By Featured Guest: Janice Stanley

How does your day typically start? Do you wake up with optimism, looking forward with anticipation to the day ahead? Or do you hit the snooze button, putting off rolling out of bed until the last possible moment? I would like you to consider that how you begin each morning determines the quality of your day. I’ve created a little action acronym to help develop a new morning routine to start your day with more enthusiasm, encouragement, energy, excitement, and expectations.

N.O.T.I.C.E.

N: Be NICE.

(To yourself) Practicing self-compassion is the first step. There is no such thing as perfect. When you are starting a new routine, there will be days you fall off the wagon. Allow yourself to fail. Start over as many times as you need. If you oversleep, overeat, overindulge…forgive yourself and begin again. It’s OK, every day is a new beginning.

O: Be OUTSIDE.

A big part of staying well is getting out in nature everyday. As weird as it may sound, it’s healthy to stand barefoot in the grass, hug a tree, forest bathe (Shinrin-yoku), deep breathe the fresh air, feel the sunshine on your skin, listen to the birds…go ahead and let your inner hippie out to play a little each day. Also remember “There is no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing.” Alfred Wainwright

T: Be THANKFUL. 

You’ve probably heard this advice before - develop an attitude of gratitude. Make a list of all that you have been given - little things, big things, even the challenges. Some things are easy to list - family, health, home. Try to list 3 things every morning (and every evening) with no repetitions. Start right now. You woke up and opened your eyes today. Each moment is a gift. 

I: Be INTERESTED. 

Instead of always making statements, get in the habit of asking more questions. The practice of Appreciative Inquiry focuses on what's already working in your life, your relationships, your job, or in any situation. It teaches you "to approach a situation with a new perspective that considers all possible aspects with a positive, strengths-based focus." - PositivePsychologyProgram.com

C: Be COURAGEOUS.

Maybe you've heard the mantra, Life begins at the end of your comfort zone. Eleanor Roosevelt said, "Do one thing everyday that scares you." It's true that as we get older, our comfort zone tends to get smaller. But we don't have to let it. Expand that circle by pushing back against your perceived limits. Get comfortable being uncomfortable. 

E: Be EARLY. 

By setting your clock ahead just 10 minutes earlier than your usual wake up time, you can create and integrate a morning ritual which will jump start your day and set you off on the right foot. If hitting the snooze button is a habit, move your alarm across the room. Prepare the night before by having everything you need laid out, then set an intention that you will awake refreshed and ready to begin at the designated hour. Your routine can include meditation, exercise, reading, journaling, prayer, or just deep breathing.  Soon you'll probably find you love your new-found quiet time so much, you're ready to wake up even earlier. 

Louise Hay said, “How you start your day is how you’re going to live your day and how you live your day is the way you live your life.” My wish is that you are inspired by the acronym N.O.T.I.C.E. to make this change on your morning routine. Begin tomorrow and make it a great day!

Featured Author: Janice Stanley

I am excited to feature this post by Janice Stanley!

She is (in no particular order) an artist, photographer, teacher, writer, speaker, Realtor (R), encourager, traveler, yogi, coach and mom of 4 and an overall fantastic person. She lives in Ohio with her husband, Chris, where they divide their time between helping people buy and sell houses as The Stanley Team and spending time playing outside in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

Check out her beautiful daily IG photos: Instagram.com/janicestanley