For the past seven years, I have begun my days at 5:15 in the morning. I get up that early in the morning, because each day I have an important “date” to go on- my “sacred date.” My sacred date consists of me, prayer, meditation and a strong cup of coffee.

I meet this part of the day with great anticipation. Never mind that it’s 5:15 in the morning and on my way downstairs, I might crush my pinky toe on the side of my daughter’s Barbie convertible. Still, I am filled with hope, because this is the time that I enter into the realm of possibilities.
But over the years, my morning ritual has become a robotic-like routine. My level of enthusiasm hovered around the same scale as flossing my teeth! What happened to Mrs. Spirituality? Oh where are you, Great Mother of all things deep!? There was a culprit infiltrating “my time,” preventing me from reaping the benefits of inner growth and I was going to get to the bottom of this!
Let’s see, it wasn’t that this time of inspiration no longer stimulated me to want to be or do better, and it wasn’t that I lost the passion to continue to make a conscious contact with my Higher Power, whom I call God. My suspicions led me to the conclusion that the culprit preventing me from fully engaging in my “sacred date”, was me and my inability to take my sacred date to the next level.
I needed to bring back that spark to my sacred dates, by creating a follow-up plan once my date had ended. I never followed-up with myself. I never made a conscious decision throughout my day, to check in with my emotional and spiritual needs. I just got up, turned the coffee pot off, and dragged my butt into “mommy mode”; barking out morning commands to my three kids. I left all my inspiration and serenity on the sofa! Everyone, especially women, know that a good date can turn into a great date, if only he/she follows up with a call. Just one phone call, to say “Thanks” or perhaps “No Thanks.” Nevertheless, the follow up gives direction for the next decision each party will make. No one likes dangling in the balance! So, I found that I broke the number one cardinal rule of dating!
I decided to throw a little spice into my morning routine by adding a daily Power Word to the mix. This is how it works; If during my inspirational reading or during my quiet contemplation, a word hits me, such as gratitude, serenity, compassion or prosperity, I make a conscious decision to practice the thoughts, attitudes and behaviors that the Power Word implies. Bingo!
Practicing the Power Word supports me, to not only solidify its meaning in my conscious mind, but it brings me back to myself when I feel that I am spinning out of control throughout my day. It’s especially important when I am struggling through the day with side effects to my meds or battling that unwelcome fatigue. Those times are very difficult for me, and I need some kind of float to keep my head above water. My chosen Power Word cuts through all the garbage of fear, lack of self-esteem, and anxiety that tries to sneak into the side door of my serenity. The very thought of the Word straightens my back and sobers my determination. I have some words that I favor over most, but all words of peace, love, unity and serenity allow me to enter into dimensions of greater wakefulness.
What’s the Word for you? It’s simple. Think of a Word that gives you Power. Contemplate on its meaning and from time to time throughout the day, pull that Power Word out to bring you back into your peace and joy!
Article written by by Keesha M. Mayes, Butyoudontlooksick.com ©2006
(Keesha Mayes is the President, Senior Consultant and Professional Wellness Coach at CSOLUTIONS Coaching & Consulting services.)