What Gets You Up in the Morning? Challenge Yourself and Thrive After 60
Do you look forward to the new day as you get up in the morning? Is there something that propels you out of a warm, cozy bed to dance into the day ahead?
Many years ago, I was on automatic pilot. My kids got me up in the mornings. Fortunately, they were not predawn risers, but they popped up with an energy and enthusiasm for the day that could not be ignored.
Mid-life, my job and/or exercise were my morning motivators. I went through phases of long distance biking or running and early mornings gave me the time I needed to get in the miles. I do miss those days.
In the current phase of my life, writing is my reason for getting out of bed each morning. Some days I am working on my blog. Some days I am writing for another website, such as Sixty and Me. Other days it’s writing for a course I’m taking, another writing project or my journal. But almost every day this brain dump and a strong cup of coffee are my energizers.
Do You Hit the Snooze Alarm… Again and Again?
There have been periods throughout my life when I hit the snooze or I didn’t even bother to set an alarm. Those were times when I couldn’t see a reason to get out of bed. Sleep was my refuge.
Each of us has gone through those periods. The first challenge is to recognize them before they become a dangerous way of life. The next challenge is to discover a new purpose – a new source of energy. Neither step is easy but they are necessary to a healthy life.
Sixty and Me is a good place to start looking for new inspiration. The conversations allow us to “meet” others who have felt disconnected. You are not alone is an important realization. Then the myriad articles brings stories of discovery and suggestions of new directions. Read them. What resonates? What brings a little flutter to your heart?
Personal R&D – Research and Development
The research and development part is a process. We have to step out of our comfort zone challenging ourselves to try something new – probably several new things. It’s like a business looking for the next great product. Research and development. Trial and error. Over and over until we discover the right trigger or energizer.
Join a club or group. Go to a community event or lecture. Walk through a new neighborhood. Read a different genre of book. Take a course – usually my favorite starting point.
I’ve gone through this process many times over the years, and I’ve learned that I really love learning! I have enrolled in enough classes to qualify as a Professional Student. Adult ed. College courses. Online courses. Exercise classes. Art classes. Craft classes. Weekend retreats.
I think that’s why writing has become my raison d’être. It always challenges me and gives me a terrific reason to research and learn.
Writing does not come easily. Most of what I put on paper (or in the computer) is never shared. It is a brain dump – like running or biking 20 miles or meditating. Writing clears my head and brings perspective to my life. It gives each day a starting point although I’m not sure where it will take me. I like that.
Let’s Have a Conversation:
What gets you out of bed in the morning? Do you have routines that energize you for the day? What is next on your research and development agenda? Please join the conversation.
Tags Inspiration
Hungry dogs get me up then I love my morning yoga/prayer routine to give me a positive outlook for the day. After 45 years of early morning for work, my body still wakes up at 5;30 but I like to see the sun come up so it’s ok.
I retired at 62 – I will be 65 in May-
I am struggling day to day- I have not found anything that propels me out of bed each morning to look forward to the day ahead. I am stuck- I have hashed this dilemma over and over with no good resolution-
I had open heart surgery a year ago – I have three major orthopedic issues some of which restricts my mobility-
I don’t know what to do-
So sorry that you’re struggling. I would encourage you to explore a meaningful volunteer role at a nonprofit that you believe in. In addition, check out your local senior center and perhaps try something new-to-you. Great way to meet people and take a step toward enjoying yourself.
Just look for small things to look forward to at first. Like a cup of tea, listening to the birds outside & trying to identify them. I think if you start small you can move on to more things. Watching You tubes of people on the “international world cruise” is something I enjoy. Don’t stress about “looking forward”
Hi Deb Fisher. I hear you. I had major heart surgery 20 years ago. It’s so scary that when the cardiologists discharged me from an annual check up last week I went into shock. Finally I acknowledged that having someone in side my body fixing that part of me had emotionally crippled me. Hopefully you will get over the shock and soon find your way to the next part of life.
Deb, we care! have you considered that you might be depressed? I am a healthcare provider and know that statistically, folks who undergo cardiac surgery or a cardiac event will often struggle with real depression (like, it’s not just in your “head”) afterward– this is often overlooked. You might think you’re doing ok, but your brain chemicals are off due to all the stress, etc. Please Please talk wth your cardiologist or primary care provider. This might be the cause of your struggle and slump, and easily repaired. Prayers for you!
A plan to reach my goal is what gets me up in the morning. I an pretty organized and like to plan out things . Whether it be a quilt project, my spring garden plans or teaching friends a new craft, I like to plan it out. Following that path and seeing the finished product is what keeps me going. When its finished, I move on to the next project!