Getting a "Welcome" to Rest

Yes, this is my bed. Nothings spectacular...Wayfair 1/2 off headboard, 15 year old bedspread from BB&B, a hand-made bedskirt so you can't see the clutter underneath. But it's orderly and welcoming.

My friends, let's be frank. Rest. Repose. Replenishment. Respite. Restoration. Peace. These are not luxuries, but necessities. We all crave them, and rightly so. A well-rested spirit is a resilient one, prepared to face the inevitable challenges of the day. Deprivation of rest, even for a short period, renders us sluggish. Prolonged neglect of this essential need? It cripples our very well-being, our emotional equilibrium, our capacity to function. This is not groundbreaking wisdom.

However, I recently had a rather…illuminating moment of self-reflection, a realization that might offer a fresh perspective. You see, I've come to understand that a made bed fosters a mental sanctuary, a welcoming embrace of restful tranquility.

Indeed, I scarcely recall a time when my bed was left unmade. In my upbringing, it was a non-negotiable task, instilled by my mother before formal schooling commenced. A small, yet significant, contribution to the order of our household. A habit, I confess, that has persisted into my adult life. But recently, I paused to consider its significance. Why, precisely, did I adhere to this seemingly trivial ritual? The answer, I discovered, lay in the sense of rest it created. A three-minute investment that paved the way for a serene conclusion to a demanding day. Whether navigating the chaos of young children, enduring the rigors of an extended workday compounded by arduous commutes, or attempting to compress a week's worth of errands into a precious weekend, I required a haven, a space for mental and physical rejuvenation. The sight of disheveled linens, of pillows scattered haphazardly, did not offer such solace. It was akin to returning from a restorative holiday to a home in disarray – a jarring transition from tranquility to chaos. Simply unacceptable.

I am reminded of Admiral William McRaven's address to the University of Texas at Austin graduates, wherein he eloquently articulated the connection between the simple act of making one's bed and the cultivation of leadership qualities and the first step towards accomplishing greater tasks. If you are unfamiliar with his words, I urge you to seek them out; they are truly inspiring. (ADM McRaven's Speech)

Therefore, if this modest practice fosters both leadership, accomplishment AND a sense of welcome to a restful night, I propose we all consider incorporating this three-minute ritual into our mornings. Let us observe the impact it has on our daily achievements.

It is merely a suggestion, of course. But sometimes, it is the seemingly insignificant details that make the most profound difference. 😉