Some of us are content with an austere lifestyle and only exist in this world; we wake up, brush our teeth, rush out of the house for work, arrive to work late, drag the day at work until it's over, go home, watch tv, and sleep. I have one big question for you: What do you do for YOURSELF everyday? This question changed my lifestyle. I encountered an article called Why the Most Productive People Start Their Day at 4 a.m. (Yes, We're Serious), by Marcel Schwantes, Principal and founder, Leadership From the Core. Schwantes speaks about the importance of making time for yourself every morning using the "10 smart hacks". He shares how the most successful CEO's in our world wake up at 4 a.m., before they actually begin their days and face the world. I have yet to find the will power to wake up this early. I use to be the person waking up at 7 a.m., hating the morning alarm, staying in bed for an extra five minutes, rushing for work, and arriving late. This lifestyle wasn't cutting it for me! I was setting myself up for failure.
My travels over the summer gave me the opportunity to revamp my morning routines. Because I was no longer rushing for work, I had lived my mornings my way. But of course, I can't be on vacation forever. Although we all wish to be, at the end of the day many of us have jobs and responsibilities to fulfill. When I returned from my travels, I learned how much I loved enjoyed reading in the mornings. When I stumbled upon Shwantes article, I was inspired to take action and commit to making time for myself in mornings. Over the past few months, my friends and family have mentioned a significant difference in my mood. Today I wake up at 6 a.m., just enough time to make coffee in the morning and read my book outside. This little morning routine is my secret to success and happiness. Reading allows me to clear my mind and is a form of meditation. When I complete this commitment to myself, I feel fulfilled and ready to seize the day. In addition, sometimes the books I read are great books to get my day started because I'm nurturing my mind with new information. I've had the pleasure to read the following books since I've begun this routine:
1. The Celestine Prophecy, by James Redfield
My friend Grethel recommended this book. At the time, I was looking for an adventurous book. The story is about a man who quits his job and travels to Perú to find an ancient manuscript on 9 key insights into life. This story reveals the magic humans have on the connections between events, how we maintain and share energy between people, and the importance of being present and conscious with the world.
2. The Alchemist, by Pablo Coelho
The Alchemist was a suggested book after a few people saw me carry around the first book I was reading. I found it on Amazon for the low. The Alchemist is a story of a young man who leaves his homeland to find a treasure. While he seeks his treasure, he comes across a few challenges and overcomes them when he realizes why he started his journey in the first place. As you read this story, you'll see life through the young man's eyes, and you'll learn the same lessons he gained.
3. The Four Agreements, by Don Miguel Ruiz
Growing up my father always referenced this book when he would lecture me, and, of course, like any other kid, I didn't listen or understand. This book was gifted to me by my friend Lúz when I visited Chicago for the first time, and I couldn't have come at a more perfect time. Don Miguel Ruiz challenges the way we think and how we live our lives. Through his four agreements, you'll learn a better way of thinking in turn a much joyful life. This is a book I'll be reading again!
4. The Mastery of Love, by Don Miguel Ruiz
After reading The Four Agreements, my friend Frank gifted and suggested this book. Why not!? It is written by the same author and I was on a roll. This book investigates different dramas we face and what we can do to change those patterns. Everyone deserves a chance to re-write their story.
5. How to Talk to Anyone, by Leil Lowndes
This was an interesting and random book I came across at the book store. The title alone was captivating. This book shares insights on how to have a conversation with anyone and will improve your professional and personal relationships. Once you finish this book , you'll feel confident and aware of yourself and others.
Not only have these books nurture my brain with adventures and ideas, they were also the PERFECT books to accompany me as I made a change in my lifestyle. I still have aspirations to get my day started at 4 a.m., but for now, 6 a.m. works for me. I hope by sharing my story I could inspire others to make a change. My morning ritual has impacted my life tremendously and i feel beyond satisfied every day. If you can, make time to discover your morning routine. It could be running, drawing, cooking, stretching, etc. Just know these subtle actions can influence your mood tremendously. I truly feel alive, and I know this could impact your life too.
