My Morning Ritual
My Morning Ritual: How I Set Myself Up for the Day
Let me tell you about my favorite time of the day.
It starts at 4:30 AM.
I know, some of you think I’m nuts. But hear me out. I'm an early-to-bed kind of person, and those early morning hours? They're mine. Often the only time of day that belongs completely to me.
And I've learned that how I spend this time shapes everything that follows.
Coffee & Contemplation
The first thing I do is make myself a cup of coffee. No rushing. No scrolling. Just me, my coffee, and some quiet reflection.
This is when I practice my daily affirmations—seven simple statements I learned from Tony Robbins that have genuinely changed how I move through the world:
Today, I choose to be happy.
I am so grateful for everything I have in my life.
I am capable of achieving amazing things.
I choose to focus on what I can control.
I am committed to continuous improvement.
I embrace challenges as opportunities for growth.
I choose to make a positive impact today.
But I don't just recite them robotically. I take time to really feel them. I reflect on the previous day and recall everything I can remember to be grateful for—the big things, the tiny things, all of it.
Starting the day by consciously choosing gratitude and possibility? It's a game-changer.
Moving This 56-Year-Old Body
After my coffee, it's time to move. I've been doing some kind of morning movement for decades now, and at 56, it's more important than ever.
I always start with stretching. My body needs it, especially my lower back and shoulders. I've learned to really listen to what my body is asking for each day.
Then I practice Wim Hof breathing exercises. If you've never tried breathwork, I can't recommend it enough. It wakes up everything—body, mind, spirit.
From there, the routine varies depending on what I'm feeling:
Sometimes I use my back Mitra tool for some heart opening
Sometimes I put on music and just dance. Music really can help me to truly feel, especially when I’m not feeling it.
Sometimes I flow through extra yoga poses
Lately, I've started doing headstands again! And I'm excited to say I'm holding them for well over a minute now. At 56, that feels like a victory worth celebrating.
Meditation & Manifestation
After movement, I settle into mediation. This is where I get quiet, turn inward, and just be.
And then I end with my favorite part: visualization.
I close my eyes and visualize my life exactly as I desire it to be. But here's the key—I don't just see it, I feel it. I feel it in my heart. I feel the joy, the peace, the fulfillment, the connection. I feel the gratitude for it as if it's already here. Many of you will have heard about this technique, taught by Joe Dispenza and many others.
This isn't just wishful thinking. It's training my nervous system to recognize and move toward what I truly want. It's aligning my energy with my dreams, and after all, it can’t hurt!
Why This Matters
Starting my day like this—with intention, gratitude, movement, and visualization—makes a tangible difference in how I show up for everything else.
This morning practice isn't about being perfect or spiritual or enlightened. It's about giving myself the gift of intentional time before the demands of the day take over. It's about remembering who I am and what I'm capable of. It's about choosing, every single day, how I want to experience my life.
You Don't Need Hours (But You Do Need Something)
I know not everyone can dedicate over an hour to their morning routine. And that's okay. You don't need to. Some mornings I need to get out of the house early, and all I have time for is my cup of coffee and some affirmations in the car.
But I do believe we all need something. Even if it's just three deep breaths before your feet hit the floor. Even if it's just one moment where you consciously choose gratitude.
The point isn't perfection. The point is intention.
How you start your day matters. It sets the tone for everything that follows.
What About You?
Do you have a morning routine? Or have you been thinking about creating one but haven't started yet?
Here's my invitation: Start small. Pick one thing that feels good to you—maybe it's affirmations, maybe it's stretching, maybe it's just two minutes of quiet before the chaos begins.
Your morning doesn't have to look like mine. It just needs to feel like yours.
Give yourself that gift. You deserve to start your day feeling grounded, grateful, and ready for whatever comes your way.
What does your ideal morning look like? Or what's one small practice you'd like to add to your mornings? I'd love to hear!
