Battling Sleepless Nights: Strategies For Restful Slumber

When It Don't Come Easy is a song by Sleeping at Last, featured in the popular US TV medical drama 'Grey's Anatomy'. The track is a cover of folk singer-songwriter Patty Griffin's song from her 2004 album 'Impossible Dream'. Sleeping at Last's version was released in 2019 as part of their 'Covers, Vol. 3' album. The song explores themes of uncertainty, change, and the enduring power of love, with lyrics that paint a picture of a challenging journey and the comfort found in knowing that someone will be there through the struggles.

Travelling home

Travelling can be exhausting, and when you're far from home, it can be hard to get a good night's rest. Here are some tips to help you fall asleep when you're on the road:

First, try to establish a bedtime routine. This can be challenging when you're in a new place, but it's important to signal to your body that it's time to wind down. Try to stick to a consistent sleep schedule, even when you're travelling across time zones. Maintaining a routine will help you fall asleep more easily and adjust to your new surroundings.

Next, pay attention to your surroundings. If you're in a loud, busy area, consider using earplugs or white noise to block out the noise. If it's bright, use an eye mask or curtains to make the room darker. Creating a comfortable environment will help you relax and drift off to sleep more easily.

Speaking of comfort, make sure your travel accommodations are cozy and inviting. If you're staying in a hotel, bring along your favourite pillow or blanket from home. These familiar items will provide comfort and help you feel more relaxed. If you're camping or staying in a hostel, bring a comfortable sleeping bag and earplugs to block out any unwanted noise.

While you're travelling, it's important to stay active during the day. Exploring new places can be tiring, but make sure you get some exercise and fresh air. This will help tire your body out so you can fall asleep more easily at night. Just be sure to avoid strenuous activity too close to bedtime, as it may make it harder to wind down.

Lastly, consider bringing along some relaxing activities to help you unwind before bed. Reading a book, listening to soothing music, or practising meditation or deep breathing exercises can help calm your mind and prepare your body for sleep. These activities can be especially helpful if you're struggling with jet lag or adjusting to a new time zone.

Remember, getting a good night's sleep while travelling is all about creating a comfortable and relaxing environment for yourself. So, whether you're in a five-star hotel or a tent under the stars, make sure you prioritise your sleep and practice good sleep hygiene. Sweet dreams!

Uncertainty about the future

The future is uncertain, and sometimes that uncertainty can keep us awake at night. We may wonder if we're on the right path or if we're doing the right things to get to where we want to go. This sense of uncertainty is captured in the song "When It Don't Come Easy" by Sleeping at Last.

The song speaks to the feeling of being lost and unsure of the future. The lyrics "I wonder if we're gonna ever get home tonight" and "Sometimes you wonder if you're walking in the wrong direction" express a sense of doubt and uncertainty about the future. The singer pledges their support, promising to be there for their loved one through thick and thin: "But if you break down, I'll drive out and find you/ If you forget my love, I'll try to remind you/ And stay by you when it don't come easy".

The future is full of unknowns, and it's natural to feel anxious about what lies ahead. It's important to remember that we're not alone in facing these uncertainties. Like the singer in "When It Don't Come Easy," we can find comfort and strength in our loved ones, even in the face of an unknown future.

While it's normal to seek comfort and stability, it's also important to accept that change and uncertainty are inevitable. By learning to navigate uncertainty, we can develop resilience and a sense of confidence in our ability to handle whatever life throws our way. We can choose to view the future as a thrilling adventure, full of possibilities and new beginnings, rather than something to fear.

Change and the passing of time

"When It Don't Come Easy" is a song by Sleeping at Last, which was featured in the popular US TV medical drama 'Grey's Anatomy'. The song is a cover of folk singer-songwriter Patty Griffin's song of the same name, originally released in 2004 (or 2010, according to another source) on her album 'Impossible Dream'.

The lyrics of "When It Don't Come Easy" reflect on the passing of time and the inevitability of change. The song's narrator expresses uncertainty about the future, wondering if they will "ever get home" or if they are "walking in the wrong direction". This sense of uncertainty and the recognition that "time keeps moving from a crawl to a run" highlights the passing of time and how it can bring about change, sometimes in ways that are challenging or unexpected.

The chorus of the song offers reassurance and support in the face of these challenges: "But if you break down/I'll drive out and find you/If you forget my love/I'll try to remind you/And stay by you". This sentiment is a reminder that even as time passes and circumstances change, there can be constants in our lives, such as the support of loved ones.

In the face of change and the passing of time, it is natural to reflect on the past and how it differs from the present. The song acknowledges this, with the narrator noting, "So many things that I had before/They don't matter to me now". This recognition of change and the passing of time can evoke a sense of loss or longing for what once was, as expressed in the lyrics, "Tonight I cry for the love I've lost/And for the love I never found".

The song's reference to "red lights flashin' on the highway" and "the waters getting rough" serves as a metaphor for life's challenges and how they can impede our progress or make our journey more difficult. Despite these obstacles, the song encourages resilience and perseverance, emphasising that even when "your best intentions may not be enough", there is value in continuing to move forward and navigate through life's changes and uncertainties.

Overall, "When It Don't Come Easy" serves as a poignant reflection on the passing of time and the constant nature of change. It acknowledges the challenges that life can present while also offering hope and reassurance, reminding listeners that they need not face these challenges alone.

Lost love

Losing someone you love can be one of the most difficult experiences in life. It can leave you feeling empty, confused, and struggling to move on. Here are some thoughts on dealing with lost love:

Coming to Terms with the Loss

The first step in dealing with lost love is accepting that it's over. It can be tempting to hold on to hope or dwell on what could have been. Allow yourself to grieve and feel the pain of the loss. It's important to accept your emotions and not suppress them. Take time to cry, reflect, and process your feelings. It's okay to not be okay initially, and there is no set timeline for moving on.

Self-Care and Support

During this difficult time, self-care is crucial. Be gentle with yourself and prioritise your well-being. Surround yourself with a strong support system of family and friends who can offer comfort and help you through the grieving process. Seek professional help if you feel overwhelmed or if your grief is affecting your daily functioning. Talking to a therapist can provide valuable guidance and perspective.

Reflection and Learning

Use this time to reflect on the relationship and identify any lessons you can take away. What worked well, and what could have been better? What were your contributions to the relationship's success and its challenges? By honestly evaluating the relationship, you can gain valuable insights that will help you grow and make better choices in the future.

Letting Go and Moving On

Letting go doesn't mean forgetting the person or minimising the significance of your love. It means accepting that this chapter of your life has ended and committing to moving forward. Focus on the present and the future rather than the past. Rediscover old hobbies, pursue new interests, and set personal goals that excite you. Embrace new opportunities and allow yourself to find happiness and fulfilment in other aspects of your life.

Finding Love Again

Recognise that the capacity to love and be loved again exists within you. When you're ready, open yourself up to the possibility of new love. It may seem daunting at first, but remember that everyone moves at their own pace. Take things one step at a time, and don't rush into anything that doesn't feel right. Embrace the idea of new beginnings and the potential for a different kind of love, one that is perhaps even more fulfilling and meaningful.

The comfort of companionship

The song "When It Don't Come Easy" by Sleeping at Last speaks to the challenges of navigating life's uncertainties and the comfort that comes with having a supportive companion by your side. The lyrics paint a picture of a journey filled with obstacles and self-doubt, where "red lights flashin' on the highway" symbolise unforeseen hurdles and the "waters getting rough" represent the rising tide of difficulties. In such moments, the presence of a trusted companion can make all the difference.

The chorus of the song captures the essence of this companionship: "But if you break down, I'll drive out and find you/ If you forget my love, I'll try to remind you/ And stay by you/ When it don't come easy". This sentiment is a powerful reminder that, in times of struggle, having someone who is willing to go the extra mile to offer support and reassurance can provide immense solace. It's about being there for each other, no matter what challenges lie ahead.

The song acknowledges that life is filled with change and uncertainty. "I don't know nothin' except change will come/ Year after year, what we do is undone/ Time keeps moving from a crawl to a run". In the face of these unknowns, the narrator pledges to be a constant source of support, promising to remind their companion of their love if they ever forget. This sense of unwavering dedication and commitment is a cornerstone of comforting companionship.

In the final verse, the narrator reveals a deeper layer of vulnerability: "Tonight, I cry for the love I lost/ And for the love I never found". Here, they acknowledge their own losses and unfulfilled desires. By sharing this vulnerability, they create a space for mutual understanding and empathy within their companionship. It's a reminder that true comfort comes from being able to bear witness to each other's joys and sorrows, offering support through life's ups and downs.

"When It Don't Come Easy" serves as a beautiful testament to the power of companionship. It recognises that life is filled with challenges and uncertainties, but having someone by your side, willing to drive out and find you, remind you of love, and stay by your side through it all, can make the journey more bearable and comforting. It's a reminder that, in the face of life's struggles, we don't have to go through them alone.

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