It’s been an upsetting, unsettling, chaotic and noisy week. Predictions are that it’s not letting up soon. Depending on what you pay attention to it can throw your next minute, next hour, even your next days for a loop. It’s hard to turn away from the news and know what to focus on. If your regular programming has been upended and it has here is my strongest counsel for you.
Develop and keep a morning routine that works for you.
I am one who loves new ideas. I hate to be hedged in by such a boring word as routine. But it’s been the first hours’ habits that have helped me hedge the mayhem. Morning routines have been a part of my life as I grew up as a swimmer with early morning practice. My naval service further honed my early morning routines. Parenting and schooling nine kids have made it critical to reduce and streamline activities to only those that bring the best energy for the day.
Now more than ever when what is outside you is changing find the steady activities you can do to keep an interior that is calm, balanced and focused.
My routines energize my day and leverage my time for my best work for what matters most. I don’t do them all perfectly, but even completing a few of them makes a big difference in how my day goes. It goes without saying that a strong start to your morning results in a purposeful day.
These habits will probably seem like small things but now we are all deeply realizing that it is the small moments in our living that are making the BIG difference in our days.
Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin.
Zechariah 4:1 NLT
Here is how I spend the first 60 minutes of my day and why.
- As soon as I wake I meditate (~40 min).
- When my kids were young we watched Veggie Tales. On the episode, Where is God when I’m scared? The veggies sing, “God is bigger than the boogie man, He’s bigger than Godzilla, or the monsters on TV. Oh, God is bigger than the boogie man and He’s watching out for you and me. ” Meditation is my way to connect to the Truth again!
- This block of time is divided into three activities.
- I start with silence. This discipline is more of a surrender than a struggle. The more I try to fight my thoughts the more persistent they become. I have to let go of the constant barrage of thoughts and focus on breathing and listening.
- I listen to an audio Bible passage. This again is honing my ear to lean in rather than my mind to digest. I keep the portion short and may listen to the same portion several times.
- I pray and mediate through music. I have created a playlist to focus on Psalm 23. I don’t think I can tire of reflecting on this passage. Hearing how different artists have taken this truth and play to music is an inspiration to listen again to the familiar and find a new perspective.
to this playlist.
- My husband and I hug. (~10 min.)
- We start our mornings separately but then we spend 10 min holding each other in bed. We don’t really talk we just hug.
- I leave my room (~10 min)
- I make my bed as soon as I get up which feels great when I see I finished something in the day.
- I get fully dressed. Sometimes this means gym gear. I feel ready to do what the day requires.
- I make sure my face is washed and meds/supplements are taken.
It’s worth repeating. Find what works for you.
I have a more full description of the rest of my morning routines under my subscribe button but today start small and celebrate taking a step against the disruption we are feeling right now. I know you will feel better and be able to accept what comes your way with more peace and calm. What morning routines help order your day? I’d love to learn from you.