Recently, I was asked to contribute an article to a booklet being produced by my church. Such a request I always regard as an honor and so I inquired as to the theme for the publication. I was given the title: “Awaken to Amazement.” As you might surmise, the service I attend has a very positive focus.
You also might rightly assume that with the work in which both my company and I are involved, this commission would be a no-brainer. After all, we are about purpose and possibility. However, in the spirit of living with integrity, I must be honest and state that rarely do I literally “awaken to amazement.”
In fact, my thoughts first thing in the morning are not at all amazing. I often am absorbed (like many of you, I’m sure) by all that I have to do, what’s wrong with the world, and concerns about the future.
Fortunately, I have a powerful process that redirects my thinking and focuses my attention on what matters most to me. I have never characterized it this way before, but I can in all honesty say it is inspired by a personal commitment “to live as an amazing a life as possible.”
The process is a morning ritual to which I have been dedicated for more than 30 years. As an early riser, I realize that the timing of this ritual is more challenging for those whose biorhythms are exactly opposite to mine. However, I can assure you the outcomes are worth the effort.
My heritage (Australian) commands that the day starts with a cup of tea—English breakfast with a dash of milk. This is transported to my favorite chair and then a candle is lit, which for me is a calming influence. On the side table are three books or magazines with daily readings, the content of which grounds me in the present moment and provides inspiration and encouragement for fully embracing the day.
Before reading, however, I spend time in contemplation. Purposefully, I direct my mind to thoughts of gratitude. I reflect and review the many blessings that are a part of my daily life. This ensures that I am taking nothing for granted and that my focus is on what I have rather than what I don’t have. The result of this process is a constant reminder that I have everything I “need” and my “wants” are inconsequential to what truly fulfills me and leads to happiness.
I then begin to read, sipping my tea along the way. All the readings nourish and nurture my spirit while, at the same time, speak to life’s possibilities and the potential for what can still be created. Thought by thought my self-imposed limitations are discarded, new vistas are opened up, and my soul is stirred by all that has yet to be learned and experienced.
I wish that I could walk around in a natural state of amazement, but that is not my reality. However, my morning ritual brings me to that place where I become conscious of all that is astonishing, wonderfully surprising, and just overall magnificent. And what more could be more amazing than that?
David McNally, CPAE, is the CEO (Chief Encouragement Officer) of TransForm Corporation (http://www.transformcorp.com). Elected to the Speakers Hall of Fame by the National Speakers Association (NSA), McNally is the author of the bestselling books, “Even Eagles Need a Push—Learning to Soar in a Changing World,” “The Eagle’s Secret—Success Strategies for Thriving at Work and in Life,” and “The Push—Unleashing the Power of Encouragement.” His co-authored book, “Be Your OWN Brand,” is used by many business schools to address the importance of building a strong personal brand. McNally’s books have been translated into 12 different languages and developed into corporate training programs that have been released in more than 20 countries. TransForm works with organizations to develop purposeful leaders who build inspired organizations and iconic brands. Clients include Ameriprise, Areva, Conway, Delta Airlines, Pulte Homes, and Thrivent. For more information, visit www.davidmcnally.com or e-mail info@transformcorp.com.
