Newest Essay

My latest essay is about something that I believe. We read/listened to a few on http://thisibelieve.org After a few hours of thinking about it I finally came up with an idea. Maybe because I was tired at the time... Any way, here it is:

Napping is Amazing

            I believe in the power of naps. When I was a child I would fight the urge to close my eyes, knowing that I would miss out on some great adventure. The inevitable nap was like time travel, I’d wake to find myself in a new place hours after I had given in to the magnetic pull of exhaustion. How I ended up in my bed after falling asleep in the kitchen was a complete mystery.

            When I became a youth, naps became more of a survival technique. I am by nature a night owl, so getting up early was particularly difficult for me. Naps became my partner in keeping me alert and involved in my many academic pursuits. Some benefits of napping have been stated by the National Sleep Foundation, “Naps can restore alertness, enhance performance, and reduce mistakes and accidents. Naps can increase alertness in the period directly following the nap and may extend alertness a few hours later in the day. Napping has psychological benefits. A nap can be a pleasant luxury, a mini-vacation. It can provide an easy way to get some relaxation and rejuvenation.”1 I love the thought that a mini-vacation is within my reach with twenty minutes of Zzzzzs.

            As a mother I have found naps to be a saving grace for my rambunctious children. When I notice that tell tale look in their eyes, and the increased sensitivity in their reactions, I know it is time for a nap. I can give them a little leeway for their sudden stubbornness or grumpiness, because I understand how functioning on too little sleep can have disastrous effects. As I put them down for their much needed slumber, I breathe a sigh of relief and realize that now I can accomplish something around the house without constant interruptions. That is a marvelous benefit of the power of naps. Sometimes my children awake refreshed and raring to go, at other times they need to cuddle until fully awake. I love that part.

             In short, I believe that naps have the unique ability to change people for the better. Whether it is through making someone feel better, or helping you see the world a little clearer, naps have a power all on their own and I, for one, am glad for it.

References:

1 National Sleep Foundation sleepfoundation.org/sleep-topics/napping/page/01

My Love Letter

As some of you know, I am taking a course through the Pathway program which is in partnership with BYU-I. The class that I am currently taking is an English class which requires certain writing assignments. So I thought I'd post them here too. My first assignment was to write a love letter to something. Here's mine:

A Love Letter to My Happy Place

            When first I met you I was very young and your kind welcoming exterior pulled me in. Little did I know then how much I would depend upon you throughout my life. I love how you have supported me in every aspect of my life. Your face has changed over the years, but the serenity you provide has never dimmed.

             I love to wander down your familiar halls in search of a great new find. What will it be: non-fiction, a novel, a mystery, an old favorite or a new acquaintance? I love the smell of the pages as I peruse the well-worn shelves. There is the scent of glue and a slight mustiness of old tomes long forgotten. So many hidden gems lying like diamonds in the rough just waiting to be discovered.

            I love the comfort that you provide on rainy days when the storm outside sets a metered rhythm against your windowpanes. Countless drizzly hours were spent in your warm embrace.  How sumptuous to be able to curl up with a good book and let the world fade away. You have always given me more than I could have hoped for; like how you accommodate my growing family. My children love to play in your rooms and are entertained by the fun activities that you supply. From princess parties to animal exhibits you consistently surprise us with new knowledge that leaves us yearning for more.

            I love how you shun no one, all are welcome to enjoy the beauty and find solace in your loving embrace. There is space here for learning, growing, and stretching the imagination to new unthought-of heights. There is entertainment and enlightenment. There is permission to find unfettered joy in whatever brings you joy. 

             I must thank you, Public Library, for being my happy place. You have helped me to better myself. You made me realize that each voice is special and deserves to be heard. Thank you for taking care of those voices from every era. I will always love you!