A Typical Morning
If you are anything like me, you will typically wake up worrying about yesterday’s problems and feeling anxious about tomorrow. You turn over, lying there hoping today will be different from yesterday. That the bills will get paid, that your significant other will change their bad habit, that your kids will listen to you, or that your work environment will improve. You justify your grouchy demeanor by telling others you woke up on the wrong side of the bed. Oh wait…….. that was the old me!
Today I can finally say that WAS the “old me.” It wasn’t easy, but yes, I can affirm that I have accepted the hard truth that creating one’s day begins with gratitude.
How did I accomplish this impressive feat, you ask? I had a few conversations with some very close friends (who always seem to have a positive outlook). They told me how they wake up with a great attitude most mornings.
What was I Missing?
My first thought was, I want to be like that, but how can I? What I discovered was a common denominator, that they loved waking up every morning and their appreciation for being alive. I know this sounds simple, but many of us have not grasped this simple concept.
One day I listened to Steve Harvey explain one crucial concept to live a happy, abundant life. The message and his advice really hit home for me. His words hit me like a ton of bricks. I realized it was time to implement this advice.
I would like to share this awesome daily reward with you. . . It’s all in our thoughts. It is how we choose to think. What we think is what we attract.
When you wake up with negative thoughts and energy, you are setting yourself up for the same negativity and likely repeating it throughout your day.
Be Aware of Your Thoughts
The quality of your thoughts determines the quality of your life. If you could just start your day giving praise and gratitude to God, or the universe, or your higher power, whatever feels right to you, then you are setting yourself up for a great day.
Activating your thoughts, even before you put your feet on the floor, by saying to yourself or out loud how thankful you are for your last breath, for your heart beating, for a healthy body, for a beautiful night’s sleep, for the bed that kept you comfortable all night, will truly start the day off on a positive note. You can add whatever it is you are grateful for.
One Simple Change
Please, understand that negative thoughts create negative feelings? For as long as I can remember, most of my days would start with negative thoughts, and then my day would spiral out of control with self-defeating thoughts and judgements. I knew that I was not the person I wanted to be, and I didn’t like how my mornings started.
Once I heard this simple concept, I made it a point to be aware and recognize the thoughts I allowed in as I woke up. Sometimes I give thanks before my eyes open, or I may sit up in bed with my arms stretched out, just happy and grateful I woke up.
I have been practicing this morning gratitude for about a year, and I still must be aware and cautious of my thoughts because the mind wants to return to its old patterns. I am working daily to be the person I want to be, and some days are easier than others. It doesn’t happen overnight.
Gratitude
It is a commitment to make this simple change to your morning, but the rewards are astounding. Once you recognize, accept, and are willing to receive life’s gifts, you will begin to activate all the positive energy within yourself. This advice has helped me see life through a new lens.
You are the only one that has control over your own life. So no matter what is happening in this world, you get to create your own reality. It is up to you, you have the power to change your life, and it starts when you first wake up to begin your day.
Your Thoughts?
Do you think starting the day in the right mindset is a necessary ingredient to set yourself up for a good day? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
I know your time is valuable! Thank you for being here and for allowing me to share my story and insights.
Wishing You Happiness… Always, Terri