Coffee before people.

I am set up to be quite the old lady. I really mean it. Bed at 9:00pm. Up at 6:00am. Bran muffins. Puzzles. Reading at night. THE DREAM.

Not sure when exactly I transformed from a young person into a budding senior, but I’m not hating it. Most importantly, I like to get up early. I don’t set an alarm, but my body likes to wake up around 6:00am and enjoy a little quiet before the house starts moving. With four kids and two dogs, once everyone is up and going, it can get a little loud and a little crazy.

If I can get in a cup or two (ideally) of coffee, feed the dogs, and sit in quiet, the day can slowly come together. I can play out what I need to do, and enjoy a little reading. I have no idea how it’s possible to wake up while things are moving and feel like I can’t catch up. It’s like waking up from a nap in the middle of the day – too disorienting for me.

I know my grandmother used to wake up early, but I never understood it. Now I do. It’s like being ready for the day before it’s quite here. Of course, that means that by the time night rolls around, I’m pretty tired, and that’s fine too. As soon as things slow down, I’m completely content to let me head fall onto the pillow and sleep. Sleep is also the best.

I have tried to incorporate some other rituals into my morning (right now, it’s writing), but they don’t always stick. I’ve tried the gratitude journals for example, but that didn’t seem to be a lasting one for me.

I’m going to finish my second cup of coffee now. I hope everyone has a wonderful morning and quiet start to the day.