This is Day 1 of 31. Click here to see the entire series.
Waking Up IntentionallyAhhh mornings...
I am SO blessed that I have the opportunity to stay at home with by babies while my husband works to provide for our family. However, because I don't have anything I have to wake up and tend to by a specific time, I typically don't wake up.
I am not a morning person.
I prefer to stay in bed until Evelyn wakes up and energetically comes in between 7-8:00 AM. Usually Will ends up awake with her joyous, "Goooood MORNING!" and that is how we begin our day together.
I've known for a long time that someone who lives life intentionally probably doesn't roll out of bed in the morning at the last possible second. In order for me to live my day intentionally, I need to start my day intentionally. By committing to waking up at a certain time.
And you know what?
By sleeping in, I think I'm giving myself an opportunity to have a happier day by not dealing with grumpy-morning-Beth but, in reality, going from being in a deep, relaxing sleep to groggily juggling two, fired up, rested babies who instantly need new diapers, breakfast, and a mom to play with them all within the first 30 minutes of the day isn't worth the extra sleep.
I would be much happier and productive in my day if I have a little time in the morning to wake up, rest, reflect, and prepare before the babes are up. How you wake up sets the tone for the entire day.
So, what time will I be setting on my alarm?
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6:00 AM, baby! |
That should give me an hour to ninety minutes alone to accomplish whatever I want.
I can't guarantee that I'll be happy right when I wake up. But fortunately no one else in my house will be up either so I'll only have to deal with myself, ha!
So, who's going to call me at 6:01am EST and make sure I'm up? Any tips for a non-morning-lover on how to get out of bed with gusto?
Thank you following along on our journey to simplicity. Please be sure to learn about our family, like our page on Facebook, and visit the right column to subscribe to our posts :)
"I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want."
Philippians 4:12
God Bless!
All the best for your first goal. I can only empathise with you because we work hard at helping my 2nd daughter wake in the morning - she is definitely a night person! I've found your blog via the 31 days series - I'll be popping back in during the month. Intentional is one of our family words.
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ReplyDeleteI'm a new follower and wanted to say hi! I found you through the Nesting Place.. Good luck with the 31 day challenge :) x
Waking up early is something I have been trying to do intentionally since January. I have to say that I have turned into a morning person at this point. My biggest problem is that my children are very early risers - that 6am alarm would be about when they wake up in the morning :-) So I try and get up earlier than that...but, seeing the sun rise in the morning in the quiet of my home is worth it. And I am able to get my quiet time in, drink a hot cup of coffee, and journal. I feel so much better after I have that time, and my kids notice. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteThat's encouraging, Heather! As I yawn and rubbed my eyes through my devotions this morning... :)
DeleteI know I'm lucky to have kids that sleep in, I'm not sure if I could do it any earlier!
What a great way to start the month! I think I'm gonna take this challenge myself. My husband pops out of bed as soon as his alarm goes off, and he's the kind that wakes up whistling. I am NOT a morning person AT ALL, and will sleep until the last possible second, or longer (haha). Lucky for me, my toddler likes to sleep in, too. But you're right, my day will get started so much better if I get up and have some "me" time and some God time before starting my hectic day. Thanks!!
ReplyDeleteI think you're going to be pleasantly surprised. It will be tough for the first few days, but it definitely gets easier and you will enjoy that quiet time and be even a better mom for it. I am following you now because I don't want to miss a day of your series.
ReplyDeleteHello, I am also a new follower and blogger. I found your blog via The Nesting Place. I thought I'd comment because just last week I told my husband that I wanted to start getting up earlier, before my son woke up so I could set myself up for the day...it hasn't happened yet. Now that you have posted this, it will give me more motivation to start. I too am trying to go through my day with purpose and this would be a great way to start! Early mornings here I come.
ReplyDeleteHailey acupofteaandlife.blogspot.ca
I'm not a morning person either...not by a long shot. But, I get up every morning 40 minutes before getting M up so that I can shower and take 15 minutes of quite alone time before my day gets crazy.
ReplyDeleteI love this. I love you. This is such a great way to start your day!
ReplyDeleteLove Letters 7.10
http://loveletters710.blogspot.com/
Man I wish I had that kind of commitment! I am so not a morning person. The few times I've tried to up before the kids, it's backfired :( and the kids wound up up early too because apparently my snoring is what keeps them asleep. . . Good Luck!! I think I'm going to try it again too, but I'm gonna need a lot of prayer!!
ReplyDeleteFound you on Nester. My topic for the month is similar... Intentional Parenting. I'm sure we'll have some of the same things to talk about. :) I'll be following you along for sure!
ReplyDeleteI'm trying to do the same in getting up before Wes. I really like your spin on it. I told myself to get up early to do chores, which wasn't motivating. I'm going to try your way of reflecting and preparing. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI wake up early, always have. I usually start my day at 5 with prayers - a time to really connect with God and feel his presence - and start the day off right. Then I make myself a cup of spiced tea and sit down to either write or read something I enjoy. Then if I am in the mood, I will make something yummy for breakfast - muffins or pancakes or omelettes or whatever else i am in the mood for. the children awaken to the smell of breakfast and it helps to make a good start to the day.
ReplyDeletewishing you the best on this journey.
Wonderful idea! When my kids were young they went to public school and the only problem I had with getting up early for reflection and preparation was that we would all be in the groove doing things and not realize how late in the morning it was getting! Best wishes on this great 31 day series. Looking forward to the rest!
ReplyDeleteHi! I used to be a non-morning person, but then I decided to switch things up a bit and have my quiet time in the mornings instead of before bed (when I'm honestly too tired to focus in any appreciable way). It's been a little over a month now with this new pattern, and so far it's been a consistent motivation to get me up - I look forward to it enough to get out of bed, which is really saying something :) You've set a beautifully practical goal here, friend; I'm right with you. Power through!
ReplyDeleteOh my.........what a great challenge! I use to be a morning person but have gotten lazy for the same reasons. I roll out of bed when our youngest gets me at 6:30 or so. I KNOW that I operate better if I have some God time and coffee by myself before the chaos begins. Good luck! Maybe?.......I will be inspired? Oh but it is finally cooling off around here and my bed is sooooo warm..........inspire us with all the good feelings you are having at 6:00!!!
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