Marcus Aurelius told himself each morning that he was rising to do the work of a human being. Not perfectly. Not without resistance. He admitted, plainly, that part of him wanted to stay warm under the blankets. You can admit that too. Beginning doesn't require you to feel ready or bright or sure. It only asks that you are here, breathing, willing to take the next small step. Some mornings the whole task is simply to start, gently, without arguing with yourself first. Let that count. The day does not need you to be heroic. It only needs you to show up.

Inspired by the old idea of the morning resolve to do human work. Written by Ugo Charles.