by Krysta Gibson

 Your day starts the second you wake up. Before you get out of bed, allow yourself to become conscious of yourself. Feel yourself lying in the bed. Be aware of your body connecting with the bed and the sheets. Pay attention to your breathing and allow yourself to stretch. Really feel yourself returning to your everyday consciousness. 

Before you get up, start saying “Thank you.” 

“Thank you for the night I just had, for the sleep I enjoyed, for my dreams. Thank you that I had this bed to sleep in, my partner (or spouse or dog or teddy bear) to lie next to. Thank you for my ability to breathe, to think, and to feel. Thank you for this brand new day. I dedicate it to living the best way I know how and I ask for help and support in doing this.”

State your primary intention for the day. 

Now get up with a smile on your face and begin your day.

Some people have difficulty sleeping, have bad dreams, or are in pain. Others sleep alone. Others know they will be facing a difficult day or have huge ongoing problems to deal with, things such as being out of work or going through a divorce. No matter what your situation is, beginning your day by being grateful for everything in your life is the groundwork of having a joyful day. 

If you can’t be grateful for the things mentioned above, make your own list. The point is to begin the day in a positive and grateful spirit rather than to immediately begin naming all your problems or feeling overwhelmed by what lies ahead of you.