My kiddos had me out of bed earlier than I’m used to this morning. As a night owl, I’m not particularly fond of tweaks to my morning routine! Thus, I spent the first wee hours of the day begrudgingly tidying the house to keep my thoughts from drifting to my cozy blankets and quiet bedroom.
But as I gathered the laundry and decluttered the kitchen table, my mind drifted elsewhere—drawn to a time when I myself teetered around at the crack of dawn.
I have a memory of peeking into the basement as I clung to the railing at the top of the stairs. My mother was sitting on our deep green couch, wrapped in blankets with a book in hand. Her favorite show, “Little House on the Prairie” played softly in the background as it did most mornings.
Even as a young child, seeing my mother enjoy her morning was something that brought me joy. She was a warm and welcoming presence, soft and kind, and I always felt incredibly special when she’d invite me to join her during those quiet early mornings.
Hmm.
I ask myself now if I could soften my attitude towards my morning routine. Rather than simply passing the time until the day is underway, perhaps I could consciously design my mornings to feel as special as they did when I was young—both for myself, and my kiddos.
And truthfully, I don’t even know for sure if my mom enjoyed her mornings as much as I perceived her to. Maybe it was as much a challenge for her to “rise and shine” as it is for me. Regardless, these cherished memories remind me that my children are always watching, and sensing, and reading the room.
Even the smallest, most mundane moments could become memories they carry with them into adulthood.
♡
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