How to Smile on Mondays
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I have read so many articles that explain how to be motivated, get up early, and be productive. It must be a popular subject because so many of us struggle with motivation, love of sleep, and laziness. You can't see me, but I'm raising my hand high on that one.
Although I have not completely conquered the snooze button, there are a few things that help me stay excited about life that I'd like to share with you.
#1 Take Some Me-time
Stop. Breathe. Sit. Say: "Good morning, God!" Feel better? Allow yourself to give up those burdens, stresses, worries, and just focus on HIM. There's something about reminding yourself of your role in a fool-proof plan directed by a superhero who has sacrificed everything for you that really makes Mondays seem insignificant.
#2 Colored pens and notebooks
I will get excited about anything if I can make a colorful diagram, list, or brainstorm bubble with new pens and notebooks. And, checking off boxes is enough of a reward for lots of little battles. If I need more motivation, even if it's in the middle of the week, I'll take a break, find some pens, and plan out my life. So: Make your life colorful. Make goals. Check off boxes. Feel accomplished.
#3 Remember the Joy Glasses
Make the choice to be joyful, to be happy, to be thankful. If you need to, stand on your bed and yell out ten things that you're thankful for. If that doesn't make you laugh, I'm very sorry, but I can't help you anymore. :) Life is hard. It just is. It's full of things that cause hurt, sadness, frustration, stress, anxiety, and fatigue. But, it's not fair to ANYONE to drown all of the good things out with the bad. Don't forget that there are sunrises, pink fluffy rugs, warm soap suds, cafes with free wi-fi, old musty books, smiles, coconut trees, vinyl records, and deafening rain.
#4 Exercise
I thought I would NEVER say this, but here it goes: exercise makes me happy. If you had asked me about working out two years ago, I would have laughed. What an absurd idea! Who would ever want to inflict such torture on themselves?? But then I did it, and I formed a habit. Exercising every morning wakes me up and gets my brain excited for its turn to work. I love the feeling of sweaty accomplishment and the satisfaction of doing something that you don't like simply because it's good for you. Plus, resting is so much more enjoyable when your wobbly legs have earned it.
#5 Music
Music has an impact on your emotions, so I have learned from very smart people. What you listen to can effect your thoughts and moods. So I especially like to start mornings with some refreshing praise music. Most any sort of music gives me a smile in the mornings, but I've found that my smile lasts longer when God is one who gave it to me. Sing your heart out in the shower. Find joy in the silly, little, ridiculous, everyday things. Because you know what? God made those too.
-Kae-
I have read so many articles that explain how to be motivated, get up early, and be productive. It must be a popular subject because so many of us struggle with motivation, love of sleep, and laziness. You can't see me, but I'm raising my hand high on that one.
Although I have not completely conquered the snooze button, there are a few things that help me stay excited about life that I'd like to share with you.
#1 Take Some Me-time
Stop. Breathe. Sit. Say: "Good morning, God!" Feel better? Allow yourself to give up those burdens, stresses, worries, and just focus on HIM. There's something about reminding yourself of your role in a fool-proof plan directed by a superhero who has sacrificed everything for you that really makes Mondays seem insignificant.
#2 Colored pens and notebooks
I will get excited about anything if I can make a colorful diagram, list, or brainstorm bubble with new pens and notebooks. And, checking off boxes is enough of a reward for lots of little battles. If I need more motivation, even if it's in the middle of the week, I'll take a break, find some pens, and plan out my life. So: Make your life colorful. Make goals. Check off boxes. Feel accomplished.
#3 Remember the Joy Glasses
Make the choice to be joyful, to be happy, to be thankful. If you need to, stand on your bed and yell out ten things that you're thankful for. If that doesn't make you laugh, I'm very sorry, but I can't help you anymore. :) Life is hard. It just is. It's full of things that cause hurt, sadness, frustration, stress, anxiety, and fatigue. But, it's not fair to ANYONE to drown all of the good things out with the bad. Don't forget that there are sunrises, pink fluffy rugs, warm soap suds, cafes with free wi-fi, old musty books, smiles, coconut trees, vinyl records, and deafening rain.
#4 Exercise
I thought I would NEVER say this, but here it goes: exercise makes me happy. If you had asked me about working out two years ago, I would have laughed. What an absurd idea! Who would ever want to inflict such torture on themselves?? But then I did it, and I formed a habit. Exercising every morning wakes me up and gets my brain excited for its turn to work. I love the feeling of sweaty accomplishment and the satisfaction of doing something that you don't like simply because it's good for you. Plus, resting is so much more enjoyable when your wobbly legs have earned it.
#5 Music
Music has an impact on your emotions, so I have learned from very smart people. What you listen to can effect your thoughts and moods. So I especially like to start mornings with some refreshing praise music. Most any sort of music gives me a smile in the mornings, but I've found that my smile lasts longer when God is one who gave it to me. Sing your heart out in the shower. Find joy in the silly, little, ridiculous, everyday things. Because you know what? God made those too.
-Kae-
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