“Why on earth are you doing that?,”
a friend jokingly asked when I mentioned this week I was changing my wake up time to a half-hour earlier.
Today is the fourth day I’ve done so. The second day was a struggle. Yesterday was a little bit better, and today was even easier.
I find it interesting how difficult it can be to break out of my normal routine and do something different. I am such a creature of habit! Even though it hits me around 4:30 in the afternoon (and I then could really use a nap), I am beginning to enjoy this change. I know, experts say it takes twenty-one days to break a habit, but I’m already seeing the benefits of getting up earlier.
I used to be an early riser. I mean early. There were days my alarm would go off at 4:30am. I would have some precious hours in my office before anyone else would be awake. I loved it.
But I couldn’t keep that routine with my former job. It was just too demanding. I needed all the sleep I could possibly get back then.
Now, however, my routine is much more relaxed. Only working part-time, and with much less stress, as long as I get about seven hours of sleep each night, I find I’m able to bound out of bed at 5:30am. At least I’ve been able to do so this week!
So, to answer the question, “Why on earth am I doing this?,” I guess it’s for three reasons…
1) This gives me extra time to write. I’ve accepted a 500 words challenge where I write a minimum of 500 words each day for a month. Today is day five of that challenge. Writing brings me joy, and it’s in writing where God often speaks to me through the chaos of life.
2) This gives me extra quiet time with God. Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) is starting in a couple weeks, and I want to be in a dedicated time-to-study-God’s-Word routine each day before it begins.
3) I feel more prepared for my day. I can either exercise or relax with my coffee. I’m not rushed.
I tweeted about this change in my routine a few days ago, and received some encouraging responses. Others had been wanting to do something like this too. You know? Sometimes it just takes a little encouragement from someone else to begin something new or start a new routine.
I pray this may be that encouragement for you.
If you’re feeling prompted to change something, take one step towards changing it. Just one step. I remember Mary Kay Ash used to say, “How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.” For me, it’s one day at a time.
I’ve decided also, if there’s a day I just can’t get out of bed at 5:30, it’s okay. I won’t beat myself up about it. I’m giving myself some grace. I’ll just pick back up the next day. It’s progress… it doesn’t have to be perfect progress to make a difference.
Start where you are. Any progress is progress. Be accountable to someone. (I’m choosing to be accountable to you, if that’s okay.) Celebrate your victories. One step at a time.
You can do this!
Believing in you,
Julie
Ha! Your topic today is my topic of life today! Obviously this is God’s way of telling me to keep on keeping on with trying to change! 🙂
Margaret, change doesn’t come easy, that’s for sure. I’m struggling staying awake this afternoon!! God equips us to make the changes He wants us to make. Keep on keeping on, friend! You’re making progress by trying!
I just LOVE reading your blogs…..they are so encouraging (prayer answered) :).
Virginia, thank you. You always seem to encourage me right when I need it. I appreciate it (and you) more than you know! So glad we’re neighbors!
Your commitment to write every day is inspiring, Julie. Love your message and your text image. I needed this encouragement to change some things now that summer is over and a more steady schedule awaits. Thanks for always bringing a smile to my day.
Sabra, YOU always bring a smile to MY day! Thank you! I’m thankful God equips us when He prompts us to make a change. I needed this one. Getting back to exercising every day is the next one I will be making. I’ll be praying for you as you make the changes you desire, friend. Hope you’re having a great week!