How Do You Do It? Start off Strong

This is the first post in a series entitled "How Do You Do It?" You can read the introduction here.

I decide to start out talking about having a morning routine because  for me it is the glue that holds the whole day together.  If the morning does not start out right, I struggle for the rest of the day.

Before I tell you what I do,  I must remind you that this is a work in progress for me.  The intention of this series is to encourage, not to discourage.  I am not perfect, I still have a lot of growing to do, but what I am highlighting is what works WHEN I put it in place!  Perhaps sharing it here will also add a level of accountability for me!

1. Get Up Before the Kids- I am NOT a morning person, I never have been but I am growing into one.    I can lie in bed until I hear the kids and then jump up, get dressed and organized and try and meet their needs all at the same time or I can get up an hour or two before them, take care of myself and then be ready for them when they get up.  The second scenario works out better for all of us.  On the mornings I am up before the kids I am less frazzled, more patient and much more organized.   We also have a rule that the kids are not to come out of their room until 7am. 

Getting up at 5:30 is not easy for me.  Here are some ways I have been intentional about it:

• Accountability- One resource that has been helpful is Inspired to Action a website dedicated to practically helping moms develop the habits and skills they need to effectively manage their homes and raise children who are prepared to change the world.  Through Inspired to Action's Maximise Your Morning Challenge, I am part of a Twitter accountability group (#HelloMornings) where I tweet each morning to let my group know that I am up.  Women all over the world are tweeting to their groups and getting up to maximise their mornings.  In addition, my husband is a great encouragement, helping me to fight for this time.
• Getting up early starts the night before- I can't go to bed at midnight consistently and expect to be up and functioning the next day.  I plan to go to bed early and I think through what my morning will look like before I go to sleep so that I am ready for the morning. (however as I type this it is 1:30am... I told you, this is a work in progress :)

So what do I do once I am up??

2. First Things First-   The most important part of my day is the time I spend with God.  In the past I would go all day with the intention of having my Quiet time in the evening, just before bed.  I would fall into bed exhausted and quickly offer a prayer or spend 3 minutes reading a devotional book and that was my spiritual fill of the day.  God longs for more than that from us.  We were made to have a relationship with Him, in fact, His is the most important relationship we should have!  Doesn't it make sense then to begin the day in his presence?

What does my time with the Lord look like?  Each day can be different but generally I spend time listening to worship music, praying and  reading the Bible.  I am currently working through the book of Philippians using this plan.

3. Have a Plan- even once I am up, I am not fully awake so having a plan/ routine helps.  I can function on autopilot until I am fully awake.  Know what is for breakfast.  Start a load of laundry.  Put the dishes away from last night.  Get dressed.  Check emails. Having a routine or a rhythm in the morning helps with the flow of the day.


So there you have it!  I still need to build in a consistent exercise routine... that is one of my next goals!

Start strong... get up, get praying, get moving!!  Then you will have what you need to deal with the rest of the day. 

What does your morning look like?  Do you have any tips for me? Leave me  a comment below!