I woke up at 2:30 in the morning to the words floor to the door. I keep a very busy life. Between my day job as a case manager, I also have a full time coaching practice and write for as many as 12 different publications at anyone one time. In addition to these responsibilities, I have several up and coming companies wanting to bring me on board as a consultant. There is simply little time.
From the floor to the door is a technique that I created over 2 decades ago. It is how I program the day. You see, most of my adulthood has been working in multiple fields, at multiple times. Floor to the door allows for me to give thanks, prioritize tasks, and pour into myself. It begins before my feet hit the floor. Upon waking up, I am already giving thanks to the creator. It’s 4:30 am and pitch black, I stumble over to my computer to check for any urgent emails. As the light from the screen slowly helps my eyes adjust, I turn on the light and proceed to make my bed. Making the bed is a symbolic way of saying I am organized. I then head to the gym for a little yoga, cardio and free weights. Being fully awake, I grab a bite to eat and spend 10-15 minutes with the wife, connecting with her. Lastly, I take my shower. While in the shower, I do a meditation in which I visualize anything dark, unhealthy, diseased or unwanted leaving my body and going down the drain. See where I am going with this?
By the time I walk out the door, I’ve fed my body, mind and my relationship. I’ve set the tone for my day. I’ve poured into everything that is sacred in my life. I am equipped for the day. I may not have programmed how the day will go, but I have programmed how I will respond. My morning routine takes about 2 hours. A small price to pay, to face the day.
There’s a reason why I don’t dread Monday’s. There’s a reason why I rarely complain…about anything. Because by the time my feet hit the floor till I walk out the door, I have programmed my body, mind and spirit to face anything. And after this past year, I credit my morning rituals to being the most positive person I know. I don’t say that out of arrogance. I say that out of my spiritual calling. If I am not bringing my best to every environment that I am in, it is time to readjust my floor to the door. Because I honor the day and the dance that comes with it.
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Really enjoyed reading this. Getting yourself into the right headspace for your day is such an important routine to have and this technique is clearly a really beneficial way to do it.
Thanks Vance, great advice!
Thank you Vance, this was so useful!