Do remember Linus, from the Peanuts cartoon strip? He had a security blanket, and the term itself may have come into being from that character.
I think we all identified with having an item we could embrace to feel safe and comfortable – and secure. All of my kids had such things (as did I!). Psychologists describe it as a “lovey” – something to cling to, and it could be a stuffed toy, or a blanket – it doesn’t matter – its value is incalculable.
One of the rituals of growing up is leaving our “loveys” behind. But that doesn’t mean we leave the notion behind completely. We retain things and ritualistic actions that become our “security blankets”.
As adults, we’re often too busy and focused on our responsibilities to turn to these emotional crutches. Triumphs at work, good relationships, and satisfying family lives diminish the need for personal “security blankets” – but we’re never fully immune, are we?
The pandemic unleashed stresses we never anticipated. All of a sudden, being a grown-up wasn’t just about the mortgage, the commute, the rat race – stuff got super real, super fast. The whole notion of the (once reasonable) expectation of a job, upward mobility – and a future you could plan for – was suddenly, horribly, not a given. Where’s your security blanket now, bucko?
We got simple – retreated to simple pleasures and pursuits. Let’s make some sourdough! Let’s do some jigsaw puzzles! Let’s binge-watch “Matlock” reruns! For some, the security blanket was withdrawal into the self, or worse – chemical numbness.
But there’s another way – a positive path. Pour your anxieties into creative pursuits. Write, draw, sculpt, make music. If you didn’t have time or motivation before – perhaps you do know. The results can be astonishing, and very life-embracing. It costs next to nothing to express yourself – whatever your mood or mindset. These creative outlets will provide a deep satisfaction and a sense of self worth – the classic “security blanket”!
Sure, your first few sculptures may be lumpy, your first few paintings smeary and your first few songs clunky. But the next ones will be better and the ones after that will be even better. Sooner or later, the current situation will change, but while you’re waiting for that change, this is the time to change yourself! You can decide that what you are is not wholly dependent on what’s going on around you. What’s going on within you can define you – and that will be a security blanket that no one can ever take away!
