Why I Always Make My Bed

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When I moved into my dorm room for my freshman year of college, I was a nervous wreck. My mom, however, was a woman on a mission — to make my bed. She worked quickly around my lofted bunk, tucking in the freshly laundered sheets (with a hospital corner, naturally), smoothing out the colorful comforter, and stacking two pillows squarely at the top. The quickest way to make a new space feel like home, she believed, was to make the bed.

I’ve carried that with me in the dozen spots I’ve lived in since. In the whirlwind of our recent move to Los Angeles, I set aside two big boxes labeled “Bedding,” washed and ready to be put on as soon as the beds came off our moving truck. It had the intended effect — my kids shrieked with delight when they saw their rooms for the first time. Even two-year-old Bird, who has been mighty confused by the move, shouted: “MY BED! MY BED!”

Making the beds gave me a small sense of accomplishment on that chaotic moving day and in the days since. We’re living in a state of disarray at the moment, surrounded by stuff spilling out of boxes. It makes me crazy, if I'm being honest. But at least the beds are made? I think my mom would be proud.

What's one small thing you do each day that makes you feel better? Hit "Join the Discussion" at the bottom of this email and leave a comment. I would love to hear your Thoughts.

PS: If you need more make-your-bed encouragement, check out this fantastic commencement address by Naval Adm. William McRaven at the University of Texas (the bed bit starts around 4:45).

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