Day 2 of my SNAP Challenge, and I’ve walked the dog, put to the trash, and am ready for breakfast.

I feel a little tired, not from the meals yesterday, but because I’ve had a little trouble sleeping the last 2 days.  When I get stressed, I tend to wake up 2 or 3 times a night, and that’s what has happened Sunday and Monday. As I walked this morning, I was reflecting on what it might be like to know real stress-not the worries I have about a presentation or a busy week–but the fear of not having food on the table or keeping your kids safe in a dangerous neighborhood or working 2 or 3 minimum wage jobs to survive.

I find it hard to imagine the chronic stress that creates and the long-term effects that must have on health and well-being.  I’m dragging after 2 days of poor sleep. What must it feel like to live in poverty day after day after day?  Not sure I can even imagine the tired that means. I’m reminded of my resolution to re-read some of Studs Terkel’s books which I read in high school and college. The stories of lives lived at the margins of our society were a major impact on my thinking.

Now, time to eat.  Hello, Cheerios!