Rise and Shine with Captain Hedges

Your Morning Watch with Captain Hedges

Posted: July 18, 2025

Good morning, and welcome back to Rise and shine with Captain Hedges, our dedicated space to start the day together with purpose. Go ahead, pour yourself a cup of your favorite brew and take that first, wonderful sip. Right now, in the quiet moments before the world fully awakens, there is a unique stillness, a palpable sense of potential. It’s just us, our coffee, and the brand new day waiting on the horizon.

Before the notifications begin their assault and the day makes its inevitable demands, this time is yours. Think of it as a quiet harbor. Too often, we launch directly from our beds into the chaotic seas of our to-do lists, immediately tossed about by the waves and reacting to every gust of wind. But a seasoned captain knows better. They take a moment on the deck, mug in hand, to simply be. To watch the sun break the horizon, to feel the gentle sway of the ship, to prepare their mind for the voyage. This coffee ritual? This is your time on deck. It's not a delay; it's calibration.

As you enjoy your coffee, ask yourself one simple question: What is my heading for today?

I’m not referring to the long list of tasks you need to get through. That’s just cargo. I’m talking about your true destination, your North Star for the day. What is the one thing that, if you accomplish it, will make today a true success? Perhaps it's completing a challenging project. Maybe it's having a meaningful, present conversation with someone you care about. Or perhaps it’s simply protecting an hour for your own mental health. Define it. See it clearly. This is your compass bearing. When the inevitable squalls of distraction or unexpected problems arise, this single, clear intention will be the star you navigate by.

The day ahead will have its challenges—it always does. There will be crosswinds from other people's priorities and strong currents of unforeseen tasks. That’s a given. A captain doesn't expect perfectly calm seas; they trust in their preparation and their purpose. Your preparation is this quiet moment, this mindful start. Your purpose is the heading you just set. With a clear mind and a clear direction, you are ready to handle the weather.

The sun is a little higher now, our mugs a little lighter. It’s time to weigh anchor and set sail. Carry the feeling of this moment with you—the calm, the focus, the quiet confidence. You are the captain of this day. You hold the helm. Now go and steer your vessel with intention.

Wishing you fair winds and following seas, across the vastness of Space and Time

- Captain Hedges