The endless battle of snoozes, the failed attempts at getting up to make it to the 5:30 am barre class. The last minute jump out of bed and run to the bathroom to spray a half bottle of dry shampoo on my previously unwashed hair. To make it to the car with my make-up bag to hopefully catch enough red lights in time to put on a full face of make-up with before the sunrise car lighting. With a chance of having breakfast, or at least a snack to munch on the go, do I even have all my bags for work? A packed lunch? I guess a granola bar will have to do? A quick good-bye and have a good day kiss to pup and hubs who are still sleeping so sweetly in the bed. And then I am out the door. Morning rush anyone?

Does any of this sound familiar? My example of a real, everyday morning rush.

Well, if it does then welcome to my life and if it doesn’t then man I envy you! (Not really.. to each his own, right!?)

The Morning Rush

The morning. Your chance to completely define and determine the direction and your outlook of your entire day. So why do we (or maybe it is just me) allow for ourselves to completely fall into the morning rush. The morning rush that leaves the door and for lots, quickly becomes a sudden pause, thrown directly into morning rush hour traffic.

But what if we completely, totally reclaimed our mornings. How amazing would we feel? How productive would our day become? And more importantly, how much fuller and happier would we truly be?!

Begin With an End Goal In Mind

How do you want to feel as you begin your work day? Whether that work day consists of you in the office, the classroom, your rotations, or your home office, either in front of the computer or fully immersed with the kids…. wherever you consider “you’re official work day” beginning….. where do you want your heart and mind to be when your day begins.

Do you want to feel at peace? Do you want to feel rejuvenated? What about feeling confident and secure in your faith and/or identity?

Whatever your end goal focuses on.. make that your priority. And if that means you have to wake up thirty minutes to an hour earlier than you normally do.. well, you might just have to. But if the gain is your peace, your confidence, your sanity, your overall health and wellness, isn’t it completely and totally worth it.

And if you are thinking…

And if you are thinking…. how in the world am I expected to wake-up earlier… well the moment that your alarm goes off…. instead of allowing the chorus of snoozes to sing, instead…. think to yourself… my day begins in “3…..2…..1” and as you countdown from 3 to 2 to 1 allow yourself to spring out of bed and get on with your day.

Let your morning rush (instead of exhaust you and overwhelm you) let it fill you up with strength, endurance, and encouragement. Do you need to start your day with a walk, a run, or an exercise class. Then do it. I can promise you, your body will absolutely thank you throughout the rest of the entire day.

Do you need to start your day off with a devotional, or meditation, or journal? Then pour yourself a cup of coffee (or a glass of ice water… which is actually proven to be the ABSOLUTE best thing you can consume in the early AM) and allow your heart to be moved. Allow your mind and spirit to be completely transformed.

While you are at it. Grab a pen and paper, or your planner… and write down three things you hope to accomplish that day. Write down your deadlines, meetings, and hopes and desires. Write down your fears.. and then proclaim them as truths. You got this girl.

So… who is ready to totally reclaim their typical morning rush?

xo. gracefulandfree