Raised by my grandmother, I grew up getting out of bed early to go outside for a walk with her.

It can sometimes be hard for a child, with either the bitter cold and late sunrise in the winter, or the heat in mid-August breeding indolence. However, as my grandmother used to say to me, there are so much to look forward to in early mornings that “you are going to miss hiding under your quilt”.

Rising early gradually becomes a habit. Up until now, each morning when I wake up to reality from my dreams, I open my eyes thinking about what I can experience at the beginning of the day. My brain would fill with energy. Below are some of the many things I enjoy in the morning. You might relate, if you, too, are a morning person.

Sunrise and fresh air.

If it is in the winter, you wake up when it’s still dark outside, but the sky changes fast. Its color goes from dark blue to bloody red, then pink, then, as the sun completely comes out of the horizon, turns into whatever it is going to be for the rest of the day. Glancing at the window every few minutes and see how gorgeously the sky transforms is one of my greatest pleasures.

The moment the sun comes out, all plants start switching from producing Carbon Hydride to oxygen. Early risers get to enjoy the fresh air first-hand. It usually contains the smell of wood and flower or simple freshness of dew. At these earliest moments of the day, even in the city can you embrace the taste of nature.

Tranquility.

The few moments before everyone else wakes up are completely owned by you. Taking a deep breath and savor these moments—morning yoga, meditation, or simply sipping on a cup of coffee in bed—when little noise surrounds you and the utter quietness pervades inside your body and out. It is a short morning break for your eyes, ears, and certainly, your brain and your entire body.

The morning farm market.

One of the things I miss about home is the morning market near our house.

We live right down the mountain range where suburban dwellers generally get a living from their own gardens and farms. Each morning, products were brought directly from their own home, over to this gathering place. Farmers come with trucks, bicycles, or even on foot, and they arrive before sunrise to claim the best sale spot. Similarly, among consumers, earlier arrivers get to pick the best among all the food. By 9:00 in the morning, most of the commodities would be gone.

I used to ride my bike over to this market with a small bucket in the front. This is where I fostered my passion for food and nutrition. It allowed me to communicate with an entire social group of people distant from my daily life in the city.

Breakfast.

Last but not least, breakfast food.

It is still one of my greatest motivations to crawl out of bed. After a whole night of sleep, my metabolism is ready to get burning for a new day. I am always excited when it is time to feed my empty belly.

Back at home where I get to take over the whole kitchen, I would make breakfast for my family. The process of carrying fresh ingredients from the market and turning them into simple but delicious dishes is no doubt an entertainment for me, not a burden.

Now that I’m in college, being the first one in the dining hall is also what I enjoy to do. I would read a book while contentedly savoring my breakfast, even if it’s just simply hard-boiled eggs, yogurt, and granola.

Morning is full of peace, freshness, and positivity. It is hard not to keep this habit once you take a note of the beauty that surrounds you from the moment you open your eyes.