The other day, like many in the past, I was trying to watch TV when my mini schnauzer mix pooch named Roxy began shoving her beat up, broken in half, orange, silly toy into my side. This can go on for hours, even if I ignore her, she’ll just keep shoving that thing into my side, my leg, my arm, whatever body part is within reach. Mind you, she has many newer, bigger, and better toys, toys that squeak louder and are more colorful, but this beat up old toy is clearly special to her. It is one of the first toys that we got when we first obtained her from someone in the midst of a divorce last November. This toy often gets hidden into one of her special stash spots, especially under the bed. So I watched her with a smile as she sat peering up at me with expectation, that dirty old toy hanging crookedly from her mouth.

This is much more than a toy, I mused. Why, I believe it’s her security blanket, I thought to myself!

This got me thinking about the whole idea of security blankets, and does the baby ever graduate into not having one?

No, I speculated, we probably all have some sort of “blankie” we gravitate to when we feel needy, lonely, insecure. I began to consider what I might be using myself without even being aware of it. Then, of course, I began to consider what others might use for a security blanket as an adult? I was just wondering…….

Not coming up with a quick clear answer for myself, I began exploring with others, explaining my curiosity about security blankets and wondering what they turn to, other than another person, during times of stress or insecurity. My yoga instructor said her garage was always her escape haven. A strange place, I thought silently, but then, just like the dog toy, it’s not about the thing or the location, but really more about the symbolism, what that place or thing represents, the feeling of security that emanates from being there or with the item. In some ways, it is like a drug, a natural drug, which offers a quick jolt of relief and peace.

Of course, for some, an actual drug may be the answer. Some individuals have actually graduated from the baby “blankie” to marijuana, cocaine, or even worse, heroin or crack. Others rely on prescription medications to soothe them when they feel ruffled. Some still rely on cigarettes, despite the health risks. Then of course there is always alcohol. Many can relate to the comfortable feeling of sitting with a nice glass of wine. Nor can we leave out food addiction, eating for comfort.

As I continued to explore I found varied and fascinating answers. One friend said she liked driving in the dark and especially also looking at the moon. Let’s hope she doesn’t moon gaze while driving! She described her contemplation of the moon as her spiritual connection to all that is and all that has been, noting that everyone who has ever lived has at one time peered at the moon. What a lovely thought! Another mentioned a nice soak with candles in a warm tub.

This reminded me of how I love to sit in the dark with candlelight and do nothing. There is a serenity to this environment when the power goes out, and sadly, it’s the only time I stop what I’m doing to sit in the dark and relax. I know two people who literally hop into bed, get under the covers for a brief stint, and then get up and feel renewed. One friend declares that clean sheets must be part of this process. This same friend insists that a car wash cleanses not only her car but also washes away her insecurities while re-establishing her sense of mastery over her world! Go figure!

Others find that peace in exercise, especially runners. I used to drown all my problems when I swam my laps almost daily for years, and lost myself in my rhythmic breathing. More recently I rely more on my bicycle where I get a feeling of total peace and freedom as the breeze ruffles through my hair and I soak in the beauty of my surroundings. My son and his wife like to walk in the woods with their dogs.

My mind began to flood with images now, as I realized all the wonderful and beautiful substitutes I have developed for the baby “blankie.” My newly acquired love of painting engages me only in the creation that is taking form before me. My yoga class reminds me that the baby blanket is within, always there to comfort me as needed, when I remove the concerns of the world around me. There is something wonderfully fulfilling about a nice hot cup of tea, sitting in a beam of sunlight like a contented cat, listening to exquisite chamber music or a haunting flute melody on a rainy day, and yes, watching my happy dog with her silly beat up orange toy in her mouth, a sight that never fails to bring a smile to my face and make me feel that all is well with the world.

So, I have found my answers and have become aware of my “blankie” substitutes. I’m sure there are more I have overlooked. The question that remains, though, is what have you learned about your own “blankie” substitutes? As you become more aware, you can make better choices. Are they good crutches or are they harmful to you? Are they so beat up and full of holes so that it is time to throw them out and find better ones? Are you satisfied with your choices and can you remember to use them as needed?

I was just wondering……..