Most days I wake up feeling happy, motivated and grateful. I’ve learned not to take this for granted.
There have been phases of my life during which I’ve felt miserable, and waking up meant immediate, immense stress about how to get through the day without breaking down, or falling apart.
On those days, everything felt overwhelming, and even the slightest suggestion of a plan, responsibility or obligation made me want to hide under the covers. A few times, I couldn’t even muster the energy or will to get out of bed. I felt lost and existentially alone and pointless. A pretty crap way to start the day!
To change, I started by creating a routine and structure for myself, because my brain and body like this shit. So, a run, a surf or yoga most mornings and a short meditation somewhere during the day. Structured work time. Flexible play time.
I started being careful about the language I use. No ‘killing time’ or ‘surviving the day’. But savoring, enjoying, creating. It’s not about being in denial, but for me using positive words has a huge impact.
And, if I am actually stressed or overwhelmed I look at what is causing that, and what I can change about it.
Previously I would just cancel all my plans, to remove the cause of stress. But now, instead, I work hard to adjust my perspective.
If I’m anxious about the future, I shift my awareness to the moment. If I’m stressed about what I have to do, I take it one step at a time instead of worrying about all 27,000 steps at once.
As someone with a natural tendency to worry about the unknown of the future, staying present is key. Bringing myself back to the present moment stops the wild horses gallivanting off into the distance, taking my sanity and sense of empowerment with them.
Staying present is my way of connecting with my own courage, wisdom, calm and faith. And helps me wake up, most days, with a smile.