She lost me at 5:30 a.m., but I am so glad you asked about my daily routine.

I recently read a post by a blogger who was extolling the benefits of a daily routine, how it simplifies her life, makes it more meaningful, etc. and so forth.  She started out with "I get up at 5:30 every morning."  And right there she lost me.

5:30 every morning?  Um, night owl me?  Not likely!  I  had a paper route with my youngest son for about two weeks.  I actually got sick from getting up so early. Of course, that may have had to do with going to bed late, but regardless, you are not going to find me consistently getting up at 5:30 a.m.

However, one of my sweet followers, who also happens to be my daughter-in-law (Hi Helen!) asked about my daily routine, so that post is getting bounced to the top of my list.  I did get some ideas from the blogger, (I think it was Courtney Carver), but with my own twist.

1. I get up when I wake up. I don't currently have a job so I can get away with this. I head for the bathroom first thing--that's usually what gets me out of bed!

Not my actual bed!

2. Open the room-darkening curtains so they let light in. 

3. Make the bed. I got into that habit years ago. Having the bed made early on sets the tone for the whole day. It leaves me feeling committed to staying out of it, and refreshed by the tidy look of the room.

4. Wash my face with cold water. It wakes me up more, and helps clear my bleary eyes. Get dressed. 

5. Kneel next to my nicely-made bed and talk to my Heavenly Father.

6. Dress in workout clothes. Exercise, Shower. Dress.

7. Breakfast (and I usually sneak in a crossword puzzle here, since, like I said, I don't have a job to hurry off to. Of course, that's going to have to change one of these days, but for now I like the break.)

8. Write in my journal about the day before.  It doesn't have to  be long, but sometimes it is. It clears my thoughts and opens my heart and mind for the next activity, which is actually one of the most important.  I save it for almost last because I focus best  when I'm awake and have eaten.

  9.  Read my scriptures, and church lessons. Spend time                  pondering, sometimes writing or answering questions from              the study guides.  If I start losing focus, I call it quits for the day.

10. Now I'm almost ready for the rest of my day, but I sit and write a blog post before I go on Facebook or check e-mail. That's why I have been more consistent lately. It gives me a  place to vent my random thoughts about fitness and health  issues, but more importantly, it gives me accountability in a way.

Now I know that's a lot of steps, and it can take two-three hours, and not everyone has that kind of time, or wants to do that many things.  At first it took me a lot longer and used up all my energy, but gradually I am getting faster, and instead of feeling that I've used up my allotment for the day, I go off and find something interesting to do, like hang pictures, shop for paint, recover a chair, balance a bank statement, and oh yeah, look for job leads.  If I get tired I take a (puzzle) break or sit and read a book for a while so my body can get a rest.

Quickly transforming through a daily routine.