Hiiii everyone. I've been trying to wake up early and create a solid morning routine for myself. I am here to inform you that it is not as simple as one may think! In a recent Forbes article, author Ken Brokaw wrote that he is the most productive as soon as he wakes up. Brokaw also states, "Creating a morning routine for yourself is essential to a successful life. Waking up earlier than usual will give you ample time to focus on your goals and conquer the day with more energy, mindfulness and strength.". 

Here are some tips I've picked up in the past couple weeks to help me get closer to what I think will be the most productive and sweet morning routine for myself:

1. Prepare the night before- Don't just sleep, get good sleep! To help me with this, I leave my phone in the living room (:
2. If you have an iPhone, use the bedtime app. The sound of the alarm is sooo much better
3. Get up after the first alarm. Just do it. And make your bed so it's not as welcoming.
4. Have your gym clothes or outfit for the day ready to go so you have less decisions to make in the morning
5. Spend 15 minutes journaling! Doing this in the morning has helped me to be so much more productive and focused throughout my day <3
6. Give yourself something to look forward to- favorite podcast/show, music, coffee, walking your dog, writing a blog. It can be anything(:
7. If you guys have anything cool to add, I want to know!

On Sunday my uncle texted me to see if I wanted to join him for a walk along the American River. To be honest, my initial thought was to respond with some reason as to why I couldn't, when really my only reason was that I just wanted to stay at home.

Recalling how I always have fun hanging out with this uncle whether we are talking politics, social issues, finances, career ambitions, or music, I knew I wouldn't regret saying yes. Plus his knowledge and rational perspectives on all of these topics leaves me thinking for days.

We walked from Bannister Park to the Nimbus Fish Hatchery, which round-trip is approximately 8 miles, and although I was not anticipating that long of a walk, I am really glad I didn't just stay at home.

Justin Gallegos has cerebral palsy, as a kid he used a walker until he was able to improve his gate with physical therapy. While in high school he ran for the cross-country team and dreamt of running for the University of Oregon’s Track Club. Years later with hard work and determination his dream came true and now is a professional athlete for Nike. He is Nike’s first athlete with cerebral palsy and he has even helped develop the FLYEase running shoe; a shoe with an innovative lace system and zippered heal to make it easy to put on and remove.