My Current Morning Ritual...and Why.

?? As a follow up to last week's article about getting out of ruts and creating confidence, I am sharing my current morning ritual, and the why. It’s how I fill my morning cup… literally!??

As I wrote in last week’s Grounded Leader, “The single most impactful thing you can do to build confidence is to start your day with something that fills your cup… something good for you that makes you feel good, accomplished and confident. It can be a walk, meditation, exercise, a healthy breakfast, or something as simple as taking your vitamins.”

For me, it’s starting my day sipping on a freshly ground cup of coffee in my yard, while the dogs get their “fresh morning energy” out. I sit and look out my yard and take a few deep breaths to soak in the nature around me- something I journaled on and envisioned for over a decade before I made it happen. No I see freshly ground, because this is something I do for myself. It takes less than two minutes, yet is a subtle and simple way I can start the day feeling like I have done something for myself. It’s a reflection of gratitude and self-love.

As someone who is admittedly too connected (it’s an ongoing work in progress!,) these first moments of the day, I am intentionally device-free and disconnected, so that I can be fully present to soak in peace and gratitude before I begin my day.?

Now, this is my current morning ritual, I recognize it is not a current reality for many. Know that I understand, because it can change, and it did for me. For many, many years I didn’t have this tranquil space, so I created my own in my mind- with a cup of coffee or hot lemon water, and a journal to write my gratitude and desires. I closed my eyes and imagined a peaceful space or even looked at pictures of them to imagine myself there, just for a few moments.?

One of the photos I would look at for grounding and inspiration was this photo from a solo trip I took to Sedona years ago. There, I first fell in love with the magic of Sedona- but more importantly, I learned how to ground myself and feel truly present and connected within myself there.?

I felt so clear there, it was that trip that created the vision and desire to one day physically live in a space where I could feel so grounded and connected. It took about a decade to manifest, but it happened!

I worked so hard, built resilience to overcome challenges and envisioned creating an oasis for so long, a dream come true, right?! Well, admittedly I have on occasion caught myself falling into the trap of actually complaining about it.

I’m not proud of it, though I do try to practice giving myself grace to be human. It’s even more so why I start my day to practice gratitude for what I have, because if I wait to get to it until later, it will likely not happen. And then all I see, are the things that need to be done, not the beauty of what has already been created, or the belief that it is enough.

If you are a high achiever or perfectionist, you might be able to relate. We bust our butts to get the very life, career, home, relationship, or <insert desire here> that we dreamed of and work so hard for, yet somehow, that very thing eventually becomes a source of frustration that just feels like more work or responsibility. We so easily forget how hard we worked and dreamed to get there, and how many are praying for what we have!

How often do we forget to appreciate and thank ourselves for what we did and promises we kept to ourselves? It’s important, because it helps us stay grounded, grateful, resilient and it also builds confidence. Because of how much it’s helped me, through especially challenging times. I encourage you to make this a practice.

If you don't take a moment to appreciate what you have, especially what you dreamt of and manifested for yourself, you can forget how empowered you actually are to overcome the challenges of the day. It can be easy to lose perspective and gratitude, and worse- feel stuck, which can turn into negative feelings like overwhelm or even resentment. And guess what? Not only do you hang onto those feelings, you keep yourself there longer, because you can’t create confidence, desired outcomes or achieve goals from that mindset!

I hope that in sharing my current morning ritual, you are inspired to commit to creating one for yourself. It can be simple. Make the bed. Make the coffee. Go on a walk. Journal. Whatever feels good, helps you ground yourself in gratitude, and feels like an act of self love. Starting your day by filling your cup isn’t just for you; it’s for the highest good of everyone around you. Because you can’t pour into others from an empty cup.?

?? Make it a great morning, friends! ??

??? And remember, the rising tide lift all boats! So, I’d love to hear your morning ritual and tips too! ???