Night owl. Insomnia. 8 hours. Ambien. So much dialog today about our sleep. Are you getting enough sleep? Are you getting the right sleep? Why do I always fall asleep on the couch? REM. Deep Sleep. Dream. Sigh. So much to consider about our sleep, and why do I prefer the late night / middle night time?
Late night motivation is something I've joked about for years, but as I grow and reflect much more on my overall health and well-being; I am starting to think, maybe much more to this than just drinking too much Diet Coke or Starbucks. Have a father who is an astronomer, the love of the night sky is his passion and I too have been drawn to the night-life. And yes, I was drawn to a certain night-life a bit too much in my past life, and that's why I am here today.
When I was in the hospital, nighttime was my favorite time. Favorite time and hospital, what? Is it true, you are able to have "favorites" of a hospital stay? Well yes, I think when you've been a resident patients for many months, you can't help but develop your favorites and I think there are reasons for that as well - basic survival. The hypnotic murmur and whisper of the machines and the soft lights and warm bed couldn't help but make you feel safe. Folklore would say the spirits are closer at night. And I would have to say I agree.
Late night does feel safe today. Late night feels inspiring. Late night feels still. Late night feels silent. When the world quiets down and you can just be present with yourself, it's very empowering. As you define empower, Webster would say, it is to make someone stronger and more confident, especially in controlling their life and claiming their rights. I would also add to that, to empower is to provide self-actualization. My best ideas and inspiration come when the world is quiet. Granted, this is also the breeding ground for anxiety, so it is critically important for me to focus on mindfulness and allow my brain to be guided by the creative energy late night provides. When you are able to be mindful and look inside your soul, it is easy to realize what you really want out of life and this is how you get motivated - hence my term late night motivation.
In order to keep pushing through, I think it is important to work with what works for you. Late night motivation is a beautiful experience two nights a week, those pesky work-nights aren't quite as conducive to LNM. You do you. Late night motivation is something I treasure, and if this applies to you as well, embrace it. Follow your own circadian rhythm while allowing yourself the grace needed to keep pushing through.