At the beginning of this year, one of my resolutions was to delve deeper into self-improvement literature. I’ve had books like *Atomic Habits* and *How to Talk to Anyone* prominently on my reading list. Recently, while running errands at Target for essentials like hand soap and cotton balls, I allowed myself to meander through the book section for about half an hour. I felt an urgent need to buy a book right then and there, fearing that if I didn’t, the intention would slip away from me soon after. As I wandered back and forth, one title stood out: *The Elevation Approach* by Tina Wells. After picking it up, reading the summary, and putting it back down multiple times, I decided to purchase it. Although Tina Wells was unfamiliar to me, something about the book resonated—especially its focus on creativity. I’ve come to realize that the power of rituals is key to unlocking benefits to well-being.
I’ve been striving to carve out dedicated blocks of time to tackle specific tasks in my daily routine. More often than not, though, these plans get derailed. My mornings typically involve a frantic rush: making lunch for my 9 to 5 job, selecting an outfit that suits me, juggling multiple bags (laptop, lunch, and daily necessities), and enduring a grueling 45-minute commute. It’s a scenario that many can relate to. One chapter in *The Elevation Approach* particularly chapter captivated me—a discussion on rituals. Intrigued, I delved into the concept, seeking a deeper understanding of why rituals are important and why we practice them. I turned to Google for clarity and found an applicable definition: “(of an action) arising from convention or habit.”
Rituals are an intrinsic part of both human and animal behavior, as highlighted by scientific research. They establish patterns of behavior, express belief systems, foster social bonds, and even serve as a means to alleviate stress. The latter definitely caught my attention. Confession time: my rituals aren’t very organized. Yet, there is one that I cherish for its soul-soothing properties. I tend to wake up early, usually between 4 am and 5 am, with a surprising burst of energy. Despite my nightly aspirations of accomplishing numerous tasks—from meal prepping to laundry and tackling unfinished projects—reality often falls short. By 7 pm, I’m catching up on TV shows; by 8 pm, I might manage one chore; by 9 pm, I’m ready for bed.
Developing better habits is still a work in progress for me. So, what constitutes my sacred time? Those quiet early morning hours where my thoughts flow most freely. Wrapped in my favorite Victoria’s Secret plush robe, I retrieve my espresso machine and carefully prepare my coffee, pouring it into one of my cherished espresso cups—each with its own story, either gifted by relatives or collected during travels. I sit in the dark, my only illumination the gentle glow of the holiday tree, and slowly sip my espresso. In these moments of tranquility, my imagination wanders to far-off places, and I contemplate my future self. This sanctuary of early morning solitude fuels my daydreams and aspirations, offering me a glimpse of the person I hope to become.
It’s a new year. Developing new rituals is a good start to become a better version of yourself. Drink coffee or tea out of your favorite cup, journal, get on the exercise bike, or do stretches. There are no rules. Start off slow if you need to. Do carve out time just for you. It can be five minutes or fifty minutes or whatever works for you. The point is not to burn yourself out with another item on your to do list, but rather give yourself the gift of being your most authentic self-unapologetically.
