Sleep My Mind

I lie in bed staring at the ceiling trying to let go of the thoughts in my mind.
Like- I need to finish the taxes.
When should I see my friend, Nancy?
Is Russia going to invade Ukraine, and are they trying to trick the world into thinking they are not?

When I was younger, the thoughts were different but no less concerning.
Did I do OK on my math test?
Does Linda still like me (she was playing with Leslie today)?
How far can I go adding 7 to the answer, if I start with 9?

My mind likes the nighttime.
It is like an adventure waiting for the quiet to truly let go and wander.
There are no limits, no restrictions

My thoughts wander with my mood.
The excitement of going to Greece in the fall-
The sadness of still having to worry about Covid-
The anger of why we are still in this mess.

But how do I relax so that I can allow my mind to slow?
I breathe deeply;
I slow the breath.
I try to let go of each direction my mind takes me.

I set up my own system-
No reading past 9 o’clock (even though it keeps my mind focused)
No eating after dinner
No TV past 8:30

Take the time to brush my teeth and get all the left over food out.
Wash my face and imagine the day’s business rinsing off my cheeks
Brush my hair, leaving it shiny for the next day
Changing clothes to leave the day behind-

Tomorrow is its own new adventure.
Maybe I will make a new friend
Perhaps I will learn a new fact to add to my collection
I will try to learn a new skill to improve myself.

But for now- I will let go of my mind;
No yesterday or tomorrow.
I will enjoy the moment where I allow sleep to refresh me
I embrace sleep itself as my ally.
Sleep, my mind.