Getting up in the morning is a chore for many...maybe most. You may or may not be a morning person by temperament. Maybe you didn't sleep well because you were sick, worried, or distracted. Or did you struggle to go to bed on time? You may be dreading the day because you aren't prepared or are afraid. And there's the teen phenomena of high levels of melatonin (sleep hormone) swimming in your veins until around 8:00 a.m., providing an additional challenge to your start.
Commit to getting up anyway. Figure out a doable morning routine, one that is motivating and gets you off to a good start. Use alarm clocks, take a shower, eat and drink something healthy and yummy. Time your routine to make sure you know exactly how long it takes; you may be surprised to find what you thought took 5 minutes, takes 15.
I can't promise that today, each day, or every day will be all sunshiny or to your liking. But I can promise that the day is uniquely yours. You will make choices that will direct your life and affect the lives of others. Your first choice of each day doesn't need to be a daily decision...an answer to, "Should I get up?" because tired minds often choose, "No...zzzzzzzzz" Right now, while you are decidedly awake, commit to getting up every day - for a week, a month, or a semester. Reward yourself when you do and recommit to another stretch. Today you may have a good laugh, tackle your shyness, have your heart broken, or hear your new favorite song for the very first time. You and your day are worth getting up for.
Good morning, sunshine:)
Mom
Monday, February 28, 2011
Thursday, February 24, 2011
In a Flash
You know that scene in movies when a character faces danger and probable death and his life "flashes before his eyes" and ours? We witness years of time in split second pictures. I've had this experience in real life; thank goodness not connected to my impending death.
There are times when things are hard between us, or when I watch you struggle from afar, and I plunge into surreal time. I can see your anger, saddness, confusion, pain. Then, all of a sudden, I see your baby face. My heart softens. I remember you; sweet, innocent and new. You were cute beyond belief and brimming with the personality of the one and only you. Yes! Even when you were a baby I could glimpse the teen you would become. I don't know how to explain it, something about that look in your eyes and the way you showed me what you needed. Then you are a toddler, a pre-schooler, school-aged. Now you are, shockingly, a teen and young adult in the making.
Mothers tell their children, "You will always be my baby"...and my softened heart is why being my baby is a good thing. I am not disrepecting you as a young adult...just letting you know that sometimes, your life flashes before my eyes.
Love you babe,
Mom
There are times when things are hard between us, or when I watch you struggle from afar, and I plunge into surreal time. I can see your anger, saddness, confusion, pain. Then, all of a sudden, I see your baby face. My heart softens. I remember you; sweet, innocent and new. You were cute beyond belief and brimming with the personality of the one and only you. Yes! Even when you were a baby I could glimpse the teen you would become. I don't know how to explain it, something about that look in your eyes and the way you showed me what you needed. Then you are a toddler, a pre-schooler, school-aged. Now you are, shockingly, a teen and young adult in the making.
Mothers tell their children, "You will always be my baby"...and my softened heart is why being my baby is a good thing. I am not disrepecting you as a young adult...just letting you know that sometimes, your life flashes before my eyes.
Love you babe,
Mom
Monday, February 21, 2011
Good Night
Do you find it hard to go to sleep at night? Are you distracted by games, friends, TV, or studies? Do you simply not "feel" tired? Research (Carskadon, 2006) shows that melatonin (sleep inducing hormone) levels rise later at night for teens than they do in children and adults -- and remain at a higher level later in the morning. Though times vary for individuals, levels of melatonin start to rise in teenagers generally between 10 and 11 p.m. In other words, you may not "feel" tired until 10 or 11 p.m which may collude with other distractions to keep you from getting the sleep you need to think straight, act well, and feel happy.
Getting to bed at a reasonable time is a test; one you want to pass. Although you may not feel tired, you can act in ways to prepare for sleep. Avoid TV, computer, cell phones, caffeine, loud music, exercise, and thinking to hard. Replace them with small routine tasks like brushing teeth, setting out clothes and school or work material for next day, taking a bath (not shower), and dimming lights.
Most importantly, pray. Talk to God about what you did well during the day. Apologize for your mistakes and consider ways to improve. Ask God for His help for yourself and those you are concerned about. Thank God for big and little gifts. Ponder God. This is formally called an examination of conscience. Here is an example of a more thorough and formal Catholic examination of conscience for teens , from Catholic Education Resource Center.
Good night, dear.
Getting to bed at a reasonable time is a test; one you want to pass. Although you may not feel tired, you can act in ways to prepare for sleep. Avoid TV, computer, cell phones, caffeine, loud music, exercise, and thinking to hard. Replace them with small routine tasks like brushing teeth, setting out clothes and school or work material for next day, taking a bath (not shower), and dimming lights.
Most importantly, pray. Talk to God about what you did well during the day. Apologize for your mistakes and consider ways to improve. Ask God for His help for yourself and those you are concerned about. Thank God for big and little gifts. Ponder God. This is formally called an examination of conscience. Here is an example of a more thorough and formal Catholic examination of conscience for teens , from Catholic Education Resource Center.
Good night, dear.
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