The way we start our day out, as soon as we wake up, influences how the rest of our day will be. The morning practice of gratitude is probably the most important influence on setting yourself up for being in a good mood, having positive interactions with people and having a great outlook on your day ahead.
Since I'm writing this in the evening, this challenge will actually start for you tomorrow morning when you wake up. First thing tomorrow morning when you wake up, before you move out of bed, say the words thank you. You are simply saying thank you for the fact that you're alive. That you woke up, and you get another day to live your life! I know it sounds cliche, but we never know when our time is up, so we need to be grateful to get to live another day. After your initial thank you when you wake up, you can get more specific. Say thank you for the sleep you got last night, for the warm bed you get to sleep in. When you get out of bed and your feet hit the floor, say thank you. Continue to say thank you as you go through your morning routine; for your hot shower, your coffee, your clothing as you get dressed, etc.
I have always been delighted at the prospect of a new day, a fresh try, one more start, with perhaps a bit of magic waiting somewhere behind the morning.
- J.B. Priestley
The reason why we practice gratitude first thing in the morning is because we are making our day ahead as good as it possible can be for us. We are already starting ourselves out right with a positive outlook on the day. So even if we face problems or challenges, our mind will be calm and we will be able to work things out more clearly, and with a better perspective and outlook. All because we started our day out with practicing gratitude.
Since I've been working on my practice of gratitude over the last few years, I do this every morning when I wake up. It puts me in a happier mood for the day ahead. I feel more in-control of my day, and more excited about all the good possibilities and events that will happen during my day. It's hard to describe, but as you start to practice gratitude more regularly you feel more connected with positive, and you're more calm because you know that even if problems come up during your day, that the solution will come.
Your checklist:
1. Tonight make your list of 10 things you are grateful for and why you're grateful for them. Remember to say THANK YOU three times after each item on your list.
2. Before you go to be tonight, pick up your gratitude object and think about all the good things that happen during your day today. Pick the best one and say thank you!
3. When you wake up in the morning, before you check your phone or do anything say THANK YOU, and go through your morning routine practicing gratitude.