I’ve had a morning routine for years. In fact, the first time I wrote something about my morning routine was back in 2015. It was part of a post on my non-negotiables. I’ve always been a big believer in starting the day a certain way and it’s gotten to something I really and truly look forward to and also is such a habit that I’m completely thrown off when I miss it.

There is SO much out there about building a morning routine, what is best to do and not do, how to create the best habits, and even how your best morning routine begins the night before. (I actually think this is Right on Point) but that’s not really the point of this writing. I want to jump to what is the biggest and most important part of my own morning. For me, it is my bit of quiet time, in the same special chair, with that first cup of delicious coffee, and my reading. I savor that time, guard it, and look forward to it each day.

Until recently, I would pop (well, maybe not always pop) out of bed without hitting the snooze button, make the bed, let the dogs out, and almost scurry to get ready to get to into my chair. When I got all settled in with my coffee, I would begin to consume. Some mornings I might have an hour, some mornings only 15 minutes, but I felt as if I had to “use up” that time gathering readings, absorbing and obtaining information and inspiration from Bible readings, scripture and devotions.

Recently, I’ve shifted two things.

The first thing is that I’m not afraid to hit the snooze button. If you are a fan of Mel Robbins (which I am) and her latest book, The Five Second Rule (which I also am - and in fact, gave away copies of her book recently) you are thinking I am setting myself up to fail. That my entire morning has now gone out the window, by that one small act of hitting the snooze button.

Let me assure you that it has not. I’ve just shifted a little right now. It may just be a short season, but I am waking up a little slower and more peaceful. I use the time between hitting the snooze (or when I wake naturally and the alarm begins) until it goes off again to settle into the day, to NOT jump right out of bed. Rather, I use this time to pray over my day, how I want the day to go, pray over my people and others. It is less hurried and regimented, and for now, it is working for me. (I will say, if you do have a hard time getting out of bed, are not a morning person and have trouble with hitting snoozed again and again. . . then this may not be for you. I’ll also say I absolutely do not go back to sleep. There is some science about how hitting the snooze and going back to sleep is completely counterproductive).

Next, I’ve decided to make my quiet time a little more quiet. Meaning I am absorbing one reading from the devotion book I use now and one Bible reading. No more. Then I sit. And listen. I take the time to actually contemplate, visualize the scripture, and actually sit with it, rather than reaching for something else to consume or “pack in” the amount of time I have.

This may sound like basic common sense to most of you. I guess I am admitting that I have been a “more is more” person in this area and I'm also admitting that it’s time to bring a little more quiet to my quiet time. It is not, and should not be, one more thing to check off the list. Even if I thought I had been savoring, I’m savoring even more now.

All in all, my morning time is still sacred. It is still a non-negotiable. I am just entering into it a little differently. For now, it’s allowing me to be more intentional with the start of the day, and my time, and bringing me a boost of peace and joy, before anything tries to horn in and steal it.

What about you? Do you have a set morning routine that works for you - brings you peace and joy? And are you a Mel Robbins 5,4,3,2,1 riser or are you reaching for the snooze button?

I am also going to start a new Series here. It is something that I began several years ago, put waaay back on the back burner, would bring out occasionally, but basically have done very little to share it. I think if I say I’m going to begin adding the writings as posts here, then I might actually do the thing.

It may not be your cup of tea, and that does not hurt my feelings in the least! You can totally skip!

But, here’s a question for you, as I’m looking at “Titles” for lack of a better word. What do you like of these? Number 1 or 2?

This will be a series that will be posted between my normal type of content. I know myself so I am not about to promise a new writing every week. I’ll let you know more about the what and why, and will not clutter your inbox, but would love your feedback!