My Early Morning Routine

I have a new morning routine, and it is AMAZING! 

No, stop. Stop right there.

It’s actually incredible. I really mean these adjectives… so much. 

Anyone who knows me well knows two things about me: I love sleep, and I love food. For the point of this post, we’re going to focus on the former.

(Dangit, now I’m thinking of cheese curds.)

(And tacos… help.)

I’ve loved sleep for as long as I can remember. In kindergarten, we would have nap time after art, and immediately following nap time was story time. Some kids chose to color or read, but each and every day, I would sleep right through nap time AND story time. 

When I was in middle school and my mom would wake us up in the morning, I would get dressed, brush my teeth and hair, and then go back to sleep until the minute we had to leave to go to the bus stop. We’d get on the bus and guess what? I’d literally sleep on the way to school, too.

Now at this point you may be thinking I struggled with narcolepsy. I promise I didn’t; I just always loved sleep! In fact, up until recently, I only gave myself 25-30 minutes to get my daughter and myself ready every morning. That’s it. If I got to go into work an hour later than normal, you better bet your bottom dollar that I used that extra hour for sleep, not leisurely morning time. My point is, it’s how I’ve always been. 

I recently finished reading Rachel Hollis’ book “Girl, Stop Apologizing” and she touted the importance of being intentional about your mornings. She insists on waking up earlier than her kids and using that time as self-care time. She prays, reads, and writes down her dreams and goals to help her focus on and manifest them. I felt so inspired from each and every page in her book that I decided to try it for myself!

“You?” you say? Yes, me! Nap Katrina, sleep anywhere and anytime Katrina, rather-have-frizzy-hair-and-sleep-than-spend-extra-time-straightening-my-hair Katrina! Me!

So I set my alarm clock for 5:50 the next morning, and guess what? I frickin’ did it! I pressed snooze twice, but I woke up! I started my coffee maker, climbed back into bed, and cracked open my bible. I read several verses, reflected on them, prayed, and just spent time with Jesus. {This part may not apply to you, and that’s okay. Continue on!}

I fetched myself a cup of coffee, complete with a sprinkle of sugar, and moved on to my then-current read, Rachel Hollis’ aforementioned book. I spent 20 minutes reading and just GOT. MY. LIFE!

With so much inspiration, passion, and can-do attitude coursing through my veins, I pulled out my journal and listed 5 things I was grateful for. I also wrote down 5 things I wanted from my day. Before I knew it, it was 6:45am and time to begin getting ready for my day.

You guys. This new morning routine? It changed me. Let me tell you WHY!

Naturally, with only 30 minutes to get myself and my daughter ready, my mornings felt rushed. I didn’t have a minute to even think about my day or try to mentally prepare myself. I used my car ride to her school and then to work to chug coffee! I woke up each morning feeling like I was being led by my day – not me leading my day.

By waking up earlier, I was able to slowly and calmly wake up, and focus on my thoughts immediately. I connected with God’s truth and started my day with Him leading my heart. Writing down what I’m grateful for? It kept things in perspective, and knowing I’d write a new list the next morning meant I was looking for good things to happen throughout the day.

Now when I wake up to complete my morning routine, I feel inspired. I find calmness and gratitude at the start of my day, which sets my heart and my mind in the perfect position. I go to work wide awake. I leave my home feeling refreshed and excited to make an impact wherever I can.

Sure, morning me-time wasn’t my original idea, but that doesn’t mean I can’t support it and shout it from the rooftops! Eating carrots may not have been my idea either, but damnit people, I stand behind this concept firmly! Morning journaling and carrots, hoo-rah!

I can’t recommend adopting this practice enough. You have the power to shape your thoughts, and your thoughts shape your life. Take them seriously and do all you can to set yourself up for greatness every day!