Every Morning, This is How I Begin My Day.

It's my creative sanctuary, my grounding ritual, and the first win I lock in before the world starts spinning. It prepares me for the day ahead. And I rarely skip it.

I get up in the dark to be on the trail before sunrise, so I can spend at least two hours breathing in the fresh air and being unencumbered by any other demands on my time or my thoughts. No deadlines. No distractions.

This ritual doesn’t change, no matter where I am. Two hours minimum, every single day. It’s my compass, my anchor, my fuel. This time is for big thinking or letting my mind freely wander over any thought - which feels like an enormous luxury in a world of constant screens, soundbites, and sensory overload.

It’s safe to say that I believe in rituals that drive mindfulness, especially the mind/body connection. I have the same commitment to athletic recovery, food, and nurturing my curiosity and creativity, which are all essential to my personal happiness.

I wasn’t always this way. There was a time when mornings were chaotic, dominated by emails, calls, and scrambling to meet demands. It wasn’t working. I felt scattered and reactive. So, I changed it all up and have never looked back.

Here is my reminder for us all going into the weekend:

**Do what feels right for you.

**Don’t worry about convention.

**Don’t compromise your mental or physical wellness.

**Don’t worry about what anyone else does. Do you.

**All your choices really matter.

See you on the trail!