Life Coach Carole Ann Rice urges us to rise, shine and seize the day whatever the weather.
Some wit once quipped that there is no hope for a civilisation which starts its day to the sound of an alarm clock.
A rude awakening indeed and that shocking buzz, ring or radio programme is our daily existential scream; a wakeup call indeed that we are alive and there are always things to do.
The alarm clock is non-negotiable. Who was it who set this reviled reveille after all? And why? Taking responsibility for the very moment we wake seems like a bum deal when we want to hide under the “I’m allergic to mornings” or “I’m not a morning person” duvet of excuses which in reality permits a multitude of antisocial grumpiness, zombie-moves and primal grunts.
But what if having an energised and positive morning was a choice? If we are lucky, we are blessed with 25,000 mornings if you live to the average age of 79 (68 years as an adult x 365 = 24, 820 days) so that’s a lot of new starts to new days to negotiate.
So, think about it – how do you “do” mornings? It is a splash of water, a trawl through an un-ironed heap of semi grubby clothes and grabbing a coffee on the hoof to sip and slop it on the sweltering killer commute.
Do you think it’s entirely cool to do your cosmetics’ routine on public transport complete with tweezers and spot cream? It’s not. It’s grot. It’s like the banal inevitability of tomorrow has crept up on you like a shocking pop up and, taking you completely unawares (some 25,000 times remember?) and only panic measures will do.
So, remember it’s your choice to set up a morning routine of denial, resistance and complete incomprehension – “how did this morning thing happen again?” as if any other approach would be futile or somehow a form of surrender.
How we start our day can set up a blueprint for the rest of the day and can be the difference from feeling victim or victor of our own lives. What if you could consciously choose to have a glorious wakeup call that sets up the promise of opportunity and gratitude and offered a kind and compassionate segue into your day?
Here’s the how.
Use a waking device that has a nice positive tone or one of these clocks that offers a dawn-like light display to promote a gentle rising. Before you get out of bed take a deep breath in and think of three good things you would like to achieve that day. Set the intention then enjoy a luxurious stretch like a cat and feel your body awaken and decide to feel grateful for the new day.
Always make extra time for tea/coffee and a delicious breakfast which is something to look forward to and avoid looking at your email or phone message until at least an hour after waking. Always shower even if you had a bath the night before. Sometimes the best ideas occur in the shower and it wakes up the system too.
Prepare what you will wear the night before and have it ready clean and ironed and when facing your day actively practice the habit of “pro-noia” - it’s the opposite of paranoia and works to the principle that everyone is out to help you and good things are coming your way.
The good news is you get excellent results with persistent positive habits and rituals. Our life becomes the sum of the choices we make and the attitude we take and if you chose to resist the dawn of a new day you can expect the journey to be one long yawn.
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