Every morning I make my bed.
One of those habits my mother drilled into me as a kid.
Basically, couldn’t leave my room in the morning until my bed was made. Oh, it used to frustrate me because I was ready to start my day- to run down the hall chatting endlessly about the excitement of my adolescent life. No time for bed making! There were friends to call!
Today, I am so grateful for that habit.
No matter how chaotic life (or my apartment) gets, I can always look into my bedroom and find a beautifully made bed. Neat. Overrun with pretty pillows. Probably a cat or two napping in the center. In that moment, I breathe easier. The chaos around me finds a little order.
The result of that five-minute exercise in the morning is at least ten-fold.
Chances are I am willing to take one more action, inspired by that neatness and order. Straighten a pile. Put away some laundry (why is there always laundry?). Make a phone call I have been avoiding. Start on a project I have continued to push aside. Plus, let’s be honest- I am a lot less likely to crawl back into bed if it is made!
One positive action. One esteemable act. One step forward encourages another and another.
Perhaps, the best feeling of all is after a hard-fought day, I pull back the beautiful comforter of my pristine bed and crawl in. It is inviting me in, rather than screaming, “Look what a mess things are”. Bookending my day with some sense order — no matter what madness might happen in the middle. I close my eyes and start again tomorrow.
I do the same thing! I always start the day feeling like I accomplished something. Glad to know I’m not alone.
two peas in a pod- about to put new sheets on the bed that I received from Santa. flannel sheets!
Yes! That is the key. A few, simple, habitual behaviors. It makes a huge difference. Shifts the mindset. Sets the tone. Reminds self that our environments really do affects us … BIG time!
Love you Joan! Happy New Year!