A good morning routine can really help you slam dunk the rest of the day.
You can write a ‘to do’ list.
Make a good, strong coffee.
Walk the dog or get a workout in.
Say prayers or meditate.
Read 5 pages or maybe journal your thoughts.
Perhaps avoid social media.
I don’t do any of these things, although coffee is high on my list.
I used to have a complicated, overloaded routine which, if wasn’t completed, made me feel like a failure.
Stretching, lifting weights, gratitude journal, wrestle the dog…and on and on.
My new morning is now, way more simple.
By complete accident I found this site on Twitter…or maybe it found me.
Each morning I read the tweet. It begins with a small photo of a Lazlo, a Paula, a little Monika, the entire Zimmerman family….
In haunting black & white I see fathers, mothers, young men & women, children, babies.
Scrolling, I read: 1st February 1930, a French Jewish girl, Maria Zameczkowski, was born in Paris.
In August 1942 she was deported to #Auschwitz and, after selection, murdered in a gas chamber. No. 25266.
In each daily post the story is the same: a unique, unfurled life, brutally extinguished.
In that moment, in my own ceaseless silence of morning, I gaze into their eyes – scared, distant, defiant – and I say “Today, I see and remember you…..”
I start each day not by remembering a routine, but by remembering others.
Others who never had a chance.
It is by no means a pleasant practice but I feel it my duty to honour their life and not to forget them.
And not to forget how lucky I am.
Auschwitz Memorial @AuschwitzMuseum on Twitter.
Today, I see and remember you…..
That is AMAZING David and one we could all embrace because it truly grounds us and makes us appreciate how very precious life is. All the other annoying bits that come into our day then seem to fade into insignificance and our focus is where it should be i.e. living life to its fullest and being GRATEFUL!! Thankyou DC for your words. Marg S xx
Thanks Marg – I really appreciate your thoughts…..DC
Everyday when I am driving to work I pass a simple memorial cross at the side of the road where an unfortunate 21 year old girl named Ashley lost her life way to soon. Everyday this reminds me of my youngest sister whom was taken way to soon and I a say a simple prayer for both and remember several friends, family and colleagues that have gone some also too soon and a few after long and interesting lives. I thank god I am still healthy and contributing and go about my daily business…..
Thank you for sharing your routine Dave, very moving. ❤️
Hi David
Thank you for this which was so relevant, poignant and different!!!
David, so sorry to hear about your sister mate. Always grateful for your comments and insights. Blessings my friend…
Very grounding DC, makes us appreciate the sacrifices of others that has enabled our prosperity. We must all see and remember
Thanks for commenting mate – I need everything I can get to help me experience gratitude…keeping our eyes and hearts open certainly helps….cheers mate