How do you start your day? If it's anything close to the typical person, you probably rush out the door, dropping things on your way out. Running late, you get into your car forgetting to eat breakfast again. What kind of tone are you setting for your day with these behaviors and routines? How can you possibly approach your day with a balanced, efficient and productive purpose with a start like that? Do you then come home from a long day of work to crash down on the couch with the television on? Doesn't life hold more than this for us? Yes it does.

Life truly is what we make of it. Your thoughts become your actions; your actions then become who you are. I want to share something I recently learned that has added balance and purpose to my life. I hope you will try it and enjoy the results.

When I examined my morning routine I found it was fast-paced and left me with feelings of anxiety. Then I noticed most everything else I did the rest of the day followed that same pattern. I drove more aggressively, my workouts were rushed and held little lasting value, and I almost launched my food past my throat and straight to my stomach.

By the time I got home I could barely focus on anything that held true meaning or benefit for my soul. Maybe you feel this way. Maybe you didn't even notice you were living this kind of unbalanced pattern. Fortunately, I slowed down long enough to look at myself, outside of myself. I saw how out of balance I was.

We must work to gain balance. When I noticed that I was spinning out of control I had to put conscious action into my life that would bring me back to balance. Now I use the following technique for just 10 minutes each morning to gain that balance.

Start each day with a quiet time of reflective meditation, prayer or thought. Sit quietly with a lengthened torso, legs crossed or straight in front of you, whichever is more comfortable. Breathe deeply and slowly. The important part is to either speak or think of things that you are thankful for. This creates positive images in your mind, which in turn creates a positive person with positive actions. Honor your breath, your body, your blessings, your spouse, your kids, your house, your free time, and your two feet. Then take a few minutes to ask for clarity or guidance in areas that may be troubling you. Change your energy in positive directions. Take time to realize what things are truly important in your life.

This whole process should last about 10 to 15 minutes each morning. By making this one small disciplined action you might just change your life as well as the lives of those that you touch.

As author James Clavell said, "To think bad thoughts is really the easiest thing in the world. If you leave your mind to itself it will spiral down into ever increasing unhappiness. To think good thoughts, however, requires effort. This is one of the things that discipline -- training -- is all about."

Troy Fontana owns Fontana Fitness in Sparks. Details: 331-6918 or e-mail at Getfit@FontanaFitness.com.