Start Day Positive
Mornings can either make or break the day. For me, starting positive isn’t about pretending everything’s perfect—it’s about setting the tone with intention, even on tough days.
Being Deaf shapes how I interact with the world, especially when the world’s just waking up. Most people wake up to an alarm. I wake up to vibration. My bed shaker gently buzzes me into the day—it’s not jarring, just a nudge. It reminds me that I move differently through life, and that’s something I’ve learned to be proud of.
My morning routine doesn’t include sound, but it’s full of clarity. I start with light. I open my curtains and let the sun in, or if it’s a gray day, I turn on my brightest lamp. I stretch. I breathe. I don’t scroll. That can wait.
I write down three things I’m grateful for. Some days it’s big: a new opportunity, a win at work, a supportive friend. Other days it’s simple: good coffee, a warm hoodie, silence. Gratitude keeps me grounded.
Then, I check in with myself. How’s my energy? Am I overwhelmed before the day even begins? If I am, I slow down. I remind myself: productivity is not the goal—presence is. Whether I’m heading into a busy day or just trying to stay afloat, I try to start steady.
Starting positive isn’t about being cheerful 24/7. It’s about choosing not to spiral the second your eyes open. It’s about small habits that build up over time. And most of all, it’s about honoring your pace, your rhythm, your way of doing things—even if it looks different from everyone else’s.
So if you’re reading this and your mornings feel chaotic or rushed, try this tomorrow: pause, breathe, and choose one thing that makes you feel good. Then go from there.
You deserve a good start. Let it be yours.
– Donna
