Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Why Can't I Get Any Sleep Around Here?

The Writer Angel Whisper
Those who know me, know that while I’m a little on the crazy side, parts of me are very regimental. Major list maker here. Sorry, it’s the only way I can stay sane in my world! Part of my strict schedule is Sunday through Thursday I go to bed at the exact same time. After the news, I’m in bed asleep in a matter of minutes.
Mostly.
4:10 in the morning?! Argh!
Lately I’ve had to fight like a demon possessed to stay asleep!
Am I the only woman who struggles with waking up in the middle of the night? It’s the worst thing in the world. And it’s so lonely with the lights out. And what’s with all those noises? Are there gremlins running around outside my bedroom door?
Oddly enough, I sleep like a baby on the weekends. Nothing wakes me up. During the week, when I have to get up at 6:30 for work, I’m zonked.
And grumpy!
That’s because I wake up at 4:10 every morning, and can’t fall back to sleep until a few minutes before the alarm goes off. I mean, I’ve counted sheep, made imaginary love to my hero, did my grocery shopping, and made to-do lists. Nothing helps. Usually I end up rolling around on my king sized bed like a tipped over bowling pin.
In desperation I spoke to my doctor about my sleep pattern and she said it was hormonal. Does everything that happens to woman after fifty have to be hormonal? Surely not.
As I struggled through this time, I remember something Wayne Dyer once said on a PBS special. The self-help guru claims he wakes every night at a certain time and he concluded that’s when the Angels Whisper.
Hum.
I remembered that a couple of weeks ago when I lay in my bed fighting the covers. What if the Writing Angels are trying to Whisper to me at 4:10 in the morning?
I put my theory to work the very next night. My eyes popped open at 4:10 on the dot. I lay there quietly waiting to hear the flutter of little wings.
Nothing happened!
I stayed with it.
The Angel Whispers, I listen
A couple of days later I lay in bed listening when an idea came to me so out of the blue. I shot up in bed. I loved the concept immediately and as far as I know, no one has done anything like it before. I was so stoked I wanted to jump out of bed and start writing. The tiny voice told me to wait. In seconds, I was back asleep.
Next morning I woke up anxious to start on my new manuscript, but never managed to chip out a chunk of time. I went to bed that night looking forward to my 4:10 date with the Angel Whisper. She didn’t let me down. She showed up right on time.
I lay there quietly listening to that tiny voice that instructed me to map out the complete story before typing one word on the manuscript. I immediately started a synopsis. I’m into my eighth day and my story is slowly, but every so effortlessly coming together.
I have no idea where this is going to go, but I’ve decided I’m going to enjoy the ride.
So, the next time you wake up in the middle of the night, maybe the Angels have something to Whisper to you.
Sleep well,
Geri

7 comments:

  1. Geri,

    What a wonderful post. Just loved it. Sometimes life's gurgling stream flows more smoothly if we accept instead of fight the tough experiences. Thank you for your delightful insight. Sharon Rowe xoxoxo

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  2. Great post, Geri, and oh, so true! Many nights I have woken up with a thought burning through my head and instead of getting up, I'd say "Oh, I'll remember that!" Kiss of death cause I just remember that I was supposed to remember something! I'm going to have to listen harder next time.

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  3. It's so weird my angel sounds like snoring... :-)

    I get those wake-up-story moments from time to time (they seem few and far between as of late, unfortunately). If I can remember it later that day or even a day or two more--then I write it down. Our brains are always working it out I think!

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  4. I've had an interrupted sleep pattern for years. My doctor says it's fibromyalgia, but I tend to believe I suffer from over-active writers' brain. Most of my ideas come in my sleep or right after I wake up.

    Great post, Geri!

    Bobbye

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  5. Geri, what a great post. I have those waking spells from time to time. Once, while I worked as a bookkeeper, I waked up knowing the problem for the six bucks my books were off. I was so hyped on the way to work that morning that I got a ticket for speeding.

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  6. Geri, I love your post! I am so there with you, girl! Only the Angel Whispers at me several times a night!! What's up with that?? I have many times lately woken up with story information and will have to jot it down most times, cause like Jen, I won't remember it in the morning. Heck half the time I can't remember what day it is! Love it!

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  7. Wow! Never thought of that! Next time, I will listen and see what the angels are saying.
    Great post!

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