Morning Meditation and Prayer

Probably the busiest time of my life was when my four children were younger and I was working. Mornings weren’t calm, they were chaotic, getting my children off to school on time, making breakfasts and lunches, last minute signing homework, it seemed like I was always running to the bus stop or school with something someone forgot. Those were very hectic mornings. I will give Brittany credit here as it was mostly her three brothers that were needier. Regardless, I drank cold coffee and always took care of my own needs last.

Fast forward to the present whereas now I get to enjoy my peaceful quiet mornings with a cup of hot coffee. I like waking up early and start my day with reflection. I’m a spiritual Christian and the first thing I do most every day is having my first conversation with God. There is no doubt in my mind that this is what keeps me centered and allows me to control how I react to life’s so-called bumps in the road.

Developing a morning habit that starts your day with gratitude can be life changing.

I have a few different daily devotion books that I read, and they help me to reflect on what is important. I know its not always easy as there are days when I can’t start out my day quietly as things do come up unexpectedly, but most days I do enjoy my quiet time.

Worrying is a difficult habit to break and it only magnifies your problems and makes them seem larger. Keeping focused on the positive in your life builds confidence and makes you stronger when diversities do come up. In the hustle and bustle of life we may not always recognize our blessings and that is why it’s important to slow things down. Nature plays a huge part in getting me to appreciate what goodness I am surrounded with. Whether I’m at home looking out my window, or in Naples, walking the beach or along the mangroves, the simplicity and beauty of nature replenishes me with gratitude. We all have a story, we all have our ups and downs but learning to control how we react and respond is the key. Getting yourself into a daily habit of quiet reflection builds your stamina, thus giving you strength when problems arise.

Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness. Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self Control.

Author Max Lucado in the book Grace for the Moment writes about Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness. Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self Control.

Working these traits into your personality without a doubt will change your outlook on life. I find myself saying these nine words very often. I recite them during times when my patience is running thin and I’m about to say something I might regret, I say them when I want to feel encouraged and not let a situation get the best of me. Chanting these nine words will calm my anxiety by bringing me back to a peaceful calmer state of mind.

Utilizing and incorporating them into your daily life will change your state of wellbeing. Embrace them, it’s like having a Secret Super Power and isn’t that what we all think we need at times?