Welcome to Sleepy Shorts Short Stories for Bedtime. This podcast is brought to you by I have a story to tell you that will help take your mind off all of your worries and cares. Just listen and relax, then drift peacefully into sleep. It's time to turn off the lights and snuggle into your bed. Find your most comfortable position there. Now take a few seconds to relax your mind. It's time to sleep. Time to rest and rejuvenate our minds
and bodies. In order to prepare our bodies for sleep, let's do a couple of muscle relaxation and breathing exercises. I want you to inhale for account of three, and while doing so, tighten all of your muscles and inhale one two, three, Hold your breath, keep your muscles tense. Now exhale to account of six. While you relax all of your muscles one two, three, four, five six, feel your body sinking deeper into your
bed. Let's do this one more time. Take a deep three second breath as you tighten your muscles, hold it now, relax and exhale to account of six. Let your body sink even deeper into your bed. Now it's time for your sleepy short Let me help you fall asleep. A rainy mountain getaway. It was a quiet Saturday morning in my neighborhood. Summer was over and the early autumn leaves very colorfully decorated the streets. I live in a
three story building in the center of the city. It's near the main square, so I often spend mornings on my balcony taking in a wonderful view of the city. I begin with a steaming mug of my favorite brew. I bought my coffee pot during a trip to Italy last year, and ever since, I prefer my breakfast the Italian way, simply a pastry and an espresso. Enjoying breakfast on my balcony while taking in the view of the city is just spectacular. It had been a particularly rough few days, with my head
swimming, I knew it was time for a break a getaway. Usually, when I feel the need for some peace and quiet, I grab a good book and a blanket and curl up on the sofa, or run a hot, relaxing bath, or sometimes take a jog in the park. But this time I was looking for something different. While finishing up breakfast, I noticed some clouds building overhead, which would more than likely mean rain later. From my vantage point, I could overhear people talking and laughing in the streets below.
Some of them seemed to be in a hurry to finish their tasks before the rain kicked in. Song were strolling along with dogs or children in tow I noticed the local bagel cellar assisting several customers. I often chat with him in the mornings when I buy my breakfast before work. I could also spot children playing in the park and riding scooters and bikes a typical Saturday. The sound of my phone broke my peaceful people watching. I ignored it. I
wasn't in the mood to chat with anyone at all. I just wanted to dedicate some time to myself. When I eventually glanced at it to see who it called, I noticed a few tiny raindrops on the screen. I had checked the weather forecast, and it indicated that rain was likely the entire weekend. But instead of feeling gloomy about the forecast, like a lot of people, perhaps would, it gave me an idea. I decided to spend a
rainy weekend alone in the mountains. Many people don't really understand why I enjoy rain. It just makes me feel so calm and relaxed. I loved everything about it, the smell, the feel of it on my skin, and especially the quiet. The way the sound of it seems to drown out everything else. It tends to clear the streets, allowing one to enjoy a few precious moments of solitude in the midst of a bustling city. I grabbed my
backpack and threw in a couple hoodies and pairs of sweats. I also packed my comfy soft pajamas, set my phone to silent, and stepped outside. It had already started to drizzle. The streets were empty, leaving just me and the rain. I quickly looked up a bed and breakfast and made a reservation. I got to my car, threw in my backpack, and headed out towards my rural destination. The mountains are only about a forty minute drive from the city. Although the time flew by as I relaxed and enjoyed the
ride, this trip was going to be amazing. I soon arrived at the quaint b and b. It was small, but cozy. The friendly innkeeper explained everything I needed to know and sent me up to my room on the second floor. Although chilly outside, I was surprised when I entered my room. A lit fireplace adorned the corner, and the crackling sound of the flames put me right at east. The room felt warm in spite of the chilly
rain pelting the windows. I took a warm shower to relax my muscles, then slipped into the thick, plush bathrobe I found hanging on the back of the bathroom door and wrapped my hair in a towel. I retrieved a pair of slippers from my bag and snuggled my toes all the way in. Then I let myself sink into a soft armchair next to the window. I noticed a coffee pot on the nightstand and some herbal tea bags, so I made a cup of tea and drizzled in a bit of honey. My next task
involved finding a soothing playlist to have on in the background. Music selected, I collapsed into the armchair with a tea in my hand. I opened the window just a little in order to feel the fresh mountain air. I inhaled the wonderful fragrance of evergreen trees and wet earth with my eyes closed, I could more intensely experience the sounds and smells all around me. The fresh mountain air, combined with a sweet aroma of mountain wildflowers and the lovely fragrance of
honey and herbal tea was a combination that pleased all of my senses. The comforting, oaky scent of burning logs and the radiating warmth of fire wrapped around me like a blanket. With no phone buzzing and no one to interrupt me, I felt more relaxed than I had in ages. I stayed in that position for quite some time with my eyes closed. I experienced every muscle in
my body relaxing as my mind began to calm. In that moment, I could think of nothing but the sound of the serene music and crackle of the fire. I wasn't aware of what time I went to bed, but it was before ten PM. I woke up at six the next next morning, feeling completely rested. I snucked down to the hotel restaurant to order breakfast before the other guests in the hotel had a chance to wake up. This weekend
was all about me and me alone. I grabbed a cup of coffee and pancakes, then found my way outside to the terrace to enjoy a spectacular view of the mountains. The evening rains had given way to morning fog. I took in the view and enjoyed the cool, crisp air as it contrasted with my steaming mug of hot coffee. I believe it was hazelnut flavored, or was it caramel, I don't remember, but it tasted delicious. The gray and white morning clouds rolled around the top of the mountain. I felt as
if I could stare at them all morning. After finishing my coffee, I went back to my room and changed into my hiking clothes, grabbed my gear, and headed off into the mountains. What seemed like thousands of tall trees and a million amazing flowers of every color imaginable dotted the landscape. The birds serenading me with their lovely songs as I walked, and the rain soaked grass licked the tops of my boots. As I traveled deeper and deeper into the
forest, the fog suddenly cleared and a pristine lake came into view. In spite of being by myself, I'd never felt more at peace and one with nature. I spent most of the morning and that lush clearing in the woods next to that beautiful body of water. I remained there until the last possible second, then picked my way back down the mountain towards the B and B.
Before checkout, I packed my bag and got into the car. I felt rejuvenated and full of the positive energy I needed to face the upcoming challenges in my life. When I returned home, I kept my phone turned off to enjoy the silence for a little bit longer. The short trip made me realize that sometimes we all need to spend some time alone just to sort through our thoughts and relax. Sometimes we worry too much about others and care too
little for ourselves. I plan on taking more of these weekends away in order to unwind, resenter, and repair. They're vital to the well being of my body, mind, and spirit. Good Night, to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to toime to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to toime to to my mind to to to to to to talk. She tot