The morning......what's good about it??

In answer to the title of this post, I was inclined to write (in all caps- indicating my scream):  "NOTHING!!!"
But that's not exactly going to get this post moving in the positive direction I'm aiming it in......
Ahem....folks, I am NOT a morning person.
I am very much the girl who sets the alarm and falls asleep with the best intention to hear it in the morning-- and spring up and out of bed in rise-and-shine glory to greet the birds and the sunshine and welcome a glorious new day.....(insert singing princesses here.)

Wait. Rewind. I did say intention.

When my alarm goes off, it's still dark and even the birds aren't up. (They know that it's surely not time yet.....)  And I don't even roll over- much less spring up and out of bed. I just smack at my buzzing phone until it goes quiet for 9 more minutes. And I do that about 6 times before finally stumbling to the bathroom feeling around for the light switch, grumbling at myself for not allowing more time to get ready.
This has got to stop......

I know that there are wonderful things about the morning-- small things to be found and cherished, and I am determined to figure out what they are and to include them in my routine.
(There's a concept! ROUTINE!!!)

But........how?
Ahhh....trustly old Google.
Here are just a few ideas that I found and will start to use:

• Go to sleep with the curtains open or blinds up so that the light will naturally help you awaken in the morning. (this won't work in winter for us early-risers, but I still think it's a good one)
• Get up earlier.  HA! ha ha........No really. I think that there is something to be said for this one. I have tried, and failed at this. I set the alarm earlier- but that just means I hit snooze a few more times. In my mind, I have a time that I know I need to be up by, in order to get everyone in my family where they need to go for the day. But getting up to allow the minimum time it takes creates a sense of urgency and doesn't allow for things like feeling the water on my back in the shower for a few more minutes, or even for sitting down while having my cup of coffee. Getting up just one half hour earlier will help the morning feel more relaxed.  It allows for small extras, like reading an interesting article,  or gazing at the neighborhood for a few minutes out the window. Getting up earlier helps us experience the morning rather than rush through it.
• Go to bed earlier. (What? There already isn't enough time in the day to get things done!!)  Yes, going to bed earlier may take a bit of time from your day, but remember, we just added some time to the morning! Going to bed sooner will help us get up in the morning. Plus, when we have the amount of sleep we really need, our energy will be higher all day long, and can help us do more and feel better. Going to bed earlier may help you be more productive.
• Eliminate decisions. I for one, love this idea.  I'm good for nothing in the morning. I'm lucky to match my socks, and I never feel like making breakfast, so often I skip it. (I know--not a good choice) So having things set up the night before is pretty genius. We've heard it before. My mom has probably said it a million times in my lifetime, and I'm going to say it again. Get ready the night before. Choose your outfit, plan breakfast and your coffee or tea, have your towel and hygiene supplies ready to go. This way the morning can fall into place with less effort. (And you won't realize that you're out of milk after you've already poured the cereal.)
• Add music. Music helps to promote thinking and creativity. Listening to what you enjoy at the start can ground you and prepare you for a positive day. Queue Bedouin Soundclash: "heeeyy heyy-ey eyyy! A beauuuuuutiful day!" (you're lucky you can't hear me singing this right now. Great morning song though!)
• Eat breakfast. First of all, breakfast is delicious. That's enough for me. But studies show that eating a healthy breakfast improves mood through out the day, allows for higher levels of thinking, and ironically, keeps our weight down. Check out some healthy breakfast ideas on the internet-- your morning meal should be one that is not only healthy, but enjoyable and a positive start to your day.

OK, now that I plan to embrace this 'morning' thing with a better attitude, let's answer the title question again.......

What's good about morning? 
The start of a new day.
The opportunity to be the best person I can be today.
The gift of life wrapped up and given all over again.....

What's good about  your morning?

-Jennifer