Summer is alive with action and friendships and memories made under the stars.

All of those vacations and plans and last-minute things can leave your day a whirlwind. But one habit I’ve tested this summer has made all of our activities possible.

Secret: Start your day with action.

Get up and go for a 15-minute walk, marveling at the beauty of the morning while you do. Tomorrow, go further and luxuriate in the moment by running, moving to greet your day. Action is the key, though I haven’t always started my mornings like this. I’m known to sip coffee and wake-up slow, cowering away from the sun. My new routine is invigorating. It gives my day purpose right from the start.

Instead of sitting on the couch, I’m outside feeling the warmth of the sun and enjoying nature. Instead of checking email, I’m spending a few minutes in solitude, a healthy habit for both mind and body.

Try it.

Your alarm goes off … get up, make the bed, drink a big glass of water and don’t stop there.

Don’t sit.

Get moving, somehow, indoors or out, and you’ll see how the momentum carries you through the day.

* * *

Personal note: Three family vacations and one highly-anticipated trip to the SCBWI 2012 Summer Conference will keep my life very full in the next month. I’m still available for critiques, but wanted to wish you all a wonderful summer. I’ll check in as often as I can.

xoxo Melissa

Photo by MadalenaPestana