ESSAY | MONTHLY THEME | PROMPTLY WRITTEN
Is The Universe Conspiring?
Gratitude Journal — Day 6
Maddy has been off work since the 18th of October due to insomnia issues that affected both mental and physical health. During these long weeks, I too have been sleeping less because I’ve wanted to be there to help Maddy as much as possible. So sleep has been a luxury, not a necessity of late.
My body has not been dealing with a lack of sleep very well. It is accustomed to at least a steady six to eight hours each day; it has only been getting two to three. I know how harmful this is for me — my blood sugar doesn’t regulate well, my blood pressure remains a bit too high, the neuropathy in my feet gets intense because edema sits in if I do not elevate my feet for many hours, and I get grouchy, something I definitely do not want to be right now.
A few nights ago, we had a nice thunderstorm that knocked out the power for a few hours but also shut the internet down for nearly twelve hours. I slept. Then Friday, I took a flu shot while at my PCP’s office. The only flu symptoms I’ve gotten from the shot are lethargy and joint aches. Being lethargic has put me to bed several times and I’ve slept hard sleeps for up to twelve hours.
I am pretty sure the Universe is conspiring to ensure I get plenty of rest. Generally, the internet going down affords me to sleep, but I guess the Universe knew it would take a bit more than twelve hours for me to catch up on all the lost sleep this time.
Maddy goes back to work Monday night. I am grateful for all the time we’ve been able to spend together. I am grateful that I’ve had the tools to help. And I am grateful that the Universe continues to conspire to allow me sweet slumber when I need it most. I cannot help but wonder if this entire ordeal with Maddy was the Universe’s idea — a conspiracy, indeed.
©2021 Lori Carlson. All Rights Reserved.
This is in response to the November Monthly Theme prompt — Keep a 30-day Gratitude journal. I am aiming to commit to this. Wish me luck!
Lori Carlson writes Poetry, Fiction, Articles, Creative Non-Fiction, and Personal Essays. Most of her topics are centered around Relationships, Spirituality, Life Lessons, Mental Health, Nature, Loss, Death, and the LGBTQ+ community. She is the Owner/Editor of Promptly Written and Not For Bedtime Stories. Check out her personal Medium blog here.
