Ok, so whilst I was away a lot happened, and I want to start sharing my journey with you. Initially, I went away to get some clarity and direction for GNS (GoodNatured Skincare), only to stumble across self-improvement. Now, your girl’s in her ‘self-development era’ and I love it here.

What had happened was…

In January/February last year I met one Miss Louisa, another mum at my sons’ school, I somehow inserted myself into her daily walks and we got to talking. Turns out, we both liked exercise and plants, we both had boys the same age and we are both West African and we both wanted more out of life. It was a match made in heaven. One day, in typical mum fashion, I complained about not having enough time in the day, I was always tired, always busy, and always chasing my tail though I saw little progress. I was frustrated.

Louisa’s response was that she couldn’t relate, and that she had full control of her time and she was seeing the fruits of her efforts. So, she didn’t say it like that, she is very nice, and her delivery was much gentler, but the message was loud and clear.  How was she able to do all the things she was doing in the same 24hrs? For a while, I was sure she was a time wizard, but let’s move on from that.

The ‘Morning Bliss’ Routine

Louisa explained that it was all down to her morning routine, that the start of her day shaped her day and enabled her to gain control of her life. It consisted of waking up at 5am, spending the first 20 minutes with God, then 20 minutes reading, and then 20 minutes exercising. This simple routine allowed her to start the day on a positive note, allowed her to expand her mind and get her blood pumping. Then, she would start on whatever project she was working on until her son woke up. She explained that this wasn’t her concept, but one that she had learnt and adapted from some of the books she had read. We call it the Morning Bliss routine as it sets us up for a great morning and an even better day.

Adding Exercise to My Morning Bliss

I was convinced! I tried it, loved it and was hooked! Over the months I have tweaked and refined the routine to better suit my physical, mental and spiritual needs. I have included physical exercise in the mornings. I’ve experimented with yoga, mobility exercises, Qigong and basic stretching. I have found 4 videos that I like best and that, my physical needs. I especially like being challenged. to be challenged but you may want a different pace and want a different outcome but here are my current favourites.

Pilates for beginners – Isa Welly

Mobility – Julia Reppel

Qigong – QiYoga with LuChin

Plus Size Beginners Yoga – Jessamyn Stanley

Daily stretching – Emi Wong

Books on Morning Routines and Time Management

The 5am Club by Robin Shama (the one that inspired Louisa).

I have since discovered The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod which is said to be the prequel to the 5AM Club.

If you are not convinced you have time for anything else, I highly recommend you read 168 Hours by Laura Vanderkam. She highlights areas in which we waste our time and helps us replace them with intentional activity.

Results of the Morning Bliss Routine

Three months later and I cannot remember life before the routine. I look and feel better than I have in a long time. It allows me to start my day with intention, and purpose, prioritising self-care, spending time with God and expanding my knowledge. It really is so peaceful in the morning that I am driven into action just by the silence and ability to move around and think without interruption. After all that, it also carves out time for me to pursue my passions which is more than I can ask in a routine. As I said before, I highly recommend you try it for at least a month and dare you to not love it as much as I do.

That’s all from me from this week, I hope this post helps you find more wellness and balance in your life.

All links are included, but if you want more information, please reach out.

Until next week… Be good to yourself.

Mazel

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