As often as not, my fitness band quizzes me in the morning. How do you feel? Are you tired? Sore? Stressed?
Given that I want the truth and good advice, I am highly motivated to be bluntly honest. The process has brought a new level of self-awareness to how I start my mornings. If you had asked me pre-Whoop (brand of fitness band), I would have given you a glossy, hope filled indication of how I start every morning. Since I have been answering the question for several months, I realize that I do not start every morning on an upbeat, positive, and hope filled seat.
Life is leading me through a time of self-discovery. Renewed learnings include the following.
Sleep and recovery make a difference. When I start the day with 10-11% recovery, I am not in a good place! In addition to exercise, diet, and hydration, a key determinant of the day to come starts with the dark night before. The greater the darkness, the better one experiences the light when it comes. It will come. In the valley of doubts, fears, and uncertainties, light will come with an opportunity to embrace hope and the possible.
Divinity will be there. In the valley that the night often becomes, it can seem as if Hope, Love, and divinity in all her forms have gone on a walk about. My experience reminds me to “thank God – he’s so good. His love never quits!” (Psalm 118.29)
Every day can and should be different. The first time my fitness band recommended that I should not exercise but consider taking a nap, I was enthralled. I have come to appreciate the value of seasons and timing. There is a time to listen as well as to talk. There is a time to recover as well as to push the limits on fitness.
In the awareness of the opportunity the dawn brings, what will I choose? It is in intentional actions that one discovers the heart of living. Living with purpose and awareness is an opportunity available to everyone.
