Day 13: In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning

It is a fact that I love BEING up early in the morning, but I don't love GETTING up early in the morning.  Does that make sense?  If I could just skip the sleepy, groggy feeling and be wide awake, getting up would be a whole lot easier.

Regardless to my aversion of getting up, there is something very peaceful about being awake during the early morning hours while your family is still snoozing.  I love hearing the birds chirp, the coolness of our house, and being alone with my thoughts. Now, I'm not consistent about waking up before my family because of two main reasons...

1.  With two little children, I never know when I'm going to hear them stirring in their rooms.
2.  Frankly, I enjoy my sleep!

However, on those rare mornings that I have some time to myself, I'm able to better gather my thoughts and when the girls wake up I can proceed through the day with clarity.  I would like to challenge myself and anyone out there, for the next week, to wake up at least 30 minutes earlier than usual.  Here are some things that you can be doing with those extra 30 minutes...

1.  Pray- this is one of the best things you could do early in the day.
2.  Read
3.  Drink your coffee on the porch watching the sunrise
4.  Listen to the birds
5.  Catch up on some light housework
6.  Excercise
7.  Prepare your schedule for the day
8.  Make homemade cinnamon rolls so they're ready when your family wakes up

And the list could go on.



For me, if I have extra time in the mornings I like getting my workout in then.  If I do it later in the day it's usually very hot in my house and/ or I have little fingers tugging at my workout pants wanting to be picked up.  And let me tell you, Tae Bo is a lot more difficult to do with a 25 pound toddler in your arms.

 It will take some self-discipline to get up earlier than you're used to, but it will be worth it.  There is elegance in being busy serving others, and making your house a home, but there is also elegance in taking time for yourself. Making a small change and giving yourself an extra 30 minutes to prepare yourself for the day ahead will change the course of your day, and your attitude.