Cold Showers

I start with comfortably warm water. As the warm water washes over me I give thanks for how good it feels and for the mind that allows me to appreciate it.

Deliberately I wash my body, taking time to give thanks for each part along the way

Next I begin to give thanks for the people in my life, starting with my kids and extending out to my family, friends and business associates

Then, I give thanks for the challenges I have faced. I don’t think of any of them specifically, I just say “thank you for my challenges because they force me to grow and evolve”

Then I turn the water as cold as it will go. As the cold water hits my body I focus on controlling my breathing - breathe in for a count of five, breathe out for a count of five. The cold water can be hard to bear so I remind myself that while my life is warm and friendly, some days can seem cold and harsh and I say, “Challenges make me strong. I can handle anything. It gets easier. This too shall pass. I persist until I succeed.” I stand in the cold water, controlling my breathing and repeating this mantra 10 times.

I turn off the water and I feel amazing. I tell myself “I am succeeding.This is what success feels like. I command, and I obey. I am succeeding. Stick to the plan. I will act now.”

As I dress and get ready to leave I repeat to myself over and over, “I will act now” and think about the different activities I have planned for the day. I imagine the process and a positive outcome.

“Stick to the plan.” “Act now.”