I did it.

I reached day 30.

How ironic, that on this LAST day of the formal challenge, I rose later than I have every other day.

However, taking into account that I didn’t get home until after 1:00 AM and not in bed until 2’ish, I’d say rising at 7:45 was noble indeed.

Why did I even get up when I don’t have to leave for church until 10:30?

Because I needed to get up. Because there were things I wanted to accomplish. Because I’ve learned that I am better in the early hours of the day when I am able to start and complete projects for myself BEFORE my family wakes. I like it. This early to rise thing.

George and Harper left for church around 7.

Zane is still out cold.

The dogs are in their pen.

The “wee” hours, which weren’t actually so wee today, are mine. All mine. Given to me by the Lord who makes every day. When one looks at ALL hours of the day as a gift, rather than just those that occur after, say, 8:00 AM, one realizes that skipping the earlier hours poses a risk of missing the experiencing of discovering something new. The early mornings have opened up so many new surprises for me.

On Day 30 in The Early To Rise Experience: Learn To Rise Early in 30 Days (Early To Rise Series), Andy asks a few wrap-up questions. I think, for fun, I’ll just pretend he’s interviewing me here.

Andy: Joline, congratulations, you did it! Welcome to Day 30.

Me: Thanks, Andy. I honestly never thought that I’d ever commit to and actually adopt rising early. And to realize I’ve done it without the use of caffeine is actually pretty cool. That makes two things I thought I’d never change. I’m on a roll.

Andy: Did it work?

Me: Heck, yeah.

Andy: Did you work?

Me: Every morning. I have LOVED the practice of writing each morning. I will continue to do so as I move onward to Day 31 and beyond.

Andy: Did you change your life in 30 days? Did you and Fred, er, Scout become buddies?

Me: You know, I DID change my life. I created a system that works for me – firing that one that worked against me. As for me and Scout . . . um, we get along, but I’m not taking her out for a margarita any time soon. We’re still getting to know one another.

Andy: Did you turn off the TV and check emails less often?

Me: Hmmm, not entirely. I still watch some Fringe before bed. And as for emails, well, I’m a work in progress. I’m still figuring out how to manage work hours vs. home hours, since I work from home. Any advice on this would be welcomed and appreciated.

Andy: Did you create something your kids will appreciate or start a new project?

Me: I did back up this blog, so I won’t lose it! And still need to install an automatic system for doing so. So, in a way, yeah, they’ll have this . . . As for projects? My blogging mind is more clear, so I started a new series, Stories from Stage, began Donald Miller’s Storyline project, and realized I need to update my blog in a few areas. Morning will be the time to make a formal list of changes that need to be made, AND, to make those changes or additions. I came out of my 30 days with a focus, that’s for sure.

Andy: Did your relationships improve? Do you tell the day who is boss? Did your life change?

Me: Not sure . . . as I think I’m learning how to be a better Mom to a pre-teen, but am not there yet. That’s the relationship heavy on my mind these days. I DID tell the day who is boss, by golly. And, yes, by all means, my life changed.

I’m a change agent. I believe everyone can make changes. I mean, why just me? You can wake early. You can exercise daily. You can change your diet. You can find or start a new job. You can pay off debt. You can embrace and explore your hobbies more fully. You can quit caffeine, or soda, or 5-hour energy. You can do what you think you can not do.

You CAN.

CAN (the action) begins from a WANT (inner motivation) that flows out of a TRUE realization of a NEED. (low point – rocky bottom – maybe not THE rock bottom – but a bottom with enough rocks to spark an emotional and often ugly admission that something must, must, must change)

Without first acknowledging the need, the want, and the can, don’t stand a chance.

I’m not done here. I’m headed into Day 31 tomorrow. Ready to roll.

Who is with me?

Much thanks to Rachel over at Hold The Sugar,  for encouraging me to join this challenge. And, of course, to Andy, who created and penned the challenge for us to take.

I am changed.