Starting Over (again) at Sunrise

If you’re not a morning person, this should resonate with you (and for those of you following along, I totally recognize that this is a fixed-mindset statement!)

I've always had a love-hate relationship with the morning. It's a widely known fact in my family that I sleep like the dead. There are stories of my alarm going off for a VERY long time before I finally hear it and aimlessly hit it to turn it off. I used to set two alarms every day, as well as using the old trick of purposely setting my clock ahead so I had to do math (ugh!) right away to figure out what time it truly was.

Recently I've been much, much better. I still use two alarms - one is a sunrise one that begins shining light half an hour before I want to wake up. I don't really notice it. My husband on the other hand, hits me to turn off the light most mornings. My second alarm is on my phone and I always snooze it.

It's a constant work in progress.

My ideal time to get up is 6:30. I cherish the early morning quiet before I have to actually get ready to go somewhere. I leisurely have coffee and breakfast, journal, sometimes read, sometimes write, and complete my daily puzzles (wordle, mini crossword, and connections). I love it! Then by 8am, I am completely ready to begin the day on my terms. I can accomplish this goal most days. I often string many days and weeks together with this routine.

And just when it begins to feel effortless . . . something interrupts it.

I went to Chicago two weeks ago, and then went to West Virginia this week and I'm struggling to get back into my routine again. But here's the point of this story - I know that I can. I know that I'm capable of sticking to this because I have a proven history. It all started with one day. Then another, And then another. One step at a time. I know I love how it feels when I start my days unhurried and intentional. It aligns with my goals and vision for my present and future. It fits.

So I ask you today - what routine are you craving? What is keeping you from starting, or starting again?

Journal Prompts:

• What does an ideal morning look and feel like to me?

• How do I want to feel when I start my day — calm, energized, focused, joyful?

• What helps me feel most aligned and intentional in the mornings?

• What usually disrupts my routine, and how can I gently guide myself back on track when that happens?

• When I think about mornings that went well, what made them work?

• What story am I telling myself about being “bad” at mornings? How true is that story, really?

• What small action could I take tomorrow that would make the morning feel more like me?

Affirmations:

• I begin again as many times as I need to.

• I am capable of creating mornings that nourish me.

• I honor the rhythm and pace that works best for me.

• I start my day with calm, clarity, and intention.

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Save the Date!

I am in the planning stages for our first annual planning retreat - Draft Your Year with Pencil and Purpose! Dates are January 22-25, with a Thursday evening arrival and departure Sunday morning. This will be for members and other guests. Click HERE for details and the link to sign up!

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Office Hours:  Office Hours for October are Wednesday, October 15 This is for Editor's Circle Coaching Members as well as any Guided Revision Coaching Members who would like to touch base between scheduled coaching appointments. HERE is the link to schedule a 30-minute slot

The Weekly Draft: happens every Sunday evening at 7pm at this link. Come prepared to reflect on the past week and draft the upcoming week. It is meant to be a heads down, co-planning time, with me being available to share strategies and/or answer questions. Join me HERE

The Reflection Room: happens every Wednesday morning at 7am. Come as you are—pajamas, coffee, and all—for a gentle check-in, a journaling prompt (or bring your own), and quiet writing time. No camera required. Join me HERE