The Awakening: Embrace the Alarm or Embrace Unfettered Freedom

Have you ever been woken up by the sound of your kitten meowing and pawing at the kennel door, or a sudden burst of light signaling the start of a new workday?

Responsibility and Wake-Up Routines

For me, waking up to an alarm is often a sign of another long day ahead with my kitten’s insistence that I get up early. This little furry creature had grown accustomed to waking me up when our housemate was house-sitting for us, showing me the proper way to stir from a deep sleep. Interestingly, our dog learned this behavior as well, teaching the kitten how to push the kennel doors to nudge me awake. As a result, the kitten no longer needs to wake me up, thanks to his well-learned behavior.

From Obligation to Freedom

But not all wake-up routines are as charming as the kitten’s meowing. Some mornings can be daunting, especially when it's due to a job I despise or a social obligation that I'd rather dodge. On such mornings, I feel trapped and resentful, longing for the days when my internal clock dictated my schedule.

That's why I’ve embraced the freedom to work for myself. I run educational YouTube channels, OnePercentBetter and SleepGods, which allows me to choose when to wake up and when to sleep. The pleasure in setting my own schedule and waking up to my own desires cannot be underestimated.

Natural Awakening and Emergency Alarms

Recently, I’ve begun to enjoy waking up naturally, free from the tyranny of alarms. However, I set a later alarm just in case I overindulge in sleep. Alarms often signify the need for urgency or readiness, whether it’s for an impromptu work call or a planned morning hike.

The way I feel when I must wake up to an alarm significantly depends on what the day holds. If I have something enjoyable planned, like a workout or a relaxing day, I'm much more inclined to jump out of bed. Conversely, facing a task I detest can heighten my morning dread. To alleviate this, I often set my alarm for only a couple of minutes, allowing me a few additional snoozes before finally getting up.

Challenges and Endurance

Eventually, even my strongest desire to remain in bed will be overcome by my pets and the internal struggle within myself. Once I start moving, staying in bed becomes pointless. My internal clock may have me up 10 minutes before the alarm, and on rare occasions, I might magically spring from my slumber without it.

However, there are times when my self-imposed routine is disrupted. Rarely do I make it to my internal wake-up time, though my internal clock typically signals my impending departure just before the alarm. On such rare occasions, if I manage to wake up, I'm relieved, especially if I avoid waking my wife, a situation that can lead to an unwelcome awakening.

Ultimately, it isn't about avoiding alarms altogether; it’s about embracing the power of choice and the freedom that comes with it. Whether you're waking up to a kitten or to a job you despise, the key is to make each day a moment of choice and freedom.