Wake Up In A Good Mood

Every day is a gift, but some sure don’t seem like it, do they?

I often suggest to my clients that they use this higher goal to help them achieve a happier life: “Wake Up In A Good Mood”.

Now in order to achieve that, you’ll have to get personal. My waking up in a good mood will be different from yours. For example, one client decided that she needed to purchase two things. And no, going on a shopping trip is not what I generally had in mind, but if you have a broken alarm clock that continually makes you late, then yes, DO IT! nn(Oh, you want to know what she bought? A coffee maker that starts the coffee automatically, and a thermostat that raises the temperature for those cold cold mornings.)

But that’s about her; what about you? What do you need? What if you made that your filter for all your decisions today “Wake Up In A Good Mood Tomorrow”.

Maybe these tips can help.

1. Morning Routines.
Oh, yes, you have one, it’s just whether it’s working or not. As mentioned earlier, decide what you need for those so important first minutes of your day. Some people need time to chat, read the paper, ‘putter’ as my mom used to call it. Others can be out of the house in 15 minutes. What do you need (to buy, to ask for, to put into place) to help you wake up feeling good?

2. Stick to the present.
I find that it’s all too common for people to be running around trying to clean up the leftovers from last week, last month. Get yourself into the present. Commit to doing your daily work completely, fully each day. As minutes or pockets of time present themselves, take care of something that’s hanging over your head. But don’t sacrifice the present to do it. If you want to wake up in a good mood, it’s important that you’re facing the front, not looking over your shoulder. (If your present is *too* full for you to keep up with, then that’s a bigger challenge that must be handled first.)

3. Life is fluid.
Listen up -- it’s not that opportunity doesn’t come your way, it’s that you’re not in a position to take advantage of it! I know, that sounds mean doesn’t it, and it gives me a headache too. But the reality is this: The only way you’ll ever be able to take advantage of the good things that come your way is to be ready. That means you’ll need to have some reserves backing you up. When the interest rates hit an all time low, were you in a position to buy if you chose to? Could you accept a great job, or Mr/Mrs. Right into your life right now? Reserves give you freedom to make choices, and when you wake up knowing you’re in the driver’s seat, it’s a whole lot easier to be in a good mood. Get prepared!

4. Accept yourself, warts and all.
A happy life is being able to accept that you aren’t perfect, and “they” aren’t perfect, and taking responsibility for how it affects those around you. “This is my problem, and this is how I’m handling it.” If you’re messy, accept that, and do what it takes to control its impact on other people. Understand that others have problems too, they aren’t perfect either. Help each other take responsibility for their own challenges as you do your own. They will be encouraged by you.

5. Be your own friend.
I know, how many times have you heard this by now? And you’re still not doing it, are you? Ask yourself how you’d treat a good friend if she was at your house this evening? Determine to treat yourself like you are someone you *like* and want to take care of. Get enough sleep, eat in moderation, love yourself, and be kind to yourself. A good mood will be your reward.

Waking up in a good mood has everything to do with you, and your choices. If you think the world is a bad place, that’s what you will see. Every day you create your life, minute by minute, thought by thought, action by action. If you eat candy all day, you’ll be sick. If you put bad thoughts into your mind all day you’ll be sick.

Feed your mind good “food”. Feed your heart, your spirit. Look for the little things that you need to help you rise each morning feeling happier, more satisfied, and more efficient. And waking up in a good mood will be a breezen