If I’m fortunate, one day I will wake up financially independent. No longer will I need to work for a living. My old routine of getting myself ready for work can be replaced by a new routine of deciding how to spend my day. On weekends, vacations and holidays, I already have something that approaches this luxury.
I find that the way I start my day is critical. Those early morning decisions set the tone for my day. Once I start down a path, it’s more difficult to reset my mind. The first few hours after a decent night’s sleep, seem to be the best opportunity to make changes to my life. Those first morning thoughts and actions are often critical factors in determining my day’s outcomes.
John Wooden writes, “Make each day your masterpiece.” Let me try to live this advice. What shall I do right now, in the next few minutes to make today a masterpiece?
Should I start my day by making a plan? If so, what will motivate my plan?
Some people start their day with prayer. For an agnostic like myself, prayer is difficult. What or who would I pray to?
Instead, I might meditate or simply think. But what should think? What type of inner dialogue should I curate? What questions should I ask?
And where should I conduct this morning routine? On a walk, or on a couch? Under the soothing orange glow of an incandescent lamp, or next to a meditative candle? Or simply in the dark, or available natural light?
Shall I write down my thoughts or simply try to remember them? Where shall I write them? In a notebook labeled “Guidance” or in my phone’s Notes?
How shall I start my day?
When those days arrive you're usually retired and really don't want to get up. But it is glorious.....to have the luxury of nothingness!