Daily rituals of excellence

It is no doubt that if you want to lead an “epic” life – a life of purpose – that you incorporate some steadfast daily rituals that help you achieve your best self.

I am a sucker for any book, article, speaker who offers me ideas of what may be worth adding into my routine. I loved this picture for two reasons: it is a beautiful work of architecture and, the people in the background look like they are soaking up the beauty around them instead of hurrying past the moment. That’s a great ritual.

So today I am sharing 13 of my daily rituals. That’s my lucky number so it had to be 13. Hopefully at least one will strike a chord for you. They ebb and flow a bit with the season, so the start of summer may be a great time to change it up a bit. I’d love to hear some of yours, so please take time to note one or more in the comments!

1. Get moving. My grandmother, who just passed a few months ago at 96, used to always say “You have to get up, even if you don’t feel like it.” So get to moving!
2. Incorporate greens into every meal if possible. Yep, I am even throwing a few with some lemon vinaigrette next to my morning meal.
3. Drink lots of water! I carry my water bottle everywhere!
4. Use dishes you love. I had a local potter, (Erica Iman of Urban Potters) make my plates, bowls and mugs for the house. I got the idea from a hotel I was visiting for business. They served up a simple dish in a super cool bowl and I loved it. I realized that something as boring a salad or bowl of soup can be special if you know it was made by hand by someone who loves their craft. That is a gift to me.
5. Spend time in nature. A walk with my dogs is my personal favorite, but any time outdoors is the goal. Some days it may even just be rolling the windows down in the car and enjoying the breeze.
6. Start the day by reading from the Bible. I have done this 7 years in a row now. This year, I am following a chronological version plan via the YouVersion Bible app. I journal one thing that stood out to me and pray that I might learn, grow and engage with it if applicable.
7. LEARN. I incorporate learning into my life anytime I can. Solo time in the car, walking on the treadmill, etc. I have a host of speakers I listen to as well as podcasts as of late.
8. Send an encouraging message to a friend or colleague.
9. Try to catch the sunset and snap a picture if possible. I just added this one over the past year and I love it.
10. Read and relax. I almost always end my day with a bath and take time to read for at least an hour, and often a lot more. This time to unwind and get out of my head is just what the doctor ordered to sleep well! (I read non fiction, and generally business books, or some sort of self improvement, spiritual or otherwise similar in messaging.)
11. Music… I need to learn to listen to it more, because I love it. I’ve tried to be mindful of this lately because there is nothing like throwing on some Kenny Chesney, Fleetwood Mac, Boston, Hillsong, Elevation Music, Lionel Richie, Alicia Keys, John Mayer, etc. It can shift your energy on the spot.
12. Positive social media talk! I am very intentional about keeping my social media feeds positive. For example, I use Twitter primarily for business or inspiration, but I craft who I follow with a goal in mind. I unfollow those who aren’t consistently positive and thoughtful. (Overuse of social media could be on my “things I need to take out of my daily life.” I’ll save that for another blog…)
13. Pray. My goal this year is to be a better “prayer” person. I’m good at the brief, “popcorn” prayers and I believe all prayer forms are great, but I want to go deeper and truly connect through prayer.

Your turn!