Living with Gratitude: Mornings

Sunday, January 18, 2015

Mornings

I've come to realize how I begin my day is my most powerful choice. I've always been a morning person. And I mean, a happy morning person. This is often a trait not appreciated! My college roommates forbid me to talk to them until AFTER I returned from my 8 a.m. class (That I self scheduled!). Once had a boss threaten to fire me if I started drinking coffee. Too much natural energy. Probably why I'm still a tea drinker today. But simply waking up isn't enough I've determined. What I decide to do with that time is crucial. Being a morning person used to feed into my how many things can I accomplish frenzy. It carried my energy forward in a frenetic state. As I continue to seek and learn on this path of gratitude and simple abundance I've learned to slow my roll. Good news. The house isn't any dirtier. The laundry eventually gets done. And the energy I have is more focused and peaceful.

In contemplating how to best begin my day, I've made some changes as part of my 2015 plan. One of the changes comes from an Oprah Super Soul Sunday interview of Shawn Achor, the happiness expert. In his discussion on happiness and gratitude he connected starting the day identifying what you are grateful for. I have approach the practice of gratitude as reflective at the end of my day. But I loved this shift in thought! It aligns with Growth Mindset, happiness and gratitude. With that in mind, this is what I am grateful for this morning:

Wool socks. Changed my life. If I were Oprah everyone would get a pair! I personally love SmartWool, but also have a pair of DarnTough.
Have I mentioned my son's singing? Seriously. Doesn't even know he's doing it. Just a part of who he is. When he eventually lives elsewhere, this is the thing I will miss most. So I cherish every early morning whistle or tune.
Flannel pajama bottoms. Really, is there anything more comfortable to lounge in during the winter?