Security Blankets

by Rachel Cumberbatch

security blanket noun 1. a familiar blanket or other piece of soft fabric held by a young child as a source of comfort. 2. (informal) anything that an adult person uses to reduce their anxiety. A security blanket is an item used to provide psychological comfort, especially in unusual or unique situations. While the term security blanket is most often used in reference to comfort objects belonging to small children, adults have their very own security blankets - sometimes in the forms of literal blankets, sometimes in other forms. Many adults consider the comfort provided by security blankets as essential to their mental and emotional well-being. These are objects that people feel a bond with, despite the fact that the relationship is one-sided. This concept is called essentialism, or the idea that objects are more than just their physical properties. And while it may not be the social norm for grown-ups to carry around teddy bears, adults regularly become attached to inanimate objects that represent important factors in their lives in a manner similar to a childs grip on a security blanket.

Here are some security blankets of everyday people.

Tatiana Pile is attached to her liquor. It helps me loosen up, feel alive in weird situations. For Tatiana, liquor doubles as both a security blanket and a vice. It helps me to let go of any stress that may have been building up.

Nathaniel Gerald uses cloves as his security blanket because they help him relax. When I exhale its like releasing all my stress, he says. It puts me at ease.

Stanley Jackson is addicted to his iPod. Why? Because music controls the universe, he says. Life is a mistake that only music can correct.

Carey LeSueur uses his cellphone as a security blanket. It helps me keep in touch with the peole I care about, Carey says. Its also a remedy for lonely nights. If it werent for my phone, id spend many a night in bed alone, bored.

When asked what makes her feel the most alive, the most herself, Ashley Smith simply replied, My sister.

Brittainy Joyner is an accomplished DJ and uses what inspires her work as a security blanket. Timbalands album entitled Bring the Noise is one of her favorites. :Timbaland is one of the most creative producers of all time. He inspires me to always be creative and progress.

Im actually a really shy person, says Sekaya Harris, so my camera gives me a reason to interact with people or can remove me from an awkward situation. Thats why its my security blanket.