Some people really love to sleep. Don’t get me wrong. I don’t have a problem with sleep. Rest is extremely important for our bodies. I’m not above taking a power nap. Unfortunately, I don’t have much time for them with my work schedule and children.
One thing is true; whenever, I do hit the sack. It’s a done deal! I’m not counting sheep. I don’t need lavender or chamomile tea. Once my head hits the pillow, I’m out for the count. It amazes my wife how quickly I transition from awake to sleep. I think it’s a beautiful thing!
If sleeping isn’t the problem. What’s going on?
Well, there are two things in play!
The issue is that I have a hard time going to bed. I guess I feel like I’m going to miss something. Even though I feel tired, I’ll stay up way longer than I need to just because I can. Most of the time, I’m engaged in some mindless activity to wind down for the day. Before I get too far down this rabbit hole, the importance of sleep is not what we’re discussing. Albeit, a good discussion to have.
My other problem is that I don’t like waking up early. It’s not like I’m one of those individuals, who sleeps 10 hrs at a time. Ain’t nobody got time for that!
I’m very capable of rising early. It must be on my own terms for me to rise. Take for instance, I can wake up early to bike or run without giving it a second thought. No alarm clock necessary!!! It doesn’t matter what time I get into the bed. If it’s something that I want to do, I’m up! Simply put!
In order for me to get out of bed at 4:30 AM, I’ve got to be fired up about the possibilities for the day. Getting up and getting dressed before heading out of the door, with the family, left me feeling unproductive outside of work. My creativity dried up. I wasn’t fueling my passion. Then, I came across
The Miracle Morning and Bullet Journal. The answers to my quest for focus and organization.
I started using them, and I saw my productivity increase at home and at work. I worked it for several months during the summer, and I let it go. I’d come back to it, and then I’d stop for one reason or another. (If this sounds like you, take a look at my previous post. It was written for you!) I didn’t beat myself up about it. Neither should you! Just pick up where you left off, and get back to it.
That’s, exactly, what I started doing at the beginning of the year. And 4:30 has never felt so good! I’m getting in my quiet time with silence, affirmation, and visualization. I also get some movement for the body and mind with exercise, reading, and writing. These methods help set my intention for the days. It’s helping me to prioritize all of the things, which I say and feel are important.
Is it perfect? Not at all! I still struggle with visualization. But, I’m learning. Am I completing all of the tasks on my list? Not quite! It’s okay! We’re, only on day 4 of this new year. However, I am getting most of it done. It’s a work in progress. All of which were designed before the sun comes up.
And, this sound in the setting called Beautiful Day is creating opportunities for the beautiful days ahead. And, that’s why I rise!
What time do you wake up? How do you set your day? What success or challenges have you experienced as an early riser?
Leave your comments below!
A Father Heard 