Over the years, my morning routine has become my life raft.
It started years ago when the babies were all really little and life felt out of control. Never feeling like I had any time or energy for myself. Living with this feeling of always being “behind”. I decided to create this really simple routine of getting up a little earlier before all the kids were awake. Just an extra 15 minutes, but it felt like a lifetime.
I’d go downstairs, with the house still dark and quiet, light a candle, and start my coffee. While my coffee brewed quietly, I’d sit by the candle in my kitchen, pull out a little notebook and write. It was nothing formal. Just whatever was on my mind. A brain dump. There were no prompts or journaling. It was literally just me a pen, some paper, and my candle. It was that simple.
With a hot cup of coffee in my hand, I’d take a few more moments sitting at our kitchen table taking a few deep breaths before heading upstairs hearing the sounds of little feet. And the day would be off. That quiet moment never found again.
My morning routine at the time was so simple. Basic. I’m not even sure I had any real intention or plan behind any of it. It was before I even knew what a “morning routine” was. Instead, it was just me simply knowing that I needed a minute. I needed a pause. Something for myself. A way to connect deeper with me.
My life at the time was feeling so out of control, and in some small way, I think this was my way of feeling as though I had some agency over my day. My energy. My attitude.
That simple act of lighting a candle, and being alone with my thoughts empowered me. I felt a small spark in me relight. I was still there.
Over a decade later, I’m still getting up before the babies, now teenagers. My alarm has moved back quite a bit and I’m carving out even more space for myself.
The space and time has changed and evolved. Adding in different types of movement and meditations, different drinks and teas, journaling styles, and writing approaches. But the intention behind all of it has remained the same.
To move my body and clear my energy
To take care of myself, before taking care of others. To reconnect with my authentic self. And intentionally choose how I want to move into my day.
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