Making time for December Reflections 2017 - Day 1: Early.

Sky to the East - December 1st 2017

The prompt for Day One was "Early", and what a great word this is for me to start this year's December Reflections. I am smiling as I type this as I'm already late with this blog post, smiling because there is no pressure on myself or criticism. Just a recognition of my "skin of my teeth" and "last minute" way of being that has been my way for a long time. I've always seemed to be living on the edge, priding myself on getting through, surviving and at the same time recognising that this is not equal to thriving.

I'm usually up early in the morning for work, but would much rather stay in bed. It always seems so hard to drag myself out of bed. I'm hardly someone who jumps out straight away preferring to hit the snooze button and make the most of the lovely warm, cosiness and quiet. Extra zzzzzzz are always welcome.

Having a morning ritual is something I've often aspired to. A getting up and lighting a candle, doing a bit of writing or some meditation. The closest I've come is enjoying having the curtains open when it is still dark, not putting on the light and just sitting in the dark with a cup of tea looking out of the window. Although I like to stay in bed as long as possible, I do also find it is a bit of a treat to be up early unlike the speaker in this poem by Robert Burns.

Up in the Morning Early

Cauld blaws the wind frae east to west,
   The drift is driving sairly;
Sae loud and shrill’s I hear the blast,
   I’m sure it’s winter fairly.

Up in the morning’s no for me,
   Up in the morning early;
When a’ the hills are cover’d wi’ snaw,
   I’m sure its winter fairly.

The birds sit chittering in the thorn,
   A’ day they fare but sparely;
And lang’s the night frae e’en to morn,
   I’m sure it’s winter fairly.

Up in the morning’s no for me,
   Up in the morning early;
When a’ the hills are cover’d wi’ snaw,
   I’m sure its winter fairly.

Robert Burns

This Advent I am also making an effort to prepare a little earlier than usual, so that I don't end up exhausted in the final run up to Christmas and over Christmas itself. I've got a lot on at work just now and so need to be a little more organised both at work and at home. Some early mornings and some early bedtimes won't hurt at all therefore. I'm off to do some cleaning of the house right now, a little later than planned!

Oh well, better late than never! I'm counting my blessings that I have so many choices and appreciating my life this Advent.

Good wishes to you all for a safe and happy Dececember.