When does dedication to making the most of every moment tip into the realm of a rigid rut? That’s a question I often ponder, especially when my alarm chirps in the pre-dawn hours. For as long as I can remember, I’ve been an early riser. It wasn’t born out of necessity, but a deeply ingrained desire not to let a single moment of the day slip through my fingers.
On weekdays, my world begins around 2:30 AM. Yes, you read that right. Before most people are even dreaming of their first cup of coffee, I’m up. My two rescue cats, Moo and Oscar, are usually my first greeting committee, ready for their breakfast. Then it’s straight into an exercise routine, followed by catching up on industry news. Before the sun even thinks about showing its face, I’m finalizing my daily blog post. A quick walk with the cats (yes, they’re leash-trained but usually don’t require one!) and then I’m off to work.
Weekends offer a slight reprieve, a luxurious extra hour of sleep, pushing my wake-up time to a still-early 3:30 AM. The biggest difference? No commute, which means more time for creative pursuits like editing videos in Final Cut Pro for my YouTube channel or spending time in meditation contemplating gratitude. And, weather permitting, I always try to catch the sunrise with my morning coffee. There’s something truly magical about watching the world wake up, a quiet beauty that reminds me why I embrace these early hours.
So, is it a routine, a well-oiled machine designed to maximize productivity and joy? Or is it, at times, a rut? The lines can blur. The commitment to seize the day is strong, but sometimes, even for the most ardent early bird, the thought of a spontaneous lie-in or a deviation from the familiar path can be enticing.
What about you? Are you an early riser, a night owl, or somewhere in between? Do you find comfort in routine, or does the thought of a rigid schedule feel like a trap? Let me know in the comments!
Things I Enjoy 