Dear Anita,

Yes, getting enough sleep is important. I’ve come to realize how vital it is. I end up much calmer on days during which I get enough sleep, although those are few in between.

I will definitely slow down and only focus on doing what is due/necessary.

It scares me as well to not sleep. How long have you had insomnia? I understand it is common in people with anxiety disorders.

Is there anyway I can learn to become comfortable around teenagers? Just knowing that they are looking at me is enough to make my skin crawl and make me turn red.

I’ve tried the whole movie thing, but that only makes me less sleepy, thinking about how it’ll all resolve. I become involved in the movie. Eventually I fall asleep sometimes, other times it doesn’t work.

I love your idea about the raft on a calm river. I would love to envision that when I can’t sleep. I can already imagine myself wearing light clothes, listening to the flow of the water, feeling the soft wind on my skin, breathing the fresh air, seeing the greenery around me! What a delight!!! That was an amazing idea Anita! The forest idea is great as well, I’ll try and alternate it with the raft one! I hadn’t thought to incorporate such imagery in my mind. I’d do it for my brother when he was scared after having a nightmare, but I had never thought to do it for myself. Any other ideas for imagery?