The pinks and purples illuminate the gray clouds, and a symphony of song awakens the air from hidden birds in the trees. It is a new day with new opportunities. I breathe in the crisp air and allow the morning mist to kiss my face. This is my new normal, waking up before the sun rises and walking the dogs with my husband in order to watch the beginning of another day. It is majestic.

I’ve never been an early riser. In fact, I relished those moments where I could sleep in. I would moan and groan with each new morning, frustrated that I had to get up and begin the chaos of life, once again. The way I began my morning set the tone for the rest of my day. It’s no wonder that I always felt rushed and irritated.

So, what sparked this change? My husband and I were watching an interview with author and philosopher, Ryan Holiday, on the Glenn Beck Show. They discussed stoicism, our ever changing world, and how to find peace amid the chaos. One of the habits that both men swear by is waking up before the sun rises to meditate on the splendor of that moment: the beauty of a fresh start. I figured I would give it a shot.

For this entire week, my husband and I have welcomed in the sun. We hardly speak during this fifteen minute walk. Instead, we allow the splendid silence of renewal to envelope us. This week, I have felt more peace. This week, I have been more productive, and all this has occurred because I changed how I viewed my mornings.

So, as Sir Arthur Conan Doyle observed, it is the little things that matter most.