We made it to Day 5! Are you still hanging in there and making progress?
I have definitely made progress this week… I haven’t had a perfect record this week of getting up at 4:30 a.m. every morning as I’d planned. But I am encouraged by the progress I’ve made.
Last night and this morning, I didn’t do so well, though. But it was for a good reason!
I had a chapter of my book due to turn into my editor by last night. When 9 p.m. rolled around, it still needed some more work. So I stayed up for an extra two hours to finish it.
Gratefully, I knew today was going to be a pretty quiet day with a short to-do list, so I was able to sleep in to make up for my late night last night.
I guess it kind of makes me feel better to confess I got up at 7:15 a.m. this morning when I read today’s email and assignment on Early Rising Isn’t For Everyone. 🙂
I’d also say that early rising is not for every season or every single day. Like last night, when I had a project that needed to be completed, I was good with giving myself grace and just re-arranging my schedule.
That’s life, isn’t it?
Starting My Day Off Well
One thing I’ve tried to make a habit of is starting my day with a few of the same things — no matter what time I get up. These are things that recharge my soul, refresh my spirit, and just plain get me ready to face the day.
For me, that’s writing in my Blessings Journal, reading a few chapters from the Bible, praying for the day (I often pray through my day — all the projects, the opportunities, and the potentially difficult or stressful things.), reading a chapter from my current devotional/inspirational book, and exercising.
It’s amazing how much of a difference it makes when I start my day with these things. If I get up later and don’t have a lot of time in the mornings, I will often just condense the time — maybe only read one chapter, skip the devotional reading, and pray while I’m running on the treadmill.
Taking 30 to 45 minutes every day to start my day in this way has made such a major impact on my life… and helps me start the day with the right focus and perspective.
This Morning’s Report
- Got up at 7:15 a.m.
- Made coffee. Read my Bible and devotional books. Prayed over my day.
- Opened the laptop, answered emails, answered comments, and scheduled some posts. Got sucked into reading something online… and then wished I hadn’t because it was upsetting! 🙁
- Did a quick pick up of the main living areas of the home (I didn’t get this done last night like I usually try to.)
- Started some laundry, and got the kids up and helped them get ready for the morning. There was some whining and complaining going on because some people didn’t want to have eggs again and instead wanted oatmeal or cereal — but our bulk order of oatmeal and cereal hasn’t arrived yet from Amazon, so we had a good opportunity to talk about gratitude and contentment. And I tried to keep my cool when I wanted to be frustrated at the lack of good attitudes so early in the day. I was mostly successful.
- While the kids were finishing up their morning routines, I quickly exercised, showered, and dressed.
- And then it was time to start our day!
Angela says
I am curious what kind of bulk oatmeal you buy from Amazon. I have been considering doing it because we eat tons of oatmeal. How do you store it?
Thanks so much!
Quinn says
Not sure if you have a WinCo grocery store in your area, but you can buy oatmeal in bulk for .62 a lb.
Angela says
Thank you so much for your feedback. I just checked but there are no WinCo’s in our area.
Crystal Paine says
I’d recommend looking at your local bulk foods store or co-op to see what their prices are for buying in bulk. That’s typically going to be less expensive than buying from Amazon, unless you have Swagbucks gift cards to cover your purchase (that’s what I used). If I buy oats from Amazon, I typically go with Bob’s Red Mill. We just store it in airtight plastic or glass containers. You can also store it in the freezer, if you have room.
Dahianna says
I really needed this challenge as my sleep patterns have been erratic at best, and working out practically nonexistent. I have set my alarm for 5am each day and though I haven’t been able to get up exactly at 5, I have been able to sleep, and wake up early enough to go work out. I also noticed that I’m calmer and more loving to my daughter when she wakes up while I’m getting ready for work. I don’t feel rushed while getting ready and still get to work on time. I am also sleepy by 830! I love this challenge and really need it! Thank you!
[email protected] says
I have really been challenged by you this week (in a good way). Although I am typically the first person awake and going in my home each morning, I tend to be very selfish with the time. I think of it as “my time” to do the things I want to do (some good, like devotions…some not so good, like scrolling and scrolling and scrolling through Facebook). Creating more of a routine for “my time” has helped me organize my mornings before the family wakes in a way that affects my entire day. Having laundry started, the floor swept, and breakfast started makes the rest of the day seem so much easier and on track. Thank you for sharing your real life with us!
Crystal Paine says
Yay! I’m so grateful to hear this! Way to go — and thank you for your encouragement!
Heather @ My Mothermode says
I have the breakfast struggle nearly every morning that I require they eat a protein. Somedays, like this one(!), I give up and just let them have cereal or a bread and fruit. I know they need protein to feel their best, but the crying the moment they wake is such a hard way to start the day!
Crystal Paine says
Protein does make such a difference! Now to just get creative to find a way to get them to willingly eat it every morning! 🙂
Sally says
There are so many simple ways to add protein at breakfast in addition to cereal. A few pieces of cheese, a handful of nuts, peanut butter on a banana or on a square of toast, a few spoonfuls of yogurt with a bit of fruit. Most cereal is nutrient fortified and when you add your milk you get a nice amount of protein. I love cereal! Many times I have it in the morning and at night before bed. I’ve loved it since I was a small kid (when I was a picky eater) and am am 57 now. I do not eat cereals or yogurt that has added sugar. My 28 year old son still reminds me how deprived he was because I didn’t give him Trix. 🙂 I add honey and a bit of fruit to my plain yogurt. There are often battles on the home front when raising children. A child wanting cereal for breakfast each morning seems inconsequential compared to bigger battles. My mother often made hot breakfasts for us, but if we chose cereal we could have that. It made me feel good that she honored my choice and later saw her wisdom in deciding not to fight it, especially when there was cereal on hand. Besides, that gave another family member who wanted it more eggs or oatmeal! With all my couponing I always have several boxes on the pantry shelf!
Sonya says
It’s great you were able to rearrange your schedule and get some sleep. If I stay up late I try to sleep a little later if I can to avoid being a major cranky pants due to lack of sleep.
I need to start a gratitude journal. I have some much to be thankful for.
I have enjoyed reading your progress that you have made during the Early Rise Challenge. I forgot to set my alarm the first two days of the challenge. However, the last few days I have gotten up early and got a good start to my day before my kids woke up.
Crystal Paine says
Way to go!
Maria says
Woke up at 4am again today. I like being able to change things around if I need to. My kids asked for scrambled eggs one morning this week, and we easily had the spare time to do those. Things like that are making me glad I’m waking up earlier. My bedtime routine, though, definitely needs retweeking for me to continue to do this.
Crystal Paine says
Yes! Isn’t it amazing what getting up early can do to make your mornings more peaceful?
Kayla says
You mentioned your Blessings Journal in this post and it reminded me that I’d seen a post from you a little while ago about a potential MSM blessings journal that would go up for sale. Is this still happening?? It was so cute, and I would love to have one!
Crystal Paine says
It’s available for sale on Amazon already and we’ll be doing an official launch for it closer to Thanksgiving. 🙂
Kayla says
Oh yay! The official launch will be in perfect timing for my birthday then! 😉
Kim says
I am getting up no problem but I am not to motivated as the morning goes on. I get my kids up and get them ready for school but once they leave it is just me. I get the dishes done n laundry going then I sit down n start watching tv then I realize hours later I should be doing something but not motivated. Any suggestions?
Kayla says
I used to find myself having that same problem too! Neither of my kids are in school, so they’re still home with me all day, but my husband works second shift so he’s home all morning until just after 2pm. Once he leaves, the day settles down a little, and all too often I end up chilling on the couch for much longer than I’d anticipated! So what I started doing is creating an “afternoon plan” for myself, where I make a list of all the things I’d like to accomplish during that slow time. Then once I’ve crossed everything off of my list, I reward myself with some “me” time!
Crystal Paine says
That was such great advice, Kayla. Thanks so much for sharing!
I would just encourage you, Kim, to start with a few things — maybe the top 2-4 things you want to accomplish — and make it a priority to do those things first.
Think of goals you have for yourself and where you’d like to be in a few years from now and then think of some small things you can do every day to help you make some traction toward those things.
Amy R says
My youngest just started school Wednesday, and I have felt so useless. There is so much to do still around the house, but it’s so hard to get motivated to do it when I’m sitting in an empty house. This is a new stage of life (one I’m not loving yet!!). I’m hoping I adjust quickly!
Jennifer says
Starting my day with yoga, even if it’s only 15 minutes, makes me super chill yet energized for the rest of the day.
Crystal Paine says
I love it that you’ve found something that helps you feel so energized!
Ai says
We started homeschool this week, and I made it a priority to start getting up early again because the easier summer months got me too relaxed in my morning routine. Just having that extra hour and a half before the kids wake up to have my devotions, exercise, and do some blogging has been great! Sometimes I’m tempted to just sleep in, but after getting up, I don’t regret it. Thank you for blogging through this challenge as it has given me an extra dose of inspiration to keep going!
Crystal Paine says
I’m so glad that your mornings have been going so well! Way to go!