A few years ago, I realized the importance of starting my mornings on the “right side of the bed”. I was in a job I hated and getting out of bed to go to this horrible job was torture. I thought about pulling the covers over my head and calling in sick. Every. Single. Day.But I didn't.Instead I started waking up earlier. You say whaaaaat?!?At the time journaling wasn't a part of my daily practice and I wanted it to be. I needed it to be, so I decided to get up earlier so I could have time to journal.
My mornings went from a chaotic cluster fuck to a time of ease & peace.
The simple step created massive change which overflowed to the rest of my life. I still despised the nine to five, but my mornings were mine and that made all the difference.We have the power to intentionally create any life we want, and taking simple steps like getting up earlier to start the day off right can have a huge life changing impact on the quality of your life.
“Morning is an important time of day, because how you spend your morning can often tell you what kind of day you are going to have.”
Lemony Snicket
A glimpse into my mornings:
I wake up at 6:15. Before I open my eyes I think about how I want my day to unfold. I ease out of bed and go into my woman cave which I have made sure is tidy the night before. I put on some music (usually Kirtan), then I do about 20 minutes of yoga and meditation. Then I shower, make coffee and breakfast. While I enjoy my coffee I journal for about 45 minutes. After journaling I write for 1 hour. My routine has evolved over time. It started with a half an hour of journaling and now is 2.5 hours of pure me time. I understand that not everyone can devote 2 ½ hours to themselves in the morning, and I don't expect you to, but 15-20 minutes can make all the difference.
Here are some tips to help you create your own kickass mornings:
#1: Follow the feelings
Take some time and think about your ideal morning. Check in with your inner wisdom & your intuition. How do you want to feel when you wake up? As you start your day? What can you do to feel this way?
#2: Start small
You don’t have to wake up with the sun and dedicate 2.5 hours to your morning routine. It can be 15-20 minutes to take time for yourself and do something your soul craves.My best friend who is a single mom says spending 15 minutes outside while drinking her coffee with no kids or pets is her ideal way to start her day. It’s not some huge elaborate time consuming practice, it’s only 15 minutes. 15 minutes of peace which transcends to the rest of her day.
#3: Trial & Error
It may take you several tries to get it right and that’s OK. See what sticks and what doesn’t. When something doesn’t “stick” make sure the resistance isn’t an excuse or your pesky inner gremlins rearing their heads. In times of change we really get to know ourselves and our excuses. What excuses are you coming up with? Are they valid? Probably not.
#4: Consistency & commitment is key
Anytime we create change in our life being consistent and committed is key. New habits take about 3 weeks to form so staying committed and not hitting snooze (especially on hump day) is vital for your success.
#5: When it's right, it's right
Before I landed on my current routine I tried several different ones. None of them felt right and I got uninspired quickly. I spent months in the trial & error stage, but from day one my current routine felt right, and it makes me want to jump out of bed.
#6: Set boundaries
Creating a morning routine will mean changing your current one or waking up earlier to give yourself the time you need. This time is yours and you need to let the people in your life know. To do this set clear boundaries with your partner, kids, roommates and even pets. Sarah Jenks, founder of Live More, entrepreneur, and mom of two under two, talks about how she awakes an hour before her children to give herself time. If they wake during this hour she knows they're OK, and she doesn't have to rush to them.
“Life is too short," She panicked, "I want more." He nodded slowly, "Wake up earlier."
Dr. SunWolf
Xo, Em
P.S. In the comments below share your kickass morning routine with me.
