Blankets (because everyone needs a transitional object)

Well, most people do, at least at some point in their lives. A transitional object (for those who aren't psychologists or didn't take Dr. Walker's Theology & Philosophy class) is a tangible object that provides emotional support during any given situation, the stereotypical security blanket or stuffed animal for a child. It makes that person feel safe and grounded when things might not be safe (or grounded).

Yes, I'm falling off
the bed while sleeping.
But I still have Smoothie!

I have one very old, very transitional object. His name is Smoothie, and he used to be my grandfather's old Hawaiian shirt. I'm told I stole the shirt when I was 2 or 3, and I've been carrying bits of Smoothie around with me ever since. My mom carried pieces of him in her purse, I remember holding him in my lap during church, and I can count on one hand the number of nights I've slept without him. Two years ago, my parents gave me the biggest piece of Smoothie left; I'm already preparing myself for the day when Smoothie finally dies and I have to replace him (because let's be honest, giving up Smoothie is not an option). I nearly always have Smoothie with me, and I've been known to tear rooms apart searching for him.

But I've also realized that Smoothie is part of a wider category of transitional objects: blankets. There's something soothing about the weight of them, something calming about the protection they provide. I have about a dozen different blankets just between my bed and the couch, a variety of quilts, throws, and comforters (and one electric blanket I got this year for Christmas. I don't know why I haven't owned one sooner!). I stopped sleeping with a flat sheet a few years ago because my feet were claustrophobic, and I switched to sleeping with just my not-actual-down comforter. This snowballed when I moved to Atlanta and experienced a really cold winter. I simply stacked blanket upon blanket upon blanket, and suddenly I was the blanket lady. I'm okay with it; I feel safe and warm and snuggly when I'm wrapped up in them, and I like to be safe and warm and snuggly. Among my favorites are a quilt my sister sewed for me, a rag quilt my bff and I made, this heavy, nubbly knitted (or crocheted? I have no clue...I think knitted) thing my aunt made me, and a fantastically soft fleece blanket my boss gave me for Christmas. There's also this old, old, old, old blanket I used to take naps with at my grandma's house. I slept with it for years and it started to fall apart. It's currently in the To Be Fixed pile, which reminds me that I need to fix it (i.e. ask my mom to do it).

So blankets. Besides actually sleeping, they're my favorite part of naps and night times. I'm confident they have magical healing powers similar to the strength of a unicorn's mane. Or Jesus' beard.