I used to be one of those gaggy, hop out of bed, sing-songy type of morning people. At some point during early 2008 between teaching, working on my Master’s degree, and planning a wedding, I think something changed. But if it wasn’t then, it certainly has after having a baby. I still enjoy the mornings, but it takes a little more for me to roll my lazy butt out of the bed.
Fourteen weeks ago, I took a challenge from my best friend and started an accountability group called “Hello Mornings.” It’s all about getting up and starting your day off the right way, and before the kids. It’s about setting goals of all types – physical, spiritual, and activity goals – sharing them with friends, and then sharing the excitement when they are met, and yet not hearing any judgement if it just doesn’t get done – because that’s what life is all about.
Not only did that challenge help me build some friendships, bring me closer to God, and help me to be far more organized in my day, it has shown me some awesome things about our home and this fabulous hill we live on. I love watching the sun stretch out over the valley. I love listening to the symphony of birds greeting the day, and the occasional woodpecker already hard at work. I love hearing the yips of young coyotes as they protest bedtime. Cows moo in the distance, and rabbits hop timidly across the lawn, in hopes that Daisy isn’t outside to chase them away. Toodles purrs and calls out to me as she tries to figure out how to get up to the deck from the back porch, and this morning I’ve been entertained by a road runner who appears to have beaten his mate in running out of the nest – in hopes that the “early bird” truly will get the worm. (Normally we have a pair that roam our yard – this morning he’s just a single – oh wait! Here comes his mate! Someday I’ll bring my camera up here and get some photos of them to share – I haven’t seen them up this early before!)
When life is stressful, when it’s hard to get out of bed, I know what waits for me up here on this deck. And it’s just magical enough that most mornings I don’t even need a cup of coffee. This morning? Well, it’s Monday. And Starbucks Breakfast Blend with some International Delights Cinnabon creamer was calling my name. Just enough to take the edge off of a headache I harbored all night that woke me up and stole a couple hours of my sleep from me.
So when it’s hard to roll out of bed, look for the inspiration around you. Find what things YOU have to be thankful for. Take joy in the small things. Whether it’s a pretty little lamp on your bedside table that makes you smile, the pleasure of a hot shower, or the smell of your favorite candle or coffee brewing. Remember in all things to be thankful for what you have been given. Even on Monday morning when it’s hard. Really hard. Play Pollyana for just a few minutes and think of all the things you have to be glad about. It will help you start your day in a positive light, and will impact your mood and the way you interact with people throughout your day.
So GoodMorning, and Have a WONDERFUL Monday!
Butterbees and Bumbleflies 