I get up in the morning and while I wait for the water to boil for my coffee, I write in my gratitude journal. I started doing this MOST mornings back on the winter solstice. It’s part of my Becoming. I want to more fully embrace all the wonderful things I’ve already been blessed with.
That’s the time I spend looking backwards. I look backwards, not too far, and give a list of 10 things that I really appreciate. It helps me start my day thinking about the good. Some things repeat, like the hot coffee I’m anticipating as I write. But truthfully, I really appreciate it. I wouldn’t want to start my day without my coffee. It is heaven in a mug.
I’ve decided to add to this, a new habit. After my 10 appreciations for the morning, I’ll create a list of what I want to see in my day. Daily intentions. I’ll start small. Maybe 3 or 4 things, and then go from there.
I have a to-do list half to fully formed the night before, so I usually wake up knowing what’s to be done and where’s to be gone(LOL) that day. Instead of going through all those motions blindly, I’m going to start my day by giving focus to my day, and what I’m creating in within it.
For instance, if I know I’ll be heading the the grocery store, I may list safe travel and inexpensive yet quality goods. Maybe I’ll list that I want to enjoy doing the dishes. I don’t usually, but there’s nothing wrong with wanting to get some enjoyment out of it. Maybe some good ideas… maybe delicious food. I can intend to look for and see anything I want.
I’ve also decided to set an altar every morning. I have a small shelf, right in my dining room, that I use as an altar. It’s funny that the things I have on my altar don’t even look out of place on a shelf in a dining room.
It occurs to me that should I seek first a connection with the Universe, consciously, every morning, it will help me stay balanced and centered. I’ll cast a circle and set a simple alter and light a candle with a morning prayer of thanksgiving and an asking of guidance. So simple a ritual but so profound in my mind.
I’ve been noticing lately how many people (myself included) say they want to change their lives, but never actually DO anything different. How can you have a different life if you don’t change something you’re doing or at least do something new or different in addition to what you normally do?
I won’t be a person who amasses insane amounts of information on everything under the sun while never practicing whatever it is I’ve begun to preach. So many people could easily change almost everything about their lives by changing one thing or doing one NEW thing. I know this is fact. I challenge you to disprove it. It’ll be your most treasured memory of being mistaken.
I promise.
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