As I set out for my daily walk yesterday [yep - in the fog and rain] I started thinking a lot about how the way we start our days, and how they can really set the tone for our entire day. It's like the opening act for the rest of the day's performance.
What kind of energy, mindset or theme do we want to set for ourselves?
Before we kick into this newsletter, press play on the video below, because it'll set the tone for the rest of what's to come...
Okay, now that you're listening to one of my FAVORITE songs that I like listening to when I'm feeling stressed or overwhelmed, allow me to dig into five things I've been doing lately to make sure my mornings kick off on the right foot:
- Music as a Mood Setter: There's nothing like a good track to get your mind in the right place. I even play my own songs sometimes, not out of vanity, but because they remind me of the journey I've been on and the lessons learned. It's a personal touch that gets me grounded and ready. If you're looking for a playlist to kick your day off right, or to help you reset your mood, here's a playlist I put together over on Spotify. Check it out.
- A Dose of Inspiration: Whether it's a motivational talk or an audiobook, I make sure to feed my brain something uplifting. Lately, I've been into Alex Hormozi for a business mindset boost, Jim Rohn for life mindset, and "The Beauty in Breaking" from New York Times best-selling author [and my neighbor]: Michelle Harper for some profound life insights. It's all about balance.
- Connect with Nature: A quick walk, rain or shine, does wonders - not just for the physical health; but the mental clarity that comes with fresh air and exercise, and - of course - reconnecting with Mother Earth.
- Gratitude Journaling: Taking a moment to jot down what I'm thankful for helps me keep things in perspective. It's easy to get caught up in what we're chasing after and forget what we already have.
- Eating Right: Starting the day with something healthy sets a positive tone for the choices I make later. I recently re-started using the juicer that my husband bought me for Christmas, and it's been ahh-mazing. Carrot, beetroot, orange, apple and ginger... SO good. [PS. How long does it take to get used to calling someone your wife or husband?].
It's imperative that I incorporate these things into my life, otherwise I have a tendency to feel tired, get overwhelmed, feel cranky, and not show up as my best self, which I DEFINITELY don't want to do - especially with all of the awesome events coming up!
With a packed weekend ahead, including the Artomatic opening on Friday, and discussions on music's role in mental health at Friday evenings' special International Women's Day event at Hotel Zena and the planning of my upcoming book release, album release, and Hard Rock Cafe presents Emma G on the Youth Empowerment Tour: these practices are crucial for keeping me centered.
I'm curious about your morning routines. What gets you into the right headspace for the day? Drop me a reply; I'd love to hear about it.
Have an amazing day on purpose, friends, and don't forget to make today count,
PS. ICYMI: I recently had a chat with G-Rex and Dirty Skittles on the super popular podcast: Sh!t that Goes on in our Heads. Check out our conversation here.
Want more?
- Click here to read the "Music + Mental Health" blog.
- Click here to listen to the "Reconnect with your Teenager" podcast
- Click here to join Emma G Nation for exclusive content over on Patreon.
- Click here to find out more about, or make a tax deductible donation to Youth Expression through Songwriting coaching.
When you're ready, here are the three main ways we can work together:
- One on one coaching - helping you express yourself safely and healthily, rewrite your perceptions of yourself, and the way the world perceives you: one powerful song at a time?even if you've never written a song before.Perfect for those of you who are interested in unconventional coaching.
- Commissioned song - harnessing your brand, business or organization in one powerful anthem that can be used for teambuilding and rapport, brand-building, and advertising.Perfect for companies, organizations, or entrepreneurs wanting to enhance or improve workplace culture, and are mission, vision, and purpose oriented.
- Edutainment + workshopping - using keynote speaking and music together to elevate your business, organization or event: specializing in stress management, developing and maintaining productive and positive workplace culture, mental and emotional health and well-being, and the JEDI mindset [Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion].Perfect for event planners and coordinators who are looking for something impactful for their next retreat, conference, or training day.
Emma G Music
The most difficult times for many of us are the ones we give ourselves