How do you start your day—grateful, mindful, present?

For a long time, I didn’t. I worked remotely, so I’d wake up minutes before logging on. No prayer, no stillness, no breakfast—just laptop, login, work. My day started with work, and soon my life revolved around it.

If work was calm, I was calm. If work was stressful, so was my day. I carried the tension into everything else—into myself, into how I treated others.

That cycle left me drained. I complained about not having time, felt anxious before signing on, and neglected my own needs. Why would I care for myself when work never asked me to?

Choosing a Different Morning

I realized my thoughts had to change before my actions could. Our mornings set the tone: the first thoughts we allow in shape how we live.

For too long, I let sleep and work master me. Now, I’ve decided to master them. I choose how long I sleep. I choose how I’ll show up. Work no longer determines my character, personality, or temperament.

Two Hours That Changed Everything

I started waking up two hours before work. I read my Bible—slowly, searching for understanding. What I found was love, conviction, encouragement, direction, and self-control.

Then I used those hours for me:

• Organizing bills

• Cleaning my space

• Praying for family and friends

• Eating breakfast without rushing

• Stretching and breathing

By the time I log in, I’m already grounded. Whatever work throws my way, I can face it with peace.

Bringing Peace Into Work

Work isn’t designed to give us peace. But we can bring peace into it.

That’s the power of starting the day with intention. Thoughts shape actions. Actions shape life.

So—how will you start tomorrow?

Peace be with you.

soy shyah