DSTSS - rise and shine

80. Become an early riser

One of the things I have, but never really appreciated or understood fully is the importance of having purpose.  I have purpose. I have a reason to get up everyday and do the things I do, to feel like I am living my life to the fullest. My purpose isn't about just going to work each day, it's about the things I do that define my essence - my creative pursuits are up there, as are my health and wellbeing activities which are in flow. I am so lucky that I have ME time, as my lifestyle at present is such that I don't have any other people who rely on me fully in my day to day home life. I can use my time as I please.

As I went through my journey of exploring life without alcohol, one of the takeaways was about having a different kind of Happy Hour - an hour a day just for yourself to enhance your own life. Let's face it, so often we put ourselves last, when we should be putting ourselves first.  Our value and worth is as important as everyone elses. As one of the smartest men i know says, you need to put your oxygen mask on first before helping others and how many of us do that in our day to day lives.  We so often take care of everyone else's needs before our own. 

I'm not fixated on having my happy hour because i can make it to suit me - can you imagine me being a clock watcher? But I see the value in getting up with the birds to make the most of the peace and quiet, even if it's just to have a cup of tea, enjoy the sunrise and ease yourself into the day.  Even better if you can use this time to work towards the goals that you are passionate about. So the concept of being an early riser makes total sense if you really want to achieve things that may not be easy at other times. You could add 6 hours of "you" time a week, when you kick off your day this way and you might be able to give yourself a little sleep in on day 7 after granting yourself one happy hour a day. Imagine how awesome you will feel knowing that you have done something just for you.....

I was up early last week and made a bunch of fun balloon flowers to take to work. It was unplanned, and it was something that gave joy to others while giving joy to me. That was part of a happy hour.

Note to self: Don't look at getting up early as having lack of sleep, look at it as a time to enjoy things that may not normally be possible because of all the other stuff that has to get done. Use it for you and be damn selfish about.  Who knows what may unfold by giving yourself this gift. Your fulfillment will show and people may thank you for it as you find your life/life balance.