Things That Make Me Feel Better

When I feel bad, I have a list. Not a list I wrote down. A list I keep in my head. Things that help. Warm socks. The thick fuzzy ones. They make my feet feel hugged. My dog's ears. Soft and floppy. I pet them slow, and everything slows down with me. The smell of pancakes. Even if I don't eat them. Just the smell is enough. A blanket burrito. Wrap up tight. Nothing can get in. Safe. Mom's voice reading out loud. I don't even have to listen to the words. Just the sound. Cold water on my face. Splash. Wake up. Start fresh. Jumping. Just jumping. Up and down until the bad feelings bounce out. A hug that lasts longer than normal. Not a quick hug. A real one. Crying. Sometimes that's on the list too. Let it out. All the way out. When I feel bad, I don't always remember my list. Sometimes I just feel bad and forget there's anything else. But when I do remember — when I put on the warm socks or find the dog or wrap up in the blanket — it helps. Not all the way better. But better enough.