Good Morning!

Studies have shown that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. It affects our energy level, metabolism, focus ability, and health. Undoubtedly the first fuel of the day for the body is very important. Equally important is the first emotional fuel for the mind.Imagine this scene with me:

The alarm goes off, and you struggle to get out of bed on time as the electronic beeping pierces your eardrum. Your first thought is, “When is daylight savings?” How you would love the extra hour. Remembering daylight savings happened last weekend, you sigh, stumble to your feet, and head toward the shower.

After showering and dressing you go downstairs to find your family at the breakfast table. “Good morning,” you say as enthusiastically as possible at 6:00 a.m.. You are greeted with a few moments of silence, then a half-hearted “hello” before everyone returns to his or her breakfast bowls and conversation. You grab a cup of coffee and a muffin to have on your way to work.

While driving to work your cell phone rings. It is one of your closest friends. After a cursory hello, she breaks into an auctioneer ramble. “I’m really in a jam. My babysitter called, and she is sick. Can you watch my kids tonight for thirty minutes while I run and pick up Jacob’s present?” Always there for one another, you tell her you would be happy to watch the kids, before hanging up the phone.

You get to work and find someone in your designated parking place. Frustrated, your “okay mood” is drastically deteriorating. You park near the back of the lot only to step into a wad of gum as you get out of the car. “UGH”, you think, “it’s going to be one of those days.”

You shuffle into the office, passing the receptionist. Normally she welcomes you with a cheerful greeting, but today she is busy taking notes while talking on the phone and doesn’t offer so much as a nod. You sigh again and plod to the meeting room.

Any idea what is missing in this scene?

Two simple words: GOOD MORNING (backed by sincerity and enthusiasm). The first thirty to sixty minutes of our day set the tone for the hours to come. Your emotional fuel in the morning has a dramatic impact on how the day flows and unfolds.

Have you noticed that people who complain about bills and debt seem to get further into debt?

Have you noticed that people who complain and are negative tend to have more negative things happen than their non-complaining counterparts?

Have you ever noticed that people who have seemingly boundless energy and optimism have something new and wonderful to report almost every time you visit?

Have you noticed that people who frequently complain or degrade themselves about their weight tend to fail in weight loss endeavors?

Are you detecting a trend? Good. Let’s transfer this trend to Good Morning.

I want you to stop for a moment and visualize the last thirty days. How did your mornings start? What was happening during the first hour after you awoke?

I am not psychic, but I am going to go out on a limb and make a few predictions:

If you began most of your days thinking negatively (life is too stressful; I am overwhelmed; I have too much to do), I would predict that your month has been stressful, you feel overwhelmed, and you haven’t gotten much done.

If you began most of your days thinking very positively (something great will happen today; I like myself; I am so grateful that I have food and/or shelter and/or health), I would predict that your days, for the most part, were content and fulfilling, and you had unexpected moments of joy.

If you began your days somewhere in the middle of the two examples above (or just on autopilot), I would venture to say that your month probably looked a lot like the month before-no significant change, certainly not for the better.

Eleanor Roosevelt said, “Whether you think you can or think you can’t, you’re right.” Many women know they deserve more, they know we can have a richer, fuller life-they just need a path to follow. A since Good Morning is path’s starting point.

Thousands of women have confirmed the value of starting their day with the simple statement, “Something great is going to happen today, I can’t wait to see what it is!” Children have joined their mothers in saying “Good Morning,” and husbands have too. One boy painted “Something great is going to happen today,” on the side of his float for a local parade. Workplaces post my daily Good Morning newsletter where all employees can see it each day. This affirmation, coupled with a few minutes of positive intention, can quickly change the tone of a day, a week, a month, a life.

Life might happen on its own, but we are the ones who steer our hearts and minds. If you don’t actively steer, don’t act surprised when you wind up somewhere you don’t want to be. Let today be the last day you live on autopilot. It’s time to take the wheel.

Tomorrow when you wake up, do not jump into a crazy pace. Take the time for the crucial step of saying hello to yourself. Before even getting out of bed, take a few deep breaths, and say “Good morning.” Focus on your day ahead, and imagine moving through it effortlessly. While getting dressed, develop curiosity about the day. Try saying, “I know something great will happen today…I can’t wait to see what it is.” It might be awkward at first, but stick with it. Create reminders on blank index cards and put them by your alarm clock or mirror to reinforce this new practice. Apply the “Your Turn” to your life. Write the affirmation in a journal or in your planner.

Days, homes, and work environments have been transformed through Good Mornings. Let your positive transformation begin tomorrow morning.