My morning routine has changed so many times over the years. I was talking to my daughter the other day and when I was her age (almost 18) I had a hectic morning routine. I would stay over at my boyfriend’s home but I would walk the two miles back to my Mum’s house for breakfast before walking the final half mile to work every week day.
When we had a place of our own I worked nearby and would walk to work through the park at 6am every morning. Then along came our first baby and I gave up work for a few years. Mainly because I had a second baby a year later. Life was busy with two small babies.
We moved house and my babies started school which was so close to home the playground was at the bottom of our garden. I got a job in the evenings so my morning were the usual school run and housework. Then as the kids got older and were able to walk themselves to school (yes it was allowed in primary school back then) I worked in the morning and was finished just in time for them to finish school.
The kids got older and moved onto secondary school. I got a job further away but I could drive then. I’d drop my kids off at school before driving to work and then they would make their own way home.
These are all distant memories now but I have more distinct memories of my younger kids in the morning. I would have two in primary and a baby to care for. Mornings were crazy getting three young ones ready in time for the school run. The Little Man was a right pain in the butt, and Star would have frequent meltdowns before school. She was diagnosed with Autism at the age of six years. But somehow we’d manage it each day. When the Little Man was two he’d go to a pre-school two days a week which gave me a bit of a break. He was pre-verbal and not walking but he soon caught up with his peers at pre-school. It was much later when he was diagnosed with Autism.
We moved to a new area and new school and the Little Man started nursery. I could still walk them to school but it was a bit further. On nice days we would take a walk along the canal and feed the ducks on the way.
The morning routine was still crazy getting three at primary school ready and off on time. We’d be up early, breakfast served, clothes put on, tantrums calmed down, and then we’d be off on our walk. Often having to go back to retrieve something we’d forgotten. It was busy, but I’d give anything to have those days back!
Before Star left primary I got sick and I was no longer able to take them to school. In fact for a while my morning routine was very different as I listened to Graham struggle with the kids while I waited in bed. When he got back from school he would help me out of bed and downstairs. I’ve come a long way since then and it wasn’t too long before I was back up with the kids and even driving them to school. Graham would have to come as I even though I could drive my adapted car, I couldn’t get out and take the kids into school.
My Current Morning Routine.
I get up at 7am and take my medication before going to wake Boo. She’s the only one at school at the moment. It’s been a tradition for a while now but I generally wake up with a gentle touch while singing ‘Wake Up, It’s a Beautiful Morning’ (Wake Up Boo, by the Boo Radleys.) Boo isn’t her real name but it is her nickname we we have used since before she was born.
Then I go downstairs and pop some bread in the toaster for her when I hear her getting out of bed. I make her lunch for her. She could do it herself, but I really don’t mind. She has the same thing every day, a ham sandwich, four mini sausage rolls, ten grapes, a pink and white wafer and a mini chocolate roll.
After Boo has gone to school I go and shower and get dressed and then do some housework and washing. I have to bide my time because of my health and have a plan where I do a little bit at at a time. My kitchen is huge, so I split it into five and do one section a day. Graham has to fill and empty the dishwasher and carry the washing. But I can do most things so long as I’m careful. Graham has to vacuum and mop but I can dust and clean surfaces. Then the housework is done and I can work on my laptop. At the weekend I watch television instead.
That just about sums up my morning routine but something I have always done is write in my journal. I’ve been keeping journals since 1989 (And yes, I do still have them all!) I currently use a Mind Notes Journal which has little sections for me to fill in like thoughts for the day, things that I need to do, things where I’ve spent my energy, thoughts about where I can improve my day and things that I am grateful for. Just ten minutes each morning and I feel like I have more control of my life and my mind.
Morning Notes
I recently opened an online shop where I sell mindfulness journals and cards (And a few other things…I’ll be adding more as I grow!) I’ve just added some new journals called Morning Notes and they are really lovely. They are hardback books and really nice to write in. It’s a great way to start the day on a positive note. Don’t reach for your phone, reach for a book and take control of your day.
I’d love to hear how you start your day?
You can also follow my new Instagram account where I post a mindfulness quote each day.
Visit my Mindfulness Shop and Blog over here.
It is funny how our morning routine changes over the years. I remember the days of walking to primary school myself. My school was at the bottom of my garden too. hehehe Mornings used to be crazy when my girls were little, they’re much more relaxed now.
I always think of that Boor Radleys song when I think of your girl.
My youngest gets up 15 minutes before me now and is usually washed and dressed by the time I get downstairs. She does her own hair and sorts everything herself so I am just there to make sure she leaves for school on time. I sometimes miss doing the school run and the chaos every morning. x
I think Boo will do everything herself when she’s at college, she doesn’t really need any help from me now, I just want to feel useful still.
Morning routines change so much over the years. When my kids were little I was always rushing around trying to coordinate school drop offs, before school care etc. Then up until last year I used to have to make sure my mum was set up for the day before I went to work. There never seemed to be enough time in the mornings! Then it all went so fast, everything changed and now I have lots of time before I leave for work. I sometimes wonder how I used to cram everything in.