David swears that since the day I brought home the baby chicks I have been sleeping like a normal human being. You have to know that I have suffered from middle-of-the-night insomnia for probably twenty years or longer. I didn't keep tabs. I think he has something here. I'm actually going to bed around 10:00 p.m. and, except for a couple of trips to the bathroom, sleeping until the alarm goes off. Prior to getting the chicks, if I woke up to go pee, that would be it for me. As soon as the brain had one teensy-weensy thought, I was wide awake. It's a family curse. My mom had it and so does my niece, Debbie. I would do this four or five nights in a row and then sleep on the fifth or sixth night because of sheer exhaustion. I'm telling you, it was taking a toll on my health.
So, why this amazing transormation? They say that having pets helps you stay calm and lowers your blood pressure. But I've had cats and dogs for decades and they had no effect on my sleeplessness. Being under a lot of stress obviously adds to the problem and those of you who know me personally will understand why that most likely has been a factor. Something about watching the baby chicks and now the almost-grown pullets and cockeral has allowed my brain to disengage from the vagaries of life.
Whatever it is, I'm glad it's there. It's better than any sleep medication I've ever taken. Perhaps I will open my own sleep clinic. When a client comes in for help, I'll just tell them, "Take two chicks and call me in the morning."
2 comments:
I'm a big fan of "chick TV" (and now "duckling TV") too. Watching the birds is so very relaxing. I lost track of time and, even better, lose track of my mental "to do" list. Nothing is better than sitting in the grass watching the chooks do what they do. It gives a whole new meaning to bird watching.
Amy, I know, it's like a new show every time! Always different, always entertaining. I think you're right. It's so fulfilling just watching them "be", that it crowds out the drivel that clogs up our brains and prevents us from relaxing. If the whole world knew our little secret, there would soon be a chick shortage!
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