The Magic of Pacifiers

Rough morning … insert pacifier.
Bump on the head, trip and fall … insert pacifier.
Overtired, can’t get to sleep … insert pacifier.
Someone takes your stuff (e.g., book, toy) … insert pacifier.
Hungry and nothing ready to eat … insert pacifier.
Overwhelmed … insert pacifier.
Expectations not met … insert pacifier.
Challenging day … insert pacifier.

Pacifiers — also wonderfully known as “soothers” — are darn near magic. Insert pacifier and life is suddenly a better place. That gummy gel-filled nipple brings instance comfort and soothing (most of the time).

I think we all need a soother — they are not just for infants. The magic of a pacifier allows one to PAUSE, breathe intentionally, gather yourself, calm down, gain control, get perspective, stop and think, adjust our attitude … and then CHOOSE our action. Again, we all need a bit of this magic!

Like real pacifiers, we should identify soothers that are readily available and convenient. These are not things we generally schedule — but are activities that we can quickly implement. Some ideas and considerations that have worked for me … and yes, some do require a bit more time than others …

Take a walk. Exercise. Stretch.
Read or listen to something positive … or something funny.
Sit quietly for 10 minutes, close your eyes, and just breathe.
Sauna, bath, shower, hot tub.
Music — something uplifting / energizing or mellow / relaxing depending on the situation.
Play a musical instrument or beat a drum.
Write, journal, draw. List 10 things you are grateful for.
Play a game.
Pray.
Eat or drink something — preferably healthy, although there are exceptions! 🙂
Take a 20 minute “power nap.”

The key with pacifiers — and with the ideas above — is to interrupt the pattern. We want to break up the action, call a time-out, hit the PAUSE button … and remind ourselves that things are going to be alright. God has everything under control. Ahhh …

NOTE: Those are my 6 grandchildren showing off their pacifiers in the picture.