Feeling good is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself, and it is one of the best ways to begin every day. Think about it for a moment. What do you do each morning that makes you truly feel good? Do you wake up excited about the day ahead, or do you immediately begin thinking about everything that needs to be done?

For me, the way I start my morning sets the tone for everything that follows. My routine may sound like a bit much for some people, but I wouldn't trade it for anything because of how it makes me feel. In fact, I often joke that I'm getting younger instead of older! The energy, peace, and joy I experience each day are what give me the discipline to continue doing the things that nourish my mind, body, and soul.

Let me share what this morning looked like.

The first thing I did was spend an hour in meditation. That quiet time allows me to clear away the mental clutter before the world has a chance to fill my head with distractions. It reconnects me with my Soul, the part of me that always knows the right direction.

After meditation, I take my daily supplements and enjoy a healthy shake filled with fresh fruit and protein powder. It's delicious, nourishing, and gives my body exactly what it needs to thrive.

Next comes prayer, a time of gratitude, guidance, and connection with God. Prayer reminds me that I never walk through life alone and that every new day is another opportunity to become the person I was created to be.

Then it's time to move! Whether I'm on the treadmill or bouncing on my trampoline, I turn on uplifting music, smile as much as possible, and let my body come alive. There is something incredibly healing about moving your body while filling your heart with joyful music. It's almost impossible to stay in a negative state when you're smiling and moving at the same time.

Not every morning looks exactly the same, but I make sure I protect the things that matter most: meditation, prayer, and aerobic exercise. Those three practices have become my foundation because I have learned something very important:

I put my happiness first.

Some people think that's selfish. I believe it's necessary.

When I am centered, peaceful, and joyful, I become a better mother, friend, coach, speaker, and author. I have more patience, more compassion, and more love to give away. Happiness isn't something I chase anymore. It's something I intentionally create.

My experience has shown me that happiness makes everything seem easier. Challenges don't disappear, but they no longer control me. Starting my day with a healthy breakfast and a routine that fills my spirit makes me feel as though nothing negative can touch me...and most days, it doesn't.

There are mornings when my schedule is packed and there doesn't seem to be enough time to fit everything in. On those days, I make a choice that surprises people.

I'll give up an hour of sleep.

Now, I cherish my sleep, so this isn't a decision I make lightly. But I know how valuable those quiet moments are. The exhilarated feeling I experience after meditation is worth every minute. Beginning the day with a clear mind allows my spirit to soar and adding aerobic exercise releases tension from my body until I feel completely alive.

There are moments during my workout when I experience a beautiful sense of harmony—mind, body, and Soul working together as one. Those are the moments when I feel free. Peace replaces stress. Joy replaces worry. Love replaces fear.

It is difficult to experience lasting happiness when your mind, body, and Soul are disconnected.

Many people tell me they simply don't have time to meditate or look within. Hearing that always makes me a little sad because your Soul is your greatest source of wisdom. It will never steer you in the wrong direction. Long after the body grows older and the mind forgets things, your Soul continues its journey. Doesn't it deserve a few quiet moments each day?

Meditation isn't about adding another task to your schedule. It's about giving yourself the gift of remembering who you truly are beneath all the noise of everyday life.

The beautiful truth is this:

Your happiness is your choice.

No one else can create it for you, and no one else can take it away unless you allow them to.

Every morning you have an opportunity to choose thoughts that lift you up instead of pulling you down. You can nourish your body, calm your mind, strengthen your spirit, and begin the day expecting good things to happen.

That one decision can change the entire direction of your day.

All I know is this: my happiness level is so far over the top that most days I simply have to share it or I think I might explode!

So today, I'm choosing to share a little of that happiness with you.

May you discover a morning routine that fills your heart, energizes your body, quiets your mind, and awakens your Soul. It doesn't have to look exactly like mine. The important thing is that it helps you become the happiest, healthiest version of yourself.

Because feeling good really is one of the greatest ways to start any day.

What is one thing that you can do to add to your morning routine? I'd love to hear from you.

Remember, happiness isn't something you find...t's something you choose, one thought, one breath, and one morning at a time. Wishing you a day filled with joy and love.