How do you greet the day?

The way you wake up can set the stage for your entire day.

Do you groan when your alarm does off, hit the snooze button several times, and curse the fact you have to get up? Do you then rush around like crazy, stressed out as you try to get the kids off to school and/or yourself ready for work? Do you moan and groan about aches and pains and search for new wrinkles in the mirror? Do you growl at everyone until you get your second cup of coffee?

How can you expect the day to go well if it starts off like that?

Try this. Set your alarm for ten minutes earlier than usual. Or train yourself to wake up without an alarm. (I never use my alarm clock unless I have an early plane to catch.) Jump right out of bed. Take some deep, cleansing breaths to wake yourself up, and put a smile on your face.

As you shower or put the coffee on to brew, tell yourself over and over that you're going to have a fanstasic day. Smile at yourself in the mirror. Say, out loud, "I feel fantastic! Since you have a few extra minutes, you don't have to rush. Sit down and have a relaxed breakfast. If you commute, you don't have to curse the traffic. Listen to some upbeat music. Talk with others about what everyone wants to accomplish that day.

You will be amazed how much more pleasant your mornings will be--and how it sets the tone for a happy, productive day.

Cheerfully,
Kara