Morning Glow

Posted on December 9th, 2016

Since I’m only human, there are things I love about myself, and areas I have–shall we say– identified for improvement.  But I admit it: I am a proud early bird.  I’m one of those horribly perky people who excels at mornings.  I don’t even have coffee until 11am, but I accomplish more before 9am than some people accomplish in their whole day.

In retrospect, this is an innate component of my being, which I first came to recognize as a high schooler when I eagerly signed up for the (traditionally unpopular) first available singing lesson with my voice teacher on Saturday mornings.  Even before that, in elementary school, I cherished watching the 6am airing of Sports Center with my early bird dad.  Frankly, this behavior doesn’t make you popular in young adulthood.  I’m not winning a lot of points when I suggest to friends that we meet at the hottest brunch spot at 8:30 to avoid the lines.

Recently, I’ve felt particularly grateful for my affinity for the AM.  This sunrise, caught during mile 7 of a 14 mile run in San Francisco, is only one of a few reasons.  A few other perks:

• The day doesn’t get away from you.  What I accomplish for my day officially starts can’t be undone, and I’m never in a position of having to choose between something spontaneous and fun or some mundane task I planned to accomplish after work– mundane tasks are a pre-work activity!  This is the key to my no-skipped-workouts-since-April-2013 success.
• My eating habits are better.  Being an early riser gives me time to make a healthy lunch to bring to work, and also to start dinner.  I get my slowcooker going in the morning about 1-2 days per week, and dinner is ready and waiting for me whether I get home at 6:45 as usual or whether something comes up and I’m out later.  (This is one of my favorite recipes right now!)
• All is calm.  Living in the heart of a city, I miss quiet streets and empty sidewalks.  Walking around in the mornings is more relaxing, and truthfully makes me more feel more connected to the neighborhood where I live.  Plus, more jaywalking.  I love jaywalking.
• Potential for more hours in a day.  The flip side of the first item: when you sleep in late, you can’t get those hours back.  I can choose to stay up late if need be– a decision I’ve been appreciative of the chance to make in the past few weeks!

…the shorter lines at brunch aren’t so bad, either.  And don’t worry, I sleep in on Sundays.  Until 7:15.