I have always loved early mornings. Those first slants of sunshine falling through the trees, a clear mind, and the delicious early morning quiet. The promise of a fresh new day never ever gets old. It’s a gift and it’s those early morning hours I am most keenly aware of that. Those first few hours of the day are sacred. I hold them close and use them only for things that are ‘worthy’ of these prime hours.

It is easy to overlook the influential role our mind has in shaping our days, work, and life. Our thoughts, emotions, and perspective is what guides us through the day. If we start the day off well giving ourselves the space to breathe and mentally prepare, it impacts the rest of the day.

Here is my ideal morning. Do I ever fall short? All the time. But these few things make my day so much sweeter and more productive.

• Greet the day. I remember all I am grateful for – the people in my life. Sometimes I journal, unraveling my thoughts. Pray, read, listen to music, and keep the lights low.
• That sweet morning air is my favorite part of morning. Stepping outside and inhaling the crispness reminds me how big the world is outside the walls, beyond my life.
• Breakfast, it’s a lovely part of a good morning routine. Weekends it is later, with the family. Weekdays, I like breakfast early before the hustle and bustle of the day starts.
• Create a list the night before, listing in order of importance the top priorities for the morning hours. I make a schedule, planning how long each item will take. No decisions needed (even small ones) help start the morning with clarity and calm. I get up and know what’s on the agenda. I always allot the task that needs the most thought and ‘brain work’ for the morning.
• Smile and decide that the day is going to be a great day.

I don’t remember where I found this quote, but it continues to be one of my favorite to remember in the mornings…”You are divinely blessed and infinitely capable.”

How do you like to start your morning?