Morning Practices

I am a self-help book junkie and in so many books, the authors talk about how important it is to start your morning off right because it really sets you up for the rest of the day.  I've tried a lot of different things in the past eight months or so, looking for things that really click with me.  I think it's important for me to be able to say, "Yeah, I tried that and it wasn't for me." when people offer me advice.  If any of my practices resonate with you, that's awesome! If they don't, that's ok! I think it's a good practice to recognize when things just aren't for me.  Feel that freedom.

First, I set my alarm for 30 minutes before I actually need to get up.  I use this time to meditate and ease into my day.  Some days I use guided meditation with the Gaiam Meditation Studios app and some days I just focus on my breathing and clearing my mind.  When it's time to get up, I do my best not to linger, but I don't always have the self control! Then I shower and get dressed while my two year old is still asleep.  Next, I focus on scripture study and journaling.  Journaling has been important to me as long as I can remember and it's an integral piece of keeping my sanity.  After that, I eat a light breakfast and then plunge into my day.

If your days feel off balance, I encourage you to search and try out as many things as possible.  Mornings are important to to set up your day for success, don't cheat yourself on that opportunity.