being Miracle on purpose

This year started with me wanting to create discipline around many of the goals I wanted to accomplish. When I looked back on 2019, I didn’t want to regret not putting systems and energy around those goals. We have to set ourselves up for success. My holistic wellness is my number one goal in 2019. So, I decided to attack my goals head on and set an intention for my days, I would wake up at 5am. When I told my friends I wanted to begin waking up at 5am, they looked at me like I had three heads. Understandably so. I will swear that my morning routine is the reason I am more productive and have more energy. I have decided to share what that routine looks like.

My routine is broken up by a few important elements: affirmations/review, silent reflection, physical movement, intellectual stimulation, mindful eat/drinking. I find this to give me maximum productivity to my day. There is no certain order I have noticed works more than others. I decided to use the order that helped me get out of the bed the slowest. That may not work for other people. When you see the order I have chosen, you’ll see what I mean.

Miracle’s Miracle Morning!

5:00am – 6:00am – Intellectual Stimulation

I read at least 20 pages from the books I am reading that month. This typically looks like 10 pages in one book, and 10 in the other. If I read faster, I may head to my next phase of the morning. Other times, I will read until my alarm goes off at 6:00am. Depends on how I’m feeling.

6:00am – 6:30am – Affirmations/Review

I think about what lies ahead for me in the day. Do I have meetings that will require me to show up differently than I normally do? Do I anticipate certain challenges or characters? Are there events I’m excited about? What are my goals for the day, as I try to look ahead and see how I need to show up? I name my Top 3 Personal Goals for the day. As I visualize this day, I express gratitude for the opportunity to live a new day. I ask for what I need for it to be the day I need it to be. I remind myself that I am able to handle whatever the day brings my way. I reaffirm who I am, my strengths, and who depends on me showing up as my best self. Seems easy enough.

6:30am – 6:40am – Silent Reflection

This portion is a combination of silent prayer and meditation. As someone who has no real idea of how to meditate. I typically start with 10 deep breaths, trying not to think of anything, focusing solely on the breaths I am taking, with my eyes clothes, as I sit cross-legged on my bed. I pray for energy, peace, clarity, productivity, much of what I journaled about, but sometimes I pray for other people who I am worried about or people/places/things I am thankful for.

6:40am – 7:00am – Physical Activity & Mindful Eat/Drink

After turning 30, I have found that I have to take much more time to stretch before doing any physical activity. I stretch my legs mostly, but try to be thorough. After feeling warmed up, I take a run around the block in my neighborhood. It’s not a marathon, but it gets my heart rate up. Once I get back, I stretch quickly while I drink a glass of water, before heading to the shower.

7:00am – 7:30pm – Shower/Dress

In the shower, I either listen to music or a podcast. This podcast tends to be something short, but mostly around personal development. I would listen to audiobooks, but I love physical books. I don’t ever see myself switching over to audiobooks. I won’t knock other people’s preference. So, that’s that.

7:30am – 8:00am – Travel to Work

During this time, I try not to force myself to complete any task. I merely decide to walk to work. Sometimes I listen to gospel music or listen to a podcast episode, I might keep reading. Other times, I may just take deep breaths and take in the interesting Berkeley views. There is much to experience.

May this be helpful as we are all trying to be our best self and live our best lives. I know I am trying to develop better habits to help me be a better more mindful person! 

Do you have a morning routine you love? I’d love to hear!