Seize the Day

By Shelley Stockwell-Nicholas, PhD

It dawned on me… and it dawned on you too– this new day.

This very morning sets the tone for your day and, over time, your life. With the right mindset, each and every breath can be as golden and radiant as this golden day. My friend Aimee sings it this way “You are my sunshine, my special sunshine, you make me happy this very day. You always know dear how much I love you so let your sunshine come to stay.”

It’s fun to know that as you awaken, you have a clean slate upon which you write your future. At morning rest, and before you go to sleep, what you say to yourself becomes self-hypnosis and self-fulfilling prophecy. As you begin the morning with joy and love in your heart and mind, it shapes your day and makes life more fun.

1. GRATITUDE. Practicing small acts of gratitude increases resilience, improves mood and wellbeing, increases energy, improves self-confidence and makes life better and better. Take a minute to consider how fortunate you are and then count your blessings.

2. BEGIN ANEW. It’s a brand new day, baby. Today is a brand spankin’ new opportunity to learn, succeed, have an adventure and thrive. Embrace it. Live now; for yesterday is gone and tomorrow isn’t here yet… NOW is here. Live for YOU and then help other to learn to live well for themselves. Be in YOUR moment and make the most of each moment. As you choose to live luscious on this new day, you do the right thing for precious YOU.

3. MOVE. Incorporate some movement or exercise when you awaken. It gets blood and happy juices flowing to awaken body and mind. Movement has momentum to influence your energy levels all day.

4. BE IN THE LIGHT. Get outside. Natural light boosts mood, energy, vitamin D and creates optimal circadian rhythms.

5. SEEK POSITIVE. Read a quote, a joke, an article that inspires and you will set a positive tone for your day which makes your efforts more productive.

6. MORNING ROUTINES RULE! Patterned healthy morning rituals take care of your needs first and help you to take control of the rest of your day. The less decisions you make in the a.m. bring more brain-power for decisions and tasks later on. Brush your teeth, do your ablutions, break fast and enjoy those in your world. Then, schedule your to-do list in priority order. Emails, phone calls, meetings, and chaos remain to be dealt with later… not right off the bat. Be proactive and set aside time to focus on you and your needs first.

IT DAWNED ON ME

BY SHELLEY STOCKWELL-NICHOLAS, PhD

As sun illuminates windowsill

It brings along a special thrill.

Neurons stretch plasticity

Eyes blink so you clearly see

“Thank you angels for this new day

A chance to celebrate what comes my way

The sun winks magic from its source:

“Bless you Dear; just stay your course.”

Local Personality, Shelley Stockwell-Nicholas, PhD is a hypnotherapist, mindfulness and NLP trainer, artist and the author of 25 books. She certifies practitioners through the International Hypnosis Federation. You can call her at 310 541-4844.

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