Rise and Shine

....And sing out your glory, glory!

Sorry, I couldn't help it....but I promise this time, the post title does actually have something to do with the content.  And you can thank me later if that song is stuck in your head all day.  :)

Last night I caught the tail-end of a speech by a revered educator and author, that just so happens to be the father of one of my good friends.  I've heard him speak multiple times, and the consensus from the audience is always something along the lines of "how did he know exactly what I needed to hear???"

I've read (and my husband is currently reading) his book, Achieving Your Life Mission....which lays out a guide with clear storytelling, relevant scripture, and specific tasks to discover and utilize your own gifts, talents, and strengths.  I highly recommend it, as I consider it life changing!  My favorite take-away was accepting his challenge to write a list of 100 life goals.  I keep mine on my phone and refer to it often.  It's amazing what can be accomplished by the simple act of writing it down!  In fact, I blogged about a goal here that I checked off recently.

Even though I heard only the end last night, I caught enough to know I needed to apply it in my life.  He taught that the simple task of getting up early and starting your day on purpose can bring more blessings to your life than one can imagine.  Just think how it feels to have that special time in the morning to yourself.....

Would I rather start my day:

a.)  With my toddler shouting for milk urging me to get out of bed while my other children are making similar urgent requests to get ready for school?

OR

b.)  An hour or so before anyone in my household wakes up and use that time for exercise, scripture study, prayer, cooking breakfast, journaling, blogging, or just thinking?

I'll pick "b" any day of the week, even if it means skimping on some of my much needed beauty sleep.  (Ha!)  In reality, I pick option "b" maybe a 30% of the time, but when I do....my day starts out great.  (After I pull myself out of bed, of course.)

I've decided I need to more fully apply this in my life, rather than a fraction of the time.  If that means having my own alarm on my side of the bed or going to bed earlier even if I haven't finished my to-do list....it's worth it.  I imagine most people, including myself, will have to make minor adjustments in other areas of our lives to accomplish this task (i.e. going to bed a little earlier, taking a power nap, etc).

So I wonder....how many of you begin your day earlier than necessary so that you can have that treasured peaceful, alone time?

If you don't currently, I challenge you to try it.  See what difference it makes for a week....or even a month.  You can keep me accountable, too!  What do you have to lose (besides a little sleep)?

Stay tuned for my future post titled "#EarlyToRise is a Trending Phenomenon!" 
(In my dreams...ha, no pun intended.)

p.s. Have you entered my statement necklace shop credit giveaway?  Only 1 day left!


Yours truly,
Going to Bed Now
Early Riser