I have no desire to move mountains, construct monuments, or leave behind in my wake material evidence of my existence. But in the final recollection, if the essence of my being has caused a smile to have appeared upon your face or a touch of joy within your heart…then in living-I have made my mark. – Thomas L. Odem, Jr., Writer and Author
I used to rise and shine on Monday morning with a growl and a grimace; not much shine at all. Then I read The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari, a spiritual fable about a very successful attorney who suffers a heart attack in the courtroom. Once released from the hospital he sells everything (including his Ferrari!) and moves to India/Bangladesh to become a monk and find a simpler life. I read this at a time when my job was sucking the life out of me, or rather I chose that. I don’t remember the exact passage of the book, but something I read prompted me to start waking earlier in the morning. What a difference that earlier wake time made – my productivity, at work and at home, increased and my whole attitude changed for the better.
There are a variety of choices we can make to have a more positive and satisfying Monday. Below are 12 choices I make to stay positive on a Monday morning and throughout the day.
Got 2 feet on the floor? Thank whoever you need to thank for giving you another change at greatness today. Then promise to make the best of it.
Smile at the first person you see. Even if you smile at your reflection in the mirror.
Give someone you love a hug. Live alone? Wrap your arms around yourself. Who knows, maybe you’ll find a smile creep on your face because of the absurdity. I say that is a win-win!
Sit and eat breakfast. No skipping and no grabbing a cereal bar for the road. 10 minutes is all you need to eat a bowl of cereal.
Take 5 quiet minutes for you. Wake earlier, tell the family you need this to be there for them.
Write down no more than 3 goals that you want to accomplish today. Make them manageable and realistic!
Stay in the shower a few extra minutes.
After you get dressed, take a look in the mirror and say to yourself “Damn I look good today!” Then strut your bad self out the door, a smile shining bright on your face.
Take a walk. I love to walk first thing in the morning. Not necessarily for power, but for fresh air, oxygen and energy.
Morning stretch. Do you sleep curled up in a ball? Then stretch first thing in the morning to lengthen and relax those muscles. Focus on the spine, hips, neck and shoulders. Moderate back bends will energize you.
Rushing out the door anyway? Notice that and pause. Take a moment to appreciate the family who loves you, your ability to get out the door, the roof over your head. You’re already ahead of the game.
As you walk out the door, believe today is a good day.
How do you keep a positive attitude on a Monday or any day of the week?
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
I love this post! I actually like Mondays, but every once in awhile, a day sneaks up on me that has me grimacing, as you described. My favorite suggestions:
- smile at myself if I’m the first person I see (LOVE that!)
- morning stretch — sometimes I do sleep all funny and curled and releasing my body feels amazing
- breakfast — I usually just do a chai latte or two, but my gosh, those are the best parts of my morning many days, and I’m grateful for them
I also do a practice of bowing down and giving thanks to be alive. I say a few prayers or affirmations, light a candle by my computer, and start the day.
What a fun, energizing and great post!
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PS – is the date supposed to say November 17, 2008?
Megan, Thanks! And yes, I was starting to repopulate my blog with old posts…
One step at a time and starting with some of my favorites. I honestly didn’t think they’d show up as new because the date was past!
Hi Stacey!
Great tips! And how appropriate these are for a Monday indeed! I know many people start dreading their Sunday, because they know what awaits Monday. But if we set ourselves up with goals, or routines, or some clear cut ideas of what is a priority and what isn’t, then all has the potential to “flow” so well and give us a great start to the week.
As for me, a positive attitude today is not governed by the days of the week almost at all. Each day I have come to realize is a gift with many new and wonderful opportunities, and it is up to me to give them meaning. So I simply stay open to what awaits, but at the same time I do create my days with purpose and intent, and I think that feeling of “not being lost” is what allows me to keep a positive attitude each day