“When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive—to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love.”
~ Marcus Aurelius
When I woke up this morning, I looked out the window and saw the sun rising through branches and sparkling over the lake. The sky was sapphire blue. A deer was nibbling a tree. It was a beautiful way to start the day. It was also a stark reminder that I must take more time to be aware of the wonder of nature. It’s both calming and inspiring.
Early morning provides me with an opportunity for quiet reflection, and solitude. It’s an interlude that empowers my mind, body, and spirit – before the busyness of the day begins. The stillness enables me to think, to slowly savour a cup of coffee, and to ignore the pressures of responsibility or potential for adversity, even if only for a short while. The time that I spend being mindful and appreciative of my blessings fuels my desire to be hopeful about the day ahead. I never know what lies ahead, but I do know that I have the power to do something worthwhile.
Some people wake up and need a few minutes to just lie still and let the morning wash over them in a slow tidal wave. Perhaps they listen to music, or birds, or prefer silence. Others feel a rush of energy and break out from beneath the warm covers in a burst of anticipation to get started on whatever they have planned. They may opt to stretch, exercise, or go for a walk or run. Many people reach for their phones to check out the news, weather, sports, or financial reports. Still others commence sifting through and responding to messages that came through overnight. How do you begin your day? And, how does it set the stage for what is to follow?
Beginnings are foundational. Whether it’s taking first steps (such as learning to read, write, or be kind), or taking subsequent steps (such as learning to build upon acquired experiences and knowledge)—beginnings are how we embark upon new adventures, and ultimately meet challenges. From one dawn to the next, we can create opportunities to stretch the intellect, nurture creativity, forge relationships, strengthen abilities, and be the best we can be.
Everyone encounters choices, makes decisions, and has the capacity to grow. It helps to be reflective, proactive, and resilient, and to find the right kinds of supports. Ones that provide motivation, reinforcement, or guidance; or spark collaboration; or leave room for autonomy; or respond to concerns; or address individual needs for flexibility, resources, or whatever else will scaffold positive outcomes.
You know yourself best. Honour that knowledge. If you enjoy the early morning, make those moments matter. If you feel invigorated in the evening, use that time wisely. Pace yourself, and your actions and obligations. If you find yourself frazzling, pause and be mindful of how to recapture the essence of whatever it is you require to gain composure and proceed more serenely. If you can, be resolute about finding or carving out intervals during the day to help you re-energize.
The deer has darted into the woods. The coffee cup is empty. The sun is shining high above the trees now. The lake is rippling and inviting. Another day has begun. How I choose to spend it will be up to me. I can be lazy, productive, work-laden, creative, altruistic, or pensive. I can soar solo or with others; stay grounded; explore new pathways; be happy, sad, grumpy, optimistic, or worried. I can make a difference in the lives of others, or in my own life, by virtue of how I choose to proceed, and the effort I’m willing to put forth.
Author William Arthur Ward wrote, “Opportunities are like sunrises. If you wait too long, you miss them.”
May new beginnings bring joy, meaning, serenity, and inspiration.
About the Author:
Joanne Foster, Ed.D. is an educator and award-winning author who has written 7 books. The most recent is Being Smart about Gifted Learning: Empowering Parents and Kids Through Challenge and Change (co-authored with Dona Matthews). For access to many resources on children’s well-being, creativity, productivity, and learning, go to www.joannefoster.ca.
