Lullaby

    
     Down through history all over the world, parents have sung songs to calm and soothe their babies, to reduce their stress and help them sleep.  These simple, repetitive rhythms and words mimic the movement experienced in the womb before birth.  Some say the song even calms the singer.  When the parent can no longer lull the child, we must grow up and learn to sing our own lullaby.
     When we feel weary and worry-laden, when we feel like crying aloud or silently,  we search for someone or something to help us through the rough spots.  We need a respite, a physical and emotional rest.  We may use another person to help soothe us.  We may form a philosophy that helps us deal with life's challenges.  Some have faith in spiritual help.  As adults, we need to learn to cope, to broaden our perspective, to see the whole picture of our experiences, and learn to handle happiness, sadness, and everything in between.
     Often, we have the opportunity to help others bear their burdens, to get them past difficult times.  By learning to soothe ourselves, we are better equipped to soothe others.  The calm may seem temporary, but with practice, we can develop our own lullaby.