the abc's of inspiration

In her ninety-four years of livin', my friend Adelle has accumulated some pretty effective solutions to common problems. Here's one of her tried and true interventions for insomnia. I thought you might enjoy it.

If she finds herself awake when she'd rather be sleeping, instead of counting sheep, she counts the blessings she received during the day. (Hey, wait, isn't that an old song?) Anyway, for structure, and to keep her brain challenged, she puts the list in alphabetical order.

A ... the apple pie her friend served at tea.
B ... her friend Betty who called this afternoon.
C ... the child who smiled at her in the lobby.
D ... the peppy little dog that visits her from next door.
E ...

Well, you get the idea. I was thinking it would also work while waiting in line, on hold during a phone call, or stuck in traffic. And wouldn't it be a fun game to play with the kids? On road trips, in the dentist's waiting room, while waiting for the bus ... our days are full of opportunities to uplift ourselves and each other.

PS: Adelle says if you get all the way to Z and you're still awake, get up and make yourself a cup of Sleepytime Tea, and you'll be back to sleep in no time.