Keith JonesFebruary 12, 2016

The way I viewed mornings the first half of my life is much different than I see them now. Back then, I felt mornings were the toughest part of the day. I hardly ever wanted to get out of bed. Hitting the snooze button several times was normal. My body was achy. It seemed to take so much energy to get going. Well, the Marine Corps changed that. Whether I was rested or not, when the lights came on, you were up and active. This has become my new normal over the last twenty plus years and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

I am intentional about my morning. I set it up in such a way that I’m not at the mercy of what happens. I employ  2BeRe-U’s STRONGER daily rituals and routine for my total being so I am creative and on task with the things I want to accomplish for the day. And when things don’t go as expected, I respond rather than react. The result is a day full of small victories and personal growth.

The STRONGER daily rituals are great practices any time of the day, but I find them the most powerful when performed first thing in the morning. (See the STRONGER Mindset blog article on January 29, 2016). When I eat a nutritious breakfast, exercise, and fill my mind with inspirational thoughts within an hour of waking up, I feel energized and focused for the day ahead. My mind, body and emotions start off grounded in goodness and positivity.

Some people think they don’t have time to commit to a powerful beginning to their day. It’s an investment in yourself as much as it is a commitment. If having a stress-free day where you feel happy, creative, focused and loving is important to you, than you will make the time. My morning routine takes 1-1/2 hours on days in which I exercise. And on the days in which stretching is my sole form of exercise, my daily practice only takes 30-40 minutes. And after I’m done, I feel amazing. I encourage you to join me in winning your mornings so you can own your day.

Keith