Do you have a morning ritual? I bet you do. What is it like? Do you hit the snooze alarm 3 or 4 times before finally dragging yourself out of bed with a grumble, with barely enough time to grab a quik shower, a cup of coffee and dash out the door? Or, do you allow yourself some time to think when you first get up?
Are you aware that you have the ability to create a good day or a bad day. Or at least turn what looks to become a bad day into a good one. That's right, you have that kind of power. And it all starts with the thoughts you think first thing in the morning.
I understand that everyone is different, and thousands of senarios happen in homes every single day. But many of those morning scenes turn into disaster with the tiniest mishap, for the simple reason that the person didn't chose to "think" first thing in the morning. That's right, they go through their morning ritual without turning on thier mind. I don't mean thoughts don't run through their minds at a a lightning pace, after all there is that morning meeting at the office, and the dry cleaning needs to be dropped off, and the kids lunches made, the dog walked, oh.. and that shirt left soaking with the wine stain from last night....etc, etc etc. A million things are constantly bombarding our minds.
But, happy is the person who takes control of the thoughts that go through her mind. Which is a whole study in and of itself. But the point I would like to make today, is that we can get a head start on our day by taking 5 minutes in the morning to think.
I listened to a program the other day called "Family Talk with Dr. James Dobson: A Travel Guide to life". http://drjamesdobson.org. Ryan Dobson was talking about something he and his wife do every day called the 5 Minute Journal. I took some notes. I think this is one of the easiest ways to start your day with intention and focus, and to start it off on the right foot. Though I do something similar in my morning quiet time, it takes a lot more time. I know that not everyone has the desire to be up before the chickens. So, this is an excellent way to start your day, and it only takes 5 minutes. Here it is....
1. Read an inspirational quote or challenge. Copy it into your journal.
2. Write 3 things you are grateful for today. (Try not to repeat yesterday's)
3. Write 3 things that would make today great, that are within your power.
4. Write a declarative statement about yourself, something you hope to acheive. Example: "Im organized and tidy"
Ryan and his wife also do this in the evening. If you'd like more info on that you can check out http://www.fiveminutejournal.com
I challenge you to try it out for a week or two. Get up 5 or 10 minutes earlier. Kick start your brain. Put yourself in a possitive state of mind. I'll bet you it makes a difference in your day. I'd love to hear how it works for you.
Happy Sunday.
Debbie
