SILENCE!  This is strongly recommended. Why? It is a purposeful state of being!  I mean no music, no TV in the foreground or background, no earbuds , and no, not even that audio tape talking you through states of blissful bliss - just silence (at least from all those factors you have control over).  It allows your thinking to happen, creativity to drip, flow and then eventually burst through with a calmness that settles deep within.  You take the opportunity to be with only yourself.  Silence is a key element in all of my Morning Beginnings.  Honestly, I don't even turn the music on in my car until after my meditation/prayer and exercise has been done for the day.  And although it didn't feel so "right" at the beginning, it certainly does now.  Be at peace with yourself!

Usually our main goals require the accomplishment of a number of base goals that we would be happy to ignore. They’re BASE and so the reason is obvious! They’re not exciting or glamorous enough! There’s nothing beautiful to look at or show off to family or friends. So, though we don’t want to admit it, our ultimate goals can be rather surface-minded. We seek that “instant” gratification of the “look”, the final product, the happy feelings that come once we achieve THAT goal. We desire an accomplishment that causes a “Wow” response from ourselves but even more from our families and friends. This is natural, so no shame! However, our journey to the “Wow” will be more sure when we strengthen our foundations first.

It’s true! The achievement of increased self-discipline is not so dazzling. It is not immediately acknowledged by others, nor necessarily encouraged, but it IS one of the base essentials needed to achieve those more gratifying results. Of course, what IS acknowledged is that person with the hard, lean body, or the person who is joyful or the person who has suddenly gained success in school or career. The person is praised, and admired. And it is fun and gratifying to receive that praise. I know!! I get that!!

However, no one is there to gush over us during  the PROCESS are they? . That’s the hard part and this is when we could use the most applause and encouragement, right? Here is where we start taking charge of ourselves and actually carry out the work….like going to bed on time, getting the paperwork done, exercising, and eating right. But, count yourself lucky if no one is hanging around with negative and discouraging comments about your new life habits. If there are people like that in your life, no worries! You’re growing strong and more sure as you move ahead, while, at the same moment, the doomers are standing stock still.

You can never give up on yourself! Only in believing in yourself can you then move forward. The first
essential step is to start each day in as purposeful and peaceful a manner as possible. Before your
day starts in full throttle, you need time to be quiet, to think, to reaffirm your intentions for your
general life and for that particular day ahead. Depending on your life responsibilities, this will take
different forms and happen in different places. For me, each day has to be a bit different on how I do
it, and I don't even have a regular job schedule or children to tend and teach. Life is just a
challenge for everyone who chooses to live it. So the main message is stop fretting over the details
and over whether what you do today will sustain throughout the next and future days. Focus on the
moment, focus on the day you are in. With all your life energy (chi) zeroed in on what you are trying
to achieve in the present moment, it will definitely inspire you to do whatever is needed in the future.
So no worries! Stay in your moment.