Oh my goodness, I’m just coming up for air after a stretch of gathering with women I love—so much learning, so much gratitude. But before I share any of that, I want to talk about February morning light. And a sunrise challenge I gave myself.
Can you see me stretched out in the morning sunlight?
The Farm Approach
Last fall, my sister Saren and I attended a discussion group where one woman shared what she called “the farm approach”—a monthly family challenge meant to build grit and togetherness, even without an actual farm.
The idea stuck with me. There’s something powerful about choosing something hard together. Especially in a life that doesn’t naturally require it anymore.
But alas, my children are all grown up. Maybe they still want to do it? Surely Dave and I could at least do it together. And really, that man is willing, bless his heart.
But on the evening of my birthday at the end of January I decided to take matters into my own hands and get going.
A Sunrise Challenge
I’ve always wanted to become a morning person, and the get-up-before-sunrise farm approach idea spoke most to me. So I jumped in to wake up before the sunrise each day.
At first it was easy. Sunrise wasn’t until after 7 here in the desert. It got a bit more difficult when I went to California for these gatherings with women where that sun came up earlier.
Also at first I wanted to backtrack on this idea. I wanted to stay up later with Dave and bask in having no children to get out the door at the crack of dawn.
But gradually I started to fall head-over-heels in love.
What I Added Along the Way
Along the way, inspired by my sisters and also my Lenten sacrifice, I added a few small practices:
- a one-mile walk/run while listening to something inspiring encircled by the sunrise
- reading and taking note of scriptures each day…which turned into part of
- grounding
- sending an intentional text to someone I love
- no eating after 7pm
Falling in Love with Morning Light
By the end of my sunrise month I was actually GIDDY to pull on my workout clothes and get out into that pink morning sky before it disappeared. I still am.
It was not because I mastered anything. It was because I had learned to notice more.
There is something SO INCREDIBLY BEAUTIFUL about morning when the sun gradually comes up to color everything new. Especially when you are listening to something inspiring.
Sunrise Morning Light Studies
Today, I’m sharing only a little minuscule portion of the light that has captured my heart.
Note that these light studies are all from different places. From home to California to Utah, shown in no particular order, where we got to visit during February.
Love that my sisters were with me for some of the mornings, and willing to do yoga and “polar plunges” with me a few of the mornings.
That got me even deeper into the beauty of feeling alive in the mornings.
Oh there was nothing mastered in this practice. But this practice of taking time to notice light and beauty sure filled up my heart.
Shawni, you always post such beautiful and inspiring things! Sometimes it makes me cry because I would love so much to have that kind of happiness. You are so lucky that you aren’t the kind of person who just gives up! (like me) You always find a way to make things better for whatever is going on in your life and you make it work. If there was ever a magical “wish granted” kind of thing in this life, I would wish for that kind of mindset and faith. Something I could turn to and believe in.
I’ve told you a few times about my “spiritual journey” that I’ve been pursuing over the last couple of years when I lost so many family members in a small amount of time. Remember how excited I was about trying to find faith and happiness so I could have something good to turn to? Well, I must’ve done it wrong, because it didn’t work. Or more likely, I probably went about it all wrong. I’m not sure why I thought I could find it. So I think I shall keep on sustaining myself with your blog because it always helps! That probably sounds strange but you really are such an inspiring person. I wish I could have been successful in my journey, but like most things that I try to accomplish, I usually manage to screw it up.
I hope you continue to always write this blog! It’s always been such a lovely thing to turn to.
Oh my goodness Laura, I somehow missed this comment! I’m so sorry about that and reading it makes my heart just reach out to you! I am so sorry you’re feeling like things are not working out right now…my advice is don’t give up! Even when life seems so dark and hopeless there is always something that can change that, even if it’s just a switch of your heart or your thinking. I’ve been reading the Old Testament lately and I think it’s so interesting how many prophets find themselves in the middle of darkness and trouble. But they somehow find God in the messiness. My prayer for you is that you can somehow find God even in the dark.
One thing I’m doing to find Him is that I’m keeping a little journal. Every day I write down one thing that I think God wanted me to learn or notice. It’s been such a good practice for me to be on the constant look-out for that goodness. I believe when you’re looking, you’ll find the silver linings. That is my prayer for you.
Sending so much love your way!
XOXO
Hi, I’d love to hear what inspiring podcasts you’re listening to, I’m always looking for new ones
I’m trying to get that post done today or tomorrow! So check back in soon!
xoxo
Im actually missing your podcast “In the Arena”. Will you continue? 🙏🏼
It was so great!
We are just taking a little “break” to get our bearings straight, but I’m hoping we get our act together to continue soon! Thanks for missing it;)
xoxo