The early bird gets... a serious dose of caffeine

Let's talk about mornings, shall we? For the longest time, my mornings were a thing of beauty. I'm talking about sleeping in until 8 AM, enjoying a leisurely coffee, maybe a quick scroll through Instagram, and then moseying into the office for a 9 AM start. Those were the days, my friends. Pure bliss! I considered myself the perfect kind of morning person because, well, I wasn't fighting the alarm clock; I was gently coaxed into the day.

Fast forward to now, and my alarm goes off at a time that should be reserved for dozing. Six-thirty AM meetings? On the regular? The "early bird" benefits, I'm told. My internal clock is still in shock, and my bed gives me serious side-eye every single morning.

The Shift in My Morning Routine

It's wild how much work can totally flip your schedule on its head. I was just reminiscing about my time in London a few years back. I worked for this company, and one of the teams had an actual money jar for tardiness. If you rolled in after 10 AM, you had to drop a pound in! Ten in the morning! Can you even imagine? Here in America (and in Australia), that's practically lunchtime for many!

In London, there's a different rhythm to things, especially in the mornings. It felt like everyone embraced a more leisurely start. There was this underlying understanding that the workday truly kicked off a bit later, allowing for that slow, gentle transition into the day. Now, if I had a money jar for 6:30 AM meetings, I'd probably be bankrupt by Tuesday. These days, I've had more than five calls by 10 AM!

Embracing the Early Bird Lifestyle

It's a complete shift in lifestyle, and honestly, it takes some getting used to. My definition of a "morning person" has certainly evolved. It's less about waking up naturally with the sun and more about developing a highly sophisticated system of hitting snooze strategically and perfecting the art of being Zoom camera-ready in five minutes.

So, for all my fellow former 9 AM starters now navigating the wild world of the pre-dawn workday, how are you doing? Are you thriving, surviving, or just heavily caffeinating? For me, it's certainly a blend of all three... and maybe dreaming of those London mornings.

Finding Balance in the Chaos

Now, let’s chat about balance. It’s essential, right? With the hustle and bustle of early mornings, it can be easy to lose sight of what matters. I’ve found that carving out a few moments for myself each morning helps. Whether it’s a quick meditation or simply enjoying my coffee in silence, these little rituals ground me.

The Power of Routine

Creating a morning routine can be a game-changer. I’ve started incorporating small habits that set a positive tone for the day. Stretching, journaling, or even a brisk walk can do wonders. It’s like giving your mind and body a gentle nudge to wake up and embrace the day ahead.

The Importance of Community

Let’s not forget the power of community! Sharing experiences with others who are on a similar journey can be incredibly uplifting. Whether it’s a group chat with friends or a supportive online community, having people to lean on makes the early mornings feel a little less daunting.

Conclusion: Embracing the New Normal

In conclusion, mornings may have transformed from blissful to bustling, but I’m learning to embrace this new normal. It’s all about adapting, finding joy in the chaos, and maybe even discovering a few hidden gems along the way. So, here’s to all of us navigating the early hours together! Let’s raise our coffee mugs to the adventures that await us each day.

And remember, if you’re ever feeling overwhelmed, just take a deep breath and remind yourself: we’re all in this together!

---wix---