I’ve never been one to leap out of bed and embrace the day. In my youth, the idea of seizing anything before a respectable hour was met with a resounding groan. Sleep was my sanctuary, dreams my preferred reality. Saturday farm chores as a kid? Absolutely not. My grown-up self felt pretty much the same.
Because, let’s be honest, getting up usually meant work was looming. And who, truly, is that excited about work when a warm, comfy bed calls?
The one glorious exception has always been cottages or camping trips. Then, without fail, I’d be up with the dawn, a steaming mug of tea in hand, watching the world awaken with the sunrise. No alarm needed (I don’t even use one on regular weekdays), but my body just knew: “This, my friend, is worth getting up for!” Work, on the other hand… not so much.
Now, as I’ve gracefully (or not so gracefully) aged, sleep has become more elusive. So, early mornings are often my reality, a result of restless nights rather than a conscious choice. I still cherish those quiet sunrises, but a part of me often yearns for just a bit more shuteye.
This morning, though, while tending to the garden, a conversation from the night before echoed in my mind. My partner and I had been discussing what truly matters to us: the farm we’re slowly building our lives around, the possibility of fostering animals and perhaps children, our co-owned business, and the dream of another venture.
And it got me thinking.
When have you ever heard a truly inspiring success story about an entrepreneur who hits the snooze button until noon? Most of them, in interview after interview, talk about being up at 4 or 5 AM. They hit the gym, tackle emails, plan their day. By the time 8 AM rolls around, they’ve often accomplished more than many people do in an entire workday.
What about folks with kids, or dogs? Are they known for sleeping in late? Nope. You have to be up to walk the dog, or get the kids fed, dressed, and off to school with their lunches packed.
And farmers? They’re practically synonymous with the crack of dawn, roused by the rooster’s crow.
It struck me: all of our shared goals – the aspirations we hold dear – are embodied by people who don’t indulge in leisurely mornings.
Think about it. DJs, bartenders, musicians, entertainers – sure, they might sleep in. The 9-to-5 crowd who hit happy hour after work? They probably enjoy a lie-in too.
But the people living the lives we aspire to, the people who are building, nurturing, creating, and leading… they’re the early birds. They’re out there, catching their worms, while the rest of us are still dreaming.
And then I had to ask myself: who do I want to be?
