As we head into November, I feel like I’ve landed again. September and October were a whirlwind of travel, weekend adventures, and a lot of fun – but being away from home, it's easy to let routines slip. It's almost like parts of my usual rituals go on vacation too!

So, it's a relief to feel rebalanced, re-engaged, and more intentional again. 

These are the habits I know make a real difference, and most of them start in the morning. I believe that morning routines are one of the best ways to set ourselves up for a day with positive momentum. 

Whether we're tackling challenging tasks or just facing a packed schedule, a well-planned morning can infuse us with energy, focus, and that "can-do" optimism we all need.

Here's a look at what works for me and a few ideas for you to try if you’re crafting or evolving your own morning routine.

Controlling the sun may seem like an impossible task, but in our daily lives, we wield that power.

Just as the sun's warmth and magic uplift us, we have the ability to infuse our days with sunshine, irrespective of external conditions.

Yet, amidst this pursuit, we often face a blizzard of thoughts within our minds—darting, fleeting, and sometimes immobilizing. This evolutionary bias towards negativity, while once essential for survival, now burdens us with unnecessary stress.

According to the National Science Institute, a staggering 80% of our thoughts lean negative, perpetuating a cycle of stress and anxiety.

However, we hold the key to breaking free from this pattern. By choosing our thoughts deliberately, like selecting our daily attire, we can significantly impact our mental and emotional well-being.

”If you want to change the world, make your bed every morning.”

This quote by Admiral McRavin garnered some chuckles when he first offered this advice to graduating seniors at the University of Texas … later leading to the publication of his best selling book, “Make your Bed.”

I’ve always loved this quote (and repeat it to my teenagers often 😅).

The idea is simple. Start your day doing just one simple task. This will make you feel accomplished, and will encourage you to do another task, and so on, throughout your day. Have you read the book When you give a Mouse a Cookie? Then you get it. One thing leads to the next.

And the first thing you choose to do, matters. Obviously the mouse didn't make as good a decision as Admiral McRavin!

Making our bed is a strategy in productivity; a strategy in accomplishment. And we know, both of those things feel really good.