We will see — what lies ahead

In retirement, my tendency has been to not set an alarm. My sleep pattern seems to be go to bed around midnight and wake up at 8. 

For some time I’ve known this causes me to miss great parts of the day. 

Is it ok or can it work to try to alter my nature?

Four days in a row, I’ve been up by 7 a.m., all but the first waking to an alarm I set. 

Each day I’ve walked outside. The benefits of doing this before the heat of an Oklahoma summer morning are many. 

I’m pretty sure there also will be benefits even if I’m not planning to exercise outdoors. 

I want to keep this up. I’m working on getting to bed earlier — and working in a catnap if needed. 

One day at a time. Let’s see where this leads. 

Unplanned but not unwelcomed

 I’ve been doing a daily exercise that includes - “quick journal” each morning and night.

One of the evening questions asks: what could I have done to make this day better? 

I’ve been reframing that. It’s important for me to accept each day as good. In all things give thanks and praise. 

I also want to be honest. 

This is how I handled it today:

“Today was good. I accept that it was what it was meant to be. 

“Several things didn’t go as planned and some things that I thought were settled ended up bringing new questions and choices. The change in lunch plans (which meant I could go to meeting; then we talked on phone too long & I missed it anyway); me reaching out to Kevin about singing at Whaley, then Mike suggesting a Rangers game the night before. 

“Things I would like to consider for tomorrow: continue to pray and ask God for direction. Ask for willingness and ability to obey. Trust God. Thank God.”

For right now, that’s a good approach for me. 

In all things …

Thanks and praise. 

Rejoice and sing. 

These are perspective-changing words to live by. 

No matter how a day is going, with faith in God, I can choose to give thanks and praise; to rejoice and sing. 

What typically follows is willingness to do next right things that can make any situation better. 

Thank You, God! All glory to God. 

Another slow start

It’s July 7 and I’m posting a place holder. 

I’m in upstate New York and really hope to come back and edit this into something good!!