The Power of a Morning Question

Recently, I added a new habit to my mornings.

Every morning, I open my journal (yes, I’m trying the journaling thing these days) and start my day by asking one question: What is one thing I deeply appreciate about my life?

As someone who practices gratitude daily… the second I wake up, during my morning walk, and before I go to sleep… I’ve always had a list of things I’m thankful for that I reflect on and occasionally add to… So I thought my answers would change every day, that I’d simply write something from my usual gratitude list that I felt more deeply on that particular morning.

But, surprisingly, that hasn’t been the case.

Starting the day with that one question made me realise something I’d always known but hadn’t put into words. Looking back at the past two weeks of answers today, I realised, they’ve all been some version of the same truth: that I have the power to make anything in life feel special, simply by how I see it, that I can wake up excited for the day ahead… for any reason or no reason at all.

It’s the feeling of possibility that lives in ordinary moments. The peace of not needing anything more than what already is, and trusting what’s on its way. Somehow, that trust makes every second of a new day feel special and exciting, as you never know what any day or moment might turn into…

It can be as simple as making my morning juice that feels extra special that day… or hearing the first song on the radio, the sound of rain, or waking up to a clear blue sky. It can be having an extra ten minutes in bed, looking forward to breakfast, or seeing that “good morning” text first thing (who are we kidding… a good morning text will always be special to me and make it onto my gratitude list). It can be hearing a six-minute voice note from a best friend, or seeing a drunk message from another from the night before. All of it… Every random little thing… feels meaningful and worth being grateful for, if you ask me.

It’s the comfort of knowing I have people I love, and people who love me. It’s knowing I have a heart that feels so deeply it could almost explode sometimes… even for the smallest, simplest, and most beautiful things.

It can be anything… any moment, message, sound, thought, sip, or taste… that makes you smile, that gives you a feeling of warmth.

It’s not about big achievements, grand plans, or constant happiness. It’s about seeing life as something meaningful… always. Even on calm, uneventful days. Even on days spent entirely with yourself. If you can find excitement and joy in that, you already have more than enough to be grateful for. And as overly sentimental as that might sound, I think that is okay.

Last night, I was excited just to sit on the couch and eat a salad bowl. Of course, the “good night” text I received, the “how was your day?” check-ins, and the quiet evening walk with no agenda made a simple night feel even more special… full of small yet meaningful things to appreciate.

But the day started simple… I woke up knowing it was going to be special for no reason at all, and I was excited and open to it all.

And I think when you start a day like that, it can only go up… because you build on that feeling. Everything adds to it. It’s like decorating a Christmas tree (and hopefully it’s not too early for that analogy :)), where each small moment that makes you smile becomes another ornament… something that adds warmth, colour, meaning and life to your day.

So if you’re open to it, try this little thing. Add this question to your mornings. You can do it while your eyes are still closed, while getting dressed, brushing your teeth, or making your coffee. It won’t take any time out of your morning… I promise.

Just ask yourself: What is one thing I deeply appreciate about my life today?

Your answer doesn’t need to be profound. It shouldn’t even take a minute to think about it or write it down. I used to think I had to list everything I was grateful for… that leaving anything out would somehow be unfair. But this ‘morning question’ taught me it’s really about the first feeling that the day gives you, not a lengthy list of everything you love and are grateful for in your whole life. (You can still make that list later, too… but this is different. It is simple. It’s a morning thought with the power to make your whole day feel special.)

For me, that feeling is excitement… and meaning.

Some days, it might simply be gratitude for having another day to wake up and try again. Other days, it might be something you did well the day before and want to repeat. It can be anything… because when it comes to gratitude, everything counts.

When you begin your day with appreciation, everything that follows feels softer, easier, and somehow, a lot more special and meaningful.

—

This post was previously published on medium.com.