Maintaining a good routine is essential for my health and wellness, and it involves a lot more than meets the eye. My day typically begins around 5 AM, though I occasionally rise as early as 4 AM if I have a project or a significant amount of content to complete.

Morning Rituals

The first thing I do is make a cup of coffee. While the water is boiling, I take a moment to check my emails and scroll through my social media accounts. After my first cup, I brew a second and head to my plants. I talk to them as I water and check for any changes in the germination and growth of my seedlings. If I notice any significant developments, I snap some photos for future reference.

With my second cup of coffee in hand, I dive into content creation for my website and social media. I use this time to plan my content for the next day, ensuring I have all the necessary information and images ready. Once my content is polished, I often schedule my social media posts or publish them right away. This planning is especially crucial as I prepare for the upcoming "Not Just A Meal Program."

By 9 AM, I’m out the door, ready for the day’s activities. On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, my wife and I hit the gym. Our workout schedule can vary slightly based on appointments or meetings, sometimes requiring us to leave a bit earlier than 9 AM.

Daytime Activities

Most days, I arrive in downtown Oshawa by 11 AM. I like to take a walk around, chatting and connecting with others in the community. I aim to schedule my meetings in the afternoon, walking to each one, which keeps me active. It’s about a 5 KM walk from downtown to my home in North Oshawa, and I make it a priority to walk home after meetings or activities. Regardless of the weather—rain, snow, or shine—I strive to get in at least 5 KM of walking each day.

Interestingly, I don’t have traditional weekends. My routine stays consistent throughout the week. I might wake up at 6 AM on Saturdays and Sundays, but my internal clock usually nudges me awake earlier. On weekends, I take it a bit easier, focusing less on content creation and reflecting on the past week while planning for the upcoming one.

The Importance of Routine

Growing plants requires dedication, and mistakes can set me back for weeks. Since my stroke, I’ve found that creating effective routines has become essential. I use alarms on my phone to keep me on track with everything from watering my plants to taking my medications. I used to take seven different medications daily, but thanks to my efforts toward improving my health, I’m now down to just two. I’m hopeful that, with my doctor’s guidance, I can eventually transition from pills to plants for my health needs.

Years ago, part of my morning routine included reading affirmations like "You Are Loved" and "I Am Loved." Even today, I wear t-shirts with the phrase "You Are Loved" as a reminder that love is for everyone.

Conclusion

Creating routines is vital for maintaining a healthy and happy life. If life forces you to break your routines, focus on getting back on track. Improve your habits and adjust them to better suit your current needs. I wouldn’t have been able to recover from my major stroke and open-heart surgery without the structure that my routines provide.

Remember, LIFE—Love Is For Everyone!