CJ’s Morning Routine
(422 words, 2 minute read)
Sharing my morning routine in case it inspires you start your own.
When I “open” up the office in the morning, the first thing I do is sit in a comfy chair with a cup of tea, the dog by my side, and write in my journal. I started this practice while reading “The Artist’s Way” by Julia Cameron. She specifically writes that you need to write three pages freely; most of the time, that doesn’t happen. Her philosophy is that it takes at least three pages of writing to get to the root of what is bugging you. I am an overachiever. I can get to it in a paragraph.
Anywho, each day’s entry starts by listing the “Pick of the Day” from yesterday. I list an accomplishment, an interaction, a food…basically anything that sparked a good feeling. Then I free-write about whatever I want or need to get out of my head. It could be a paragraph, a page, or several pages. Unlike Cameron, I don’t feel compelled to write as much as she prescribes, and I don't feel guilty about it.
When I feel done, I write down answers to the following three questions:
What does little Chris want to do today? I have come to realize that the eight-year-old in me was wiser than I am now. Most eight-year-olds are. That version of myself wants to play and explore. She wants to experience new things. I think it is good to remember the little person who always lives inside of us, no matter how old we are.
Something not to give a f**k about? Ah, so many things not to waste my time thinking about, especially if I can’t control it. And, let’s face it, we really can’t control much in life. It reminds me that other people are other people, and I am myself. To make progress, I have to set aside all the outside chatter.
What one power action will I accomplish today? Baby steps matter. It should be tattooed on my hands so I can always see this tiny bit of advice. I get distracted like anyone else, but if I claim one action per day and do it...I have the opportunity to feel satisfied with my progress.
Then I close the book and get to work.
###
If you are interested in where I adopted and adapted this morning practice, here are the three sources.
The Artist’s Way – Julia Cameron
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck – Mark Manson
Guided Meditations – Justin Michael Williams
