22 years! That’s how long it’s been since I’ve had a first night of sleep on a brand new mattress.
Odd title and opening, I know, but bear with me; I’m going somewhere meaningful with this 🙂
In the wake of purchasing my son his first brand-new mattress, other than the crib mattress he hardly ever slept on, I made the selfish decision to buy myself one. Even though I’ve taken a pay cut at work, due to being offered fewer courses to teach, I purchased myself a brand new mattress. It arrived yesterday. So, last night was the first night, in over 22 years, that I slept on a new mattress.
I knew, for a very long time, that I wasn’t sleeping well and that the mattress was part of the problem. But, when you are a solo working mama, responsible for all living expenses, raising a son who participates in multiple sports, money doesn’t often find its way to my needs. Yes, I know, I make the financial decisions in my household! But, the guilt and the shame of never having bought my 14-year old son a new mattress was killin’ me, especially because he never complained, so I continued to silence my sleeping needs.
When I got up in the middle of the night to go potty, my body didn’t feel like a 99-year old woman! When I slipped out of bed, I stood tall, not hunched over. My gait was steady and sure, not painful and wobbly. I awoke this morning ready to greet the sunrise for the first time in years, instead of slinking farther under my blankets refusing to get up.
To be honest, the mattress I purchased isn’t even that expensive….and, it was $100 off from the price I paid when I purchased my son’s! I don’t think I would have purchased it for myself had it not been on sale, but today is about small celebrations.
I’m celebrating the best night of sleep (without a sleep aide) in a long time!
I’m celebrating the crisp morning air as I absorbed the comforting warmth of the sunrise peeking through my backyard trees!
I’m celebrating this first step toward prioritizing my physical and emotional needs!
Today’s a great day 🙂