I'm learning that morning routines will never be a one-size-fits-all kind of a thing. But rather that they change according to the season that were in. Which in my eyes, is a good thing.
Before having kids, I feel like my routine never waved, faltered, and was very tired. After having Christopher, I quickly realized that I didn't even know what morning was from night. There was no routine other than - eat, wake, play, and sleep. I deeply longed to get back to my morning routine. And I feel like I'm finally starting to gain it all back after three years. I'm sure that my routine will continue to change through the days, weeks, and months - adjusting to things such a pandemics, family events, and kid ages. But I know for sure that I'll keep coming back to it. Because it anchors me - mind, body, and spirit.
Bottom line here is that I find routines lifegiving.
My New Morning Routine
4:00 Alarm goes off
4:05 Morning stretch in bed, grab blanket, set out journal, Bible, pen, highlighter, planner, computer, and book of the week.
4:15 Make a cup of coffee and sit in the living room in silence.
4:20 Read scripture of the day.
4:30 Journal anything I want to say about yesterday, the scripture I just read, or random sketches in my head.
4:45 Pray over my family
4:55 Look over planner for my schedule/tasks of the day
5:00 Read at least one chapter of my book.
5:15 Exercise
5:45 Start waking up husband for work and make his breakfast/lunch
6:30 Kiss husband goodbye for work and wake up kids for showers, getting dressed for the day, and breakfast together.
7:00 Sit in the back or front to soak in a little sun, finish coffee or make another, and write, plan, or draw while the kids play to get out their morning wiggles.
A few things that really help my morning routine succeed
- I set out the things for my coffee making the night before. I like to make "fancy" coffees. So having everything ready ahead of time has been such a time saver. And also knowing the coffee is waiting for me makes me excited to get out of bed every morning.
- I also like to keep all of my morning stuff together. Tidying them up next to me the night before.
- I try to place my phone away directly after turning off my alarms so that I don't get distracted by it.
- I try to keep a flexible attitude about it all. That way I'm never disappointed if I don't get to certain tasks on time from waking up late or the kids waking up early. Sometimes I'll even stop my routine a little early to just do anything else for myself - like catching up on my favorite T.V. shows.
- I get to bed at a reasonable time (usually 8:30-9:00 pm). Otherwise, sleep ALWAYS sounds like the better choice.
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