Hi, I’m Tina Queary, and I've lived in Midland for a really long time. I am the training specialist with Discover You, which is part of the Rock Center for Youth Development here in Midland.
The Life Hack I want to share with you today is Life Hack #7 Start your day your way. For me, this means making my first meeting of the day a date with myself. It’s all about starting my morning with the things that bring me joy and set a positive tone for the rest of the day.
I didn’t always do this. There was a time when I gave all my time and energy to everyone else—my kids, my job, my responsibilities—and I ended up feeling completely depleted. But I realized if I want to take care of others, I have to take care of myself first. So, I started carving out a little time for me in the mornings, and over time, it’s grown into a full routine that I absolutely love.
I started small—just 10 minutes to sit with my coffee and breathe. Then I added things that really speak to me, like journaling about what I’m grateful for (which helps me notice more good things throughout the day) and taking a walk to get some healthy movement in. Now, I’ve built up to two whole hours in the morning just for myself. That might sound like a lot, but it’s been a gradual process, and it makes such a difference. I feel calm, unrushed, and ready for the day ahead.
If you’re thinking about trying this life hack, my advice is to start small. Set a “date” with yourself and block out even 10 or 15 minutes in your calendar. Think about what brings you joy and add that to your routine. Maybe it’s journaling, sipping your coffee in peace, taking a walk, or chatting with a friend. Whatever it is, make sure it feels good to you—if it adds stress, it’s not worth it.
This practice has been life-changing for me, and I hope it can be for you too. So, how would you start your day, your way?
