It’s 1:30am and the wind is howling outside. Our windows are open, and a sudden gust slams a door shut. It feels like we’re out at sea, fighting against nature. Normally I can fall asleep thinking I’m at the beach or on a (very safe) boat floating to dreamland. But not this morning. It’s pitch black and I’ve been trying to fall asleep for the past couple of hours. I close my eyes, I try to get comfortable but nothing works. I lie there, baffled, it’s been the coolest night this week, there aren’t any  and it’s so quite, I’m feel relaxed. At least I think I am.

After trying my normal “just go to sleep” tactics, I reach for my phone knowing that it probably means that I’ll stay awake for too long. I play my games, get bored quickly and flick through my simplicity twitter feed.

I came across Happy Links to Start 2013, I look through the list and my eyes light up when I see Leo Babuta’s 52 Changes 2013. I wave of excitement flows through me, I remember seeing the link the other day, I read it, got inspired and made a mental note to do something about it. I didn’t.

So I started to read the sample, huddled over my bright phone, under the covers, trying to not go ooh and ahh out loud. The first change was to Mediate, to find a quiet place and sit for 2 minutes. As soon as I read that I’m buzzing. I just have to  get this book! Plus I already meditate! Meditating for me is definitely something I like doing. If I don’t do it, I get cranky and lethargic. 

Whether I meditate for 5 minutes or 15, I always feel good after, I feel awake and ready to concur the world or at least the crazies in my head. The first change is so easy that I smile. I think to myself man, I can do this. And if I can do that, I can sleep now.