One of my favorite books is Sleeping with Bread. Isn’t that an interesting title?!

It begins with this sobering, yet hopeful story:

“During the bombing raids of World War II, thousands of children were orphaned and left to starve. The fortunate ones were rescued and placed in refugee camps, where they received food and good care. But many of these children who had lost so much could not sleep at night.

They feared waking up to find themselves once again homeless and without food. Nothing seemed to reassure them. Finally, someone hit on the idea to give each child a piece of bread to hold at bedtime. Holding their bread, these children could finally sleep in peace. All through the night, the bread reminded them, ‘Today, I ate, and I will eat again tomorrow.’”

The subtitle of this book is called, “Holding What Gives You Life.” The children held bread when they went to sleep. The authors, who are counselors, suggest that we do the same. What gives you life? Hold that as you fall asleep.

For example, they suggest asking yourself the question, “For what am I most grateful today?” So, think back on your day and think what was the highlight or the special time you felt joy and peace and hold those thoughts in your mind as you fall asleep. Last night, I thought of the wonderful note I received from my daughter-in-law Kim, in which she said very affirming things. And that’s what I thought about when I fell asleep.

The authors contend that whatever you hold in your thoughts as you fall asleep will continue to work during the night. And if you hold positive thoughts, you will wake up feeling more grateful and energetic.

So, “hold” (metaphorically speaking) what gives you life as you fall asleep.