Hey Reader~

If you’re wondering if you’re doing this challenge “right” or not, or maybe you’re stuck in analysis paralysis like I sometimes am, remember that the goal is to get out of bed when your alarm clock goes off. You determine what time you set your alarm. You determine what 10 minutes of fresh air and movement look like. You’re in control of how this challenge fits your lifestyle.

Me? Thanks for asking. During the week I’m up before the sun, walking through crunching leaves with the dogs while the owls are still hooting. On the weekends I’m rolling out a little later, wrapped in a blanket on the deck with my coffee watching the frost melt off the furniture. It’s cozy in the way that only October mornings can be. Neither way is a failure — it’s how I choose to intentionally show up for myself.

Here’s what’s new this round: I’ve been habit stacking. If you’ve read Atomic Habits, you know what that means. If you haven’t, the short version is this — you attach a new habit to one you’ve already built. My Wake Up Call is solid enough now that I’ve started sitting down to eat breakfast after I come inside. Not standing over the sink. Not in the car. Sitting down. It sounds small. It is not small. It’s a ritual that tells my nervous system the morning belongs to me before the day gets its hands on it. I’d encourage you to think about what you could stack onto your Wake Up Call now that three weeks in, it’s starting to feel like yours.

I’ve heard from many of you that you already have a morning routine in place. That’s awesome! I’ve heard that some of you are developing a morning routine as you work through the challenge — also awesome!

I’m curious — what reward are you working toward? I’ve been going back and forth between something from Duluth Trading Company, a new concealer, and a Paddle North anchor. Yes, that range is exactly as random as it sounds. Reply and tell me what you’re working toward — I read every single one and I want to cheer you on.

If you’re posting your Wake Up Call on Instagram, tag me @kreisaduwe so I can cheer you on. On Facebook, tag me in your post or story and I’ll find you there too.

You’re more than halfway there (whoaaaa-oh! Living on a prayer! 🎶)

You got this!

~Kreisa