Walk with me!

I am not exactly a morning person, especially since I've decided to cut back on coffee. This wise decision; as I keep reminding myself it is, was reluctantly added to the "Healthy Me" list. I'm down from the usual two 10 ounce mugs to one tiny 8 ounce cup a day. I'll get use to it, as my goal is to give it up completely. I must confess that at this stage I'm feeling a bit antsy and tired. I tend to work late hours in my studio with less outside noise at 2:00 am, and so it is that I often sleep in late as well. Keeping late hours combined with one cup of coffee in the late morning can hamper chances of a productive day. At least it's that way for me. Yes, it's true, I am finding it somewhat difficult getting motivated this day. To top it off, my creative muse has abandoned me and appears to have gone elsewhere :(
Here I am, trying my best to savor each moment, rationing sips throughout the morning, including several trips to the microwave in attempts to bring new life back to what remains in my little cup. It has long since lost its delightful flavor. So, please bear with me. It was all that I could do to drag my slow java deprived fanny over to the keyboard. But I knew I must. I love you my dearest creatives. You play a major role in my artful journey, as I wish to be in yours. And so it will be, minus two 10 oz. mugs of morning coffee, that I hear yet another entry calling out to be included on the "Healthy Me" list.
I yearn to be an early riser again. To break the late night work habit and coffee abuse. While it is quiet in the late hours, there is little to inspire me. There are no owls hooting or mocking birds calling in the softening darkness of my town this season. Only the sound of an occasional train whistle in the distance. I admit that I miss that stirred about feeling that only the early morning hours can trigger. I miss watching those breathtaking sunrises as nature gently awakens my senses to the feel of dew settling on my face, the smell of fresh air not yet heated by machines, and musical notes carried from branches above that no human voice could ever reach. I miss the opened invitation to explore trails of new mysteries left behind from the night past. Inspiration playfully whispering to my spirit, waiting to entice me with my camera patiently holding my hand. Comforting, peaceful, humbling....

To have the motivation to inspire you with an early morning article would be an honorable way to start my day. You early rising creatives so deserve it. So as of today, there's a new entry to the "Healthy Me" list, just below "1 cup of coffee", will be included "rise early". Hmmm, let me see...4:00 am, no no wait...4:30 am would work. I could still have quiet time in the studio with my rationed 8 ounce cup of coffee, and later enjoy additional quiet time with mother nature as we enjoy the sunrise together.
I recall when my day seemed much longer and more productive when once an early riser. I had more creative energy, was unstoppable by late morning, and actually felt like I was part of the human species. I felt pride in knowing much had been achieved by dusk. So for you late rising night roamers; wake up! You are invited to walk with me. Let's enjoy the sunrise together!    
                                                                             

Healthy Me List

• Join the gym and take morning walks. (I joined the gym, although I do need to attend more often, at least 4 times weekly.)
• Eat healthy. Meaning little to no processed foods. (The Mediterranean way of eating makes me feel great & it tastes delicious too. Although occasionally chocolate and ice cream somehow find their way to my mouth.)
  
• 1 cup of coffee per day. (I am sticking to the goal....help!)
• Rise early each day. This means retiring earlier too. (Okay, the truth is rising at 4:30 am isn't working for me just yet, but 5:30 is doable.)

Wishing you a day full of inspiration & creative visions!
C J