Embrace Early Mornings

If you're waking up to your kids rather than rising on your own, you might need to reassess your mornings. Allowing them to dictate your wake-up time sends a message that they are in charge. For years, my mornings consisted of handing my children an iPad or phone while I tried to steal a few extra minutes of sleep. This habit spiraled into hours of lost time, and as I lay there, it became clear to me that I was setting a poor example.

I realized that many of my successful friends rose early, around 4 to 5 am, engaging in positive and motivational activities. Inspired by their success, I decided to change my ways. Winning the morning leads to winning the day! Now, I cherish my mornings, which are filled with potential.

Initially, I would wake up naturally between 4 and 5 am and then attempt to fall back asleep. This never worked and often left me grumpy. I then had a breakthrough: I committed to getting up as soon as I awoke and engaging in positive self-development activities. I incorporated meditation, affirmations, exercise, reading, and journaling into my routine. Thanks to Hal Elrod's "The Miracle Morning," I had a solid framework to follow.

I no longer rely on an alarm clock; I trust my body to tell me when it’s time to wake up. Understanding your internal clock, or circadian rhythm, is crucial.

Wikipedia defines circadian rhythm as a natural process that regulates the sleep-wake cycle over approximately 24 hours. It’s essential to have a backup alarm in case you oversleep. I haven’t woken up later than 5 am in years, but I always have a safety net just in case!

Gratitude: The Key to Positivity

Gratitude is incredibly powerful. Once you genuinely express it, you begin to feel a profound sense of appreciation that expands within you. Picture yourself floating in a blissful pool of gratitude, surrounded by everything you cherish.

Every morning, I commit to writing a gratitude list, filling an entire page without fail. Even during tough weeks when gratitude feels elusive, I persist, and it invariably brightens my day. I firmly believe that gratitude and negativity cannot coexist.

I have a unique practice of listing ten things I am grateful for from the previous 24 hours. We often acknowledge significant blessings like family and friends, but it’s equally important to recognize the small joys: a beautiful bird outside your window, your dog’s funny dreams, or a delightful moment shared with loved ones.

Make it a daily ritual to identify and express ten things you are thankful for. This practice helps you stay attuned to the little joys in life, ensuring you never overlook them.

On our way to school, my family shares three things we are grateful for each day. My husband and I have the luxury of setting our schedule, which allows us to take our kids to school together. Everyone must participate, and “I can’t think of anything” is not an acceptable answer.

Affirmations: Speak Your Truth

I began writing and vocalizing affirmations every morning several years ago, filling an entire page with them. When self-doubt creeps in, a positive morning routine can set the right tone for your day. There are countless resources online to help you get started with affirmations and self-love meditations.

If you resonate with the saying “you are what you think,” then your reality stems from your thoughts. However, it's not enough to think positively; you must articulate those thoughts and convert them into actions. Affirmations are “I Am” statements that inject positivity into your life.

Even if you struggle to believe your affirmations at first, write them down. Include phrases like “I am committed to…” to reinforce your intentions. Reflect on what you appreciate about yourself, no matter how small, and document it daily.

One of my favorite affirmations is: “I’m a supportive wife and an amazing mother. Money flows to me effortlessly.” Over time, these affirmations build confidence. I often express them aloud, sometimes even in the shower! It may seem quirky, but it solidifies my beliefs, and my kids have started to embrace the same positivity.

I remind my children every morning, “Today is going to be wonderful because you are wonderful!” Although they sometimes playfully resist, I know they value this encouragement. Recently, my son’s teacher remarked on his growing self-confidence, a direct result of positive affirmations.

I hope these three practices enhance your life as profoundly as they have enhanced mine. As someone who has battled severe depression, I can attest that these habits have significantly improved my mental well-being.