daily routine | David M Masters

I’m not much of a bed-maker if no one’s looking. I figure, “What’s the point if no one’s there to appreciate the fruits of my labor?” Especially, if you’re like me, in between relationships, you might think that few minutes might be better spent doing something else in your preparation for the day ahead.

Sure, if there’s someone you’re sharing the bed with, or if you are having company and don’t want to be embarrassed by having an unmade bed, which might be perceived as an indication that you might not be as diligent as you’d like to be thought of, you might be more inclined to make the bed.

But when no one’s around and there isn’t anybody to see if you’ve made the bed, or not, what do you do?

Inspired by Arielle Ford (author of the wildly acclaimed, The Soulmate Secret), I began making my bed in the absence of a witness as an affirmation to the universe, that I was ready and willing to welcome the woman whom I would live out the rest of my dreams and days with.

I haven’t had anyone to keep track of my bed-making skills for years, still, I make my bed every day. I’ve since expanded my morning ritual to include my intention to do this thing with integrity as a bold statement of my intentions for the remainder of the day ahead, and my willingness to do the right thing no matter what the day may bring.

“Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.”

When you make your bed in the morning you send a powerful message to the universe expressing your explicit intention,

“I am starting this day with the intention to live a better life, to be open to all the good things that life has in store for me. I avail myself to in even in the smallest of ways to make the world a better place, and it starts right here. Right now, with my declaration in the action of making my bed, I affirm I am ready to do my part to change the world.”

A simple ritual, a prayer of intention, dignified by the inspired action of making your bed.

It is not uncommon for me to ask a perspective or new client about their daily bed-making routine. Why? Because it is a potential indicator of a person’s willingness to do the work necessary to influence their desired outcomes in life.

I agree with Admiral William H. McRaven’s 2014 commencement encouragement,

“If you want to change the world
start off by making your bed.”

If you’re making your bed every day, you’re in good company. A 2017 survey of the most successful, powerful, and wealthy people in America today reveals these people share a common trait: They start their days by making their beds.

Plus, after a long day of you putting forth your best efforts, effectively facing anything that may have attempted to slow your roll or interrupt your flow, when all is said and done, a nicely-made bed awaits you.

It is an unexpected joy that you might take for granted after a while, but if you’re like me, there are those days when you are pleasantly delighted after a busy day to be invited to enter the gates of the sweetest of dreams by a nicely made bed, even if you’re the only one who will appreciate it.

You’ve started and ended your day with a positive vibration and the best intentions to make the world a better place.

And the universe responds in kind. All this for making your bed in the morning.

If you want to make a difference, make your bed.

Did you make your bed today?

Ever felt the need to break free from the same ol’ same ol’ routine? You know what I mean, you’re getting a bit cabin-feverish about life, the day in/day out of everything, everyday sort of seamlessly flows into the next, in succession, just this side of drudgery, and it comes to mind that it might be time to break out of the same old routine.

Reducing your life to nothing but a routine can get you feeling down like there is little satisfaction to be garnered from living your life. Society might be content with the idea that you’re living a complacent and somewhat robotic lifestyle in a pseudo-zombie state (making you easier to manage) you could possibly find yourself headed toward depression.

Life being what it is, we all have some routines which may be unavoidable, like going to a place to work for eight hours a day or having to shuttle your children to and from school and associated activities. On the other side, there is a bit of comfort associated with having a structure that gives us a sense of security and helps to make sure we get the things done that we need to do without too much effort because we know what to expect each day.

But then, there’s the same ol’ same ol’ feeling that there must be more to life, because how can you feel any life if it’s just an endless drone?

There must be more to this life

… and there is.

Here are some ideas that can help you turn the corner and break out of the same ol’ same ol’ and start living a better life.

Since you are aware of your routine, challenge it by doing something different or out of the ordinary to break up the monotony. Take the scenic route, take a coffee break, walk through the park, read a chapter of a book, or do something that made you feel exhilarated before you settled into the routine of your life.

Think about trying something new, going to the gym, trying yoga, or take and art class or think about experimenting with different hobbies.

Mix up meal times, have breakfast for dinner, experiment with green smoothies in your blender, try exotic recipes or something new in the kitchen,

Expose yourself to new people. When you’re stuck in a routine, you only have access to the same ol’ people day in/day out, which is nice, but you can mix it up by finding new places to be which might include attending a class, joining a group, or changing up your regular stops by shopping across town, or trying new vendors.

Try to find opportunities to break up your routine by walking or riding a bike while you’re doing what you need to get done, or just for recreation and fitness enhancement. Maybe it’s time for seeing if there is a sporting activity that may interest you, either to watch or participate in yourself.

Make adjustments and changes around the house to change things up, (or the office) rearrange the furniture, kitchen, or decorate.

Find ways you can streamline your workspaces, or make improvements in your routine(s) so that you can pick up a little extra time to do something else. You’d be surprised how saving a few minutes here, a few minutes there might yield an hour or more per day of free time for you.

Just remember to try to do something different, trying to think or do something new every day.

You will be surprised how making a few changes here and there throughout your day can add the spice back in life and awaken your mind to new possibilities that are just around the bend.

There is a better life waiting for you, and it’s about time you started seizing the day.

Carpe diem.