The Sunrise

The alarm goes off at 4:15am. It’s Sunday. I startle awake and momentarily wonder why this chiming sound broke my peaceful sleep on a weekend morning. Then I remember… I’m leaving Arizona again in 2 days, flying back across the Atlantic to the island that is now home. I owe it to myself to see one more desert sunrise from the top of my hometown before I go.

I lie in bed for 2 more minutes battling with my inner monologue. “Stay in bed… it’s early… you won’t regret it if you go later and miss the sunrise. You need the sleep.” He says.

I hear the voice out… and then as if he is someone else, I ask him… “yes, but how will I feel later if I take this chance from myself, just so I can get another hour under the covers?” That inner voice knows the answer and immediately gives up trying to talk me out if it…

One foot after the other, I slide out of bed, get ready, and drive to the trailhead by 5:15AM. The sunrises in 38 minutes and it’s a 40 minute hike up a steep trail to reach the top. I make it up in 37 minutes.

My line of site crosses the top of the summit just as the sun breaks over the mountains in the distance… the mountains that form the barriers to the giant valley I call home. Phoenix, Arizona… It will always be home.

Respiring heavily and feeling the fatigue catching up to me… I find a ledge on the side of a cliff… and I say to my inner monologue, “I told you so”. We watch as the sun rises and washes over us together… because ultimately, that voice inside your head, who is trying to talk you out of getting out of bed, is no more than a good friend. A friend who only wants what’s best for you. It’s up to you to remind him, though, that he’s not always right. And then force him to go anyways… even when the covers and soft mattress are all too appealing.

You’ll never regret what you go get done. But you’ll always wonder about what you don’t.

Go be awesome today. You owe it to yourself.

Joey Szolowicz is a Lifestyle, Nutrition and Health Blogger and Vlogger. For weekly tips join, his community here.

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This post was previously published on medium.com.

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