Richard’s not a morning person. Despises getting out of bed. 

Some days, he wakes up like a petulant child. Full of bitterness. Resentful. And downright mean. This creates a lot of unnecessary… shit. 

• Arguments with his partner
• Feeling anxious, depressed
• Imposter syndrome

Insurmountable stress. And all before the sun is an hour above the horizon.

~

Richard also despises doing the dishes. 

He’s busy. He doesn’t have time to waste on mundane tasks. So he lets them pile up until they create a lot of unnecessary… shit. 

• More lost time
• More arguments with his partner
• And smells that scorch his nostril hairs

Until one day, something astonishing happens. 

Richard realizes he’s been conditioned by a frame of mind that tears down instead of builds up. 

That being irritable in the morning and detesting responsibilities is a conscious choice. 

~

Rewiring your mindframe

Truth is, I’m often grumpy and off guard first thing in the morning. So I’m vulnerable to “Richard’s Intrusion.”

They say give your nasty narrative a name to distance yourself from its painful words. I call mine Richard because he’s a Dick.

Nothing Richard says is worth listening to. And the days are exhausting when he’s leading the conversation. 

How do I stop his diabolic dialogue? 

Perspective. 

I try to wake up grateful for the positive things in my life. 

• My kickass friends and the unforgettable memories we’ve made together
• My family and my job, the roof over my head and the food in my fridge
• My partner who supports me (even when I put off doing the dishes)

More to the point, I wake up grateful for the breath in my chest. 

And so should you. Honestly. Be thankful you didn’t die in your sleep. Freak accidents, tragedies. Perfectly healthy people expire unexpectedly ALL THE TIME.

“Let each thing you would do, say, or intend, be like that of a dying person.” 

Marcus Aurelius

Life is unpredictable and unfair. Waking up to uncertainty, putting in all that effort. It can be crippling—and it feels so safe and so cozy beneath the covers. 

But life is also exciting, beautiful, and full of possibilities. Each new day offers opportunity, purpose, and a fresh cup of coffee. 

So be intentional with your thoughts in the morning. Don’t just hand Richard the microphone. 

Remember, that voice inside is your own.

What it says is up to you.