this summer. Our new horse is a 14yo TWH- named Gus- AND I just purchased a new lesson horse yesterday named King- cross your fingers and keep me in your prayers cause I bought him sight unseen- just based on videos and phone calls with the owner. SHe is delivering him to our island on Sunday!!! He is an 18yo thoroughbred gelding. He has a big job replacing my beloved gorgeous pinto. Gus is really my husbands horse. Thank you again for your kind words- I wish the best to you every day.
@barncat
While reading your words I could feel your love for your horses. That is going to be fun, meeting for the first time!!!! Have fun. Smile it looks good on you. 
@barncat
Keep us posted on how Sunday goes!!! I hope him and Gus get on well too.
have fun !!!!
@barncat
That must feel so rough to deal with. I remember how hard it was for you when you mentioned about your horse before and now this. How are you managing to get through each day?
I am glad you have your friends at your side and never forget we are here for you too 
.
@amiablePeace77- thank you so much for your caring words- it has meant a lot during rough patches. I miss riding my safe horse and am currently looking to replace my beloved pinto.
@barncat
I can understand that you miss your horse, connections between people and animals can be very strong.
