Where I'm at now...something positive

[Karen]

Okay, Gayle - time to take charge of the nightmares - try to do that. In your dream, turn the situation around, like find yourself a way out of the burning building, etc. Try it, maybe it'll work!

Or go to sleep imagining Mikey curled beside you, ready to chase away any bad guys!

[Queen of Poop]

Will try that tonight Karen. I am hoping for a good sleep, I went out today and replaced the pillow I left behind with a brand new one, same of course. I've been test driving it this afternoon and it is amazing the level of comfort a pillow can give.

[rosethecopycat]

Okay, Gayle - time to take charge of the nightmares - try to do that. In your dream, turn the situation around, like find yourself a way out of the burning building, etc. Try it, maybe it'll work!

Or go to sleep imagining Mikey curled beside you, ready to chase away any bad guys!

I agree, but write your nightmare out and change the ending.

Has anyone ever tried to become lucid in their dream/nightmare?
I've done this, but it's only when I've fallen asleep on the couch with the TV on.
There is an extremely heightened perception, and a feeling like you can control things, like the outcome you need, if it is nightmarish.
My experience, last year, was hearing music SO vividly that I could write out the entire score instantly. I knew I was dreaming, but as soon as I woke, the music was gone.

Gayle, here's a couple articles on lucid dreaming. I think it's a good way to take control over the situation.

http://www.world-of-lucid-dreaming.c...ightmares.html

http://psychology.suite101.com/artic...top_nightmares

With as little sleep as you're getting, it really could get worse.
You don't need to dread going to sleep.

I hope it helps you.

[Karen]

I've always been able to influence the course of my dreams. Maybe it is my inborn optimism, but I have never had a nightmare. If I crisis happens, I solve it! Generally, when I awake, Paul will ask me who I was rescuing before I woke. Funny enough when it is kittens, I can snuggle them in my dreams with no allergic reaction at all!

[Medusa]

I, like Karen, rarely have nightmares. I usually can control my dreams but sometimes I just let go and see where the dream world takes me.

For anyone who can't fall asleep, I learned a technique years ago that may be of some help to you: After taking several deep breaths w/your eyes closed, visualize a chalk board and write the number 100 on it. Draw a circle around it and draw a slanted line through it. Then erase the whole thing. Then write the number 99 on the chalk board, draw a circle around it and draw a slanted line through it and erase it all again. Then write the number 98 on the chalk board and repeat the process. I rarely make it to the number 90 before I'm fast asleep. It tires the mind and allows it to give in and relax. Sleep has never been my friend. I can't "go to sleep"; I have to wait for it to come to me and this works. Give it a whirl.

[Queen of Poop]

Hi Mikey, came to look at your picture. I hope you don't mind Mikey (and Alyssa) but I printed off your picture and put it by my bed so when I wake up and when I wake up after a nightmare I can look at you napping and feel better.

A friend of mine has a couple of dream catchers in her bedroom and has had them since her hubby committed suicide last year. She says they took away her nightmares. She was going to get and send me one.

Doing ok. For whatever reason, now that winter has arrived with snow and cold temps I feel a little better. Maybe just coincidence. I accomplished a bunch more stuff towards being done with him today so that makes me feel better too.

Rose, how you doing?

[Daisy and Delilah]

More positive thoughts and hugs going out to both of you. I hope you both have a great day today!!

[cassiesmom]

Thoughts, prayers and hugs today for Rose and Gayle

And a candle: http://www.gratefulness.org/candles/...ng&cid=9690956

[rosethecopycat]

I am planning my trip to Virginia. To the Siamese Dedication of Lights.
http://va.siameserescue.org/DOL2009.php

I will light a light for dear old Malfi, who I lost in February.
I just can't wrap my head around the caring husband I knew, who cared for this old cat so much. Malfi needed SO much care, and after his 'cleaning ordeal' he would just slip into bed, under the covers with my 'husband' and all was forgiven. My 'husband' never rejected him, and this lasted for years.
When Malfi left for the Bridge, it was my 'husband' that didn't think it was his time. The night he left, on the bed where he lived, was a card and a rose from Malfi to Thank his 'daddy'.
There is a total disconnect between the man who did this and the selfish man I know now, who called the cats a burden, and prefers to live like a 'college student' somewhere just to be away from this life and me.

Dec 12 will be my Christmas. I just don't have any 'spirit' in me for doing the traditional things like, decorating, baking, even listening to Christmas music. It hurts to see any of that, but it is somewhat unavoidable when you see it around you. It just doesn't mean anything.
Nevertheless, Christmas will come and it will go. I will try to do something constructive with it. And maybe next year will be better.

[pomtzu]

I am planning my trip to Virginia. To the Siamese Dedication of Lights.
http://va.siameserescue.org/DOL2009.php

I will light a light for dear old Malfi, who I lost in February.
I just can't wrap my head around the caring husband I knew, who cared for this old cat so much. Malfi needed SO much care, and after his 'cleaning ordeal' he would just slip into bed, under the covers with my 'husband' and all was forgiven. My 'husband' never rejected him, and this lasted for years.
When Malfi left for the Bridge, it was my 'husband' that didn't think it was his time. The night he left, on the bed where he lived, was a card and a rose from Malfi to Thank his 'daddy'.
There is a total disconnect between the man who did this and the selfish man I know now, who called the cats a burden, and prefers to live like a 'college student' somewhere just to be away from this life and me.
Hang in there - better days are ahead!

Dec 12 will be my Christmas. I just don't have any 'spirit' in me for doing the traditional things like, decorating, baking, even listening to Christmas music. It hurts to see any of that, but it is somewhat unavoidable when you see it around you. It just doesn't mean anything.
Nevertheless, Christmas will come and it will go. I will try to do something constructive with it. And maybe next year will be better.

Wow - this story brought tears to my eyes - especially what you related about the rose and the card.

Believe it or not, but someday you will remember your ex for the good in him, and not all the bad. Believe me - I've been there. It took me a long time to do it, but I decided if I was going to have any peace in my life, then I had to bury the negative. Oh sure - I still joke about the bad - especially around family - but I really no longer dwell on it in my mind. And it only took me 15 years to do it!!!