At a recent session with my therapist we were discussing the importance of routines. Especially for people like me who crave order- I find that a sense of order really helps me thwart off anxiety. When listing the things I would like to incorporate into my daily “morning” routine, a 3 mile walk with Frankie was at the top of my list. There is nothing I love more than getting out into the fresh air with music in my ears and my pup by my side. It’s so important for my head space that I move my body first thing- it helps me feel positive, energized & present.
My therapist asked, “Why then, if you know this do you not make time for it every single morning?”
I thought about it for a minute and then said, “Well, sometimes Frank doesn’t get up in time for me to fit in before I have to go to work.”
As I said it…I could hear how ridiculous I sounded.
“So you’re on your dogs schedule? Shouldn’t he be on yours?” she said rather amused.
Trying to appear less insane than I clearly am…I said, “Well, yeah…I guess I see your point. But he’s almost impossible to move when he’s sleeping.” while taking a sip of my latte
Warmly yet firmly she said, “You have to make yourself happy first, Kate. If you’re not doing that each day, you’re not doing anyone else any good either and it’s only going to get harder when you have children. You must put yourself first, then you can take care of everyone else.”
As foreign as the concept sounded, I knew she was right. I was suddenly reminded of when the stewardess announces before take-off that in the event of an emergency, you must put your own oxygen mask on first before helping those around you.
With that said I went home and began working on a morning and evening routine for myself. One that would make me want to pop out of bed in the morning and one that would make me feel peaceful in the evening. Below you can see what I came up with. Granted, I don’t adhere to it perfectly every single day (life is always in flux…especially as a freelancer) but overall I have been doing a pretty good job sticking to it and I can definitely feel the difference.
morning routine
6:00am_ wake (this was much easier to do before the time change. I might need to revise this to a later time…it’s impossible for me to get out of bed when it is still dark)
6:15am_ morning pages (I write three stream of conscious pages about anything and everything. Literally whatever comes into my mind), my morning prayer (you can see it below), my morning affirmations (you can see them below) & meditation (even if only for a minute although five minutes is my goal)
6:45_ coffee with Brian before he leaves for work
7:15_ three-mile walk with Frankie
8:30_ house sweep (things like make the bed, empty the dish washer…blah blah blah)
8:45_ shower & get ready
9:30_ out of the house to a client or at my desk to work
evening routine
6:00pm_ evening walk with Frankie
6:30pm_ make dinner/ watch the news
7-9:30pm_ eat dinner, hang with Bri & watch tv
9:30pm_ daily gratitude list & read
10:30pm_ sleep!
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my morning prayer – a slightly revised version of the St. Francis prayer
Make me a channel of thy peace,
that where there is hatred, I may bring love;
that where there is discord, I may bring harmony;
that where there is error, I may bring truth;
that where there is doubt, I may bring faith;
that where there is despair, I may bring hope;
that where there are shadows, I may bring light;
that where there is sadness, I may bring joy;
grant that I may seek rather to comfort than to be comforted;
to understand, than to be understood;
to love, than to be loved.
for it is by self-forgetting that one finds.
It is by forgiving that one is forgiven.
my morning affirmations
“Every Cell in my body vibrates with energy and health”
“I will accomplish my goals today”
“I prosper wherever I turn and I know that I deserve prosperity of all kinds”
“The more grateful I am, the more reasons I find to be grateful”
“I express my needs and feelings”
“I am my own unique self – special, creative and wonderful”
“My life is a joy filled with love, fun and friendship all I need do is stop all criticism, forgive, relax and be open.”
“I choose love, joy and freedom, open my heart and allow wonderful things to flow into my life.”
“I trust in the process of life”
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So there you have it! Do any of you guys have a morning or evening routine?? I would love to hear about them if you do!
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