RITUALS…why are they important?  I remember as fresh out of college professional, staying at my uncle’s house and seeing him go to bed by 9:00 PM and I asked him why he did such a thing.  He went on to tell me that he woke up at 4:45 am every day to exercise and take some time for himself.  I clearly remember thinking to myself “he is crazy”.  Who in their right mind wakes up at 4:45 AM?  The tables have turned and now I am the “crazy” one.  Last July, I became a coach and I learned that if I didn’t get my workout in first thing in the morning, many days, it would not happen.  I discovered that there was one way to guarantee that the workout happened.  That guarantee was that I had to wake before the rest of the family and schedule in my workout.  The time started at 6:00 AM and I did my 30 minute workout before the day “started”.  I started to see the improvements and really looked forward to this time.  So I set the alarm for 5:45, then 5:30.  Currently, my alarm during the week goes off at 5:00 AM.  I cherish this time.   This hour and a half has become one of the most cherished and beneficial rituals I do for myself each day!  This important “me” time in the morning makes me a better mom, wife, friend, and person throughout the day!  My outlook on the day is excited and positive!  Try it, try setting your alarm just 10 minutes earlier tomorrow and do something for YOU in those 10 minutes.  Your rituals will become habits and you will begin to see the rewards and the positive changes that come about because of these rituals.  Give it a try!