I am not sure why I have waited to write, except in my mind I feel like I need the perfect topic to share. That’s crap. The fact is, there is no such thing as a perfect topic, just our own thoughts on what works for us. I have lots of ideas written down of what I want to chat about, and I will get to those at some point, but right now I am going to share what I started at the beginning (ok, almost at the beginning) of this year. Journaling. No, not just my gratitude journal that I’ve done every night since starting early last year, but really getting some early morning thoughts out there as well. So, what am I doing that has inspired me and kept me still at it a few weeks later? Let me tell you!

Two things happened…one of my best gal pals gave me Hoda Kotb’s book for Christmas, I Really Needed This Today, and I finally started my Rachel Hollis Start Today journal. I can’t believe how much I look forward to these two things in the morning! I used to get up at 5:30 to go to the gym every day when I lived in Steamboat Springs, CO years ago, and though I have fallen out of the gym habit (that’s next!), it’s been great to be up at 5:30 again and kick-start my day in such a positive and impactful way. Each morning I wake up and after taking my Peak Performance Total vitamins, making my Happy Coffee (can’t live without it!), and getting my gorgeous girl Segen’s day started, I take a seat in my big chair and journal. First, I read Hoda’s quote for the day and use whatever spare space there is in the book to write my own thoughts on how that particular quote impacts me or makes me feel. It’s not just writing it down, but thinking about what change I want to bring in myself or what I think I am doing right and should do more often. Next, I pick up my Start Today journal and write the five things I’m grateful for that morning, then my goals as if I’ve already achieved them for the year. From that list I take one goal and make it my priority, my main focus. If you’ve ever read Rachel Hollis’s books, or listened to her podcast, you will know exactly what I’m talking about! It’s a great idea and something she has done for years, write them down like you’ve already accomplished the goal so it becomes your reality. Of course, it’s only January 13th and I want to see the goals crossed off and done, but hey, I have 350+ days to go!

I know I am God’s child and always a work in progress. There are so many things on my “list” that I want to accomplish, to improve, and to forgive myself for. I recognize that none of this will happen overnight, but by writing it down it will help me see that tangible progress we all crave, that not-so-instant gratification as I step into the roaring 20’s of this century.

How are you starting your day? Do you journal, and if so, what’s your favorite resource or tool? I love new ideas and look forward to hearing all about your journey. Happy Monday, and cheers to a New Year of great things ahead!

~Stephanie, Little Miss Dynamite . 🧨