Happy Tuesday, friends!
I’m extra excited about today’s post because I’m launching a new blog series today that we’re going to call SAVOR.
The older I get, the more I consciously try to savor my life. I don’t know about you, but I fully understand that I have this one life to live…and only one…so I better wake up and make the most of the time I have left. The people I’m most inspired by (from my dad to influencers I follow) seem to know how to be fully present and savor not just the big things but the little things too…and I find that really encouraging and motivating. I want to live that way too!
So, today, my first post on this topic is about HOW I SAVOR MY MORNING RITUALS.
Why “rituals” over the word “routine”?
Well, as you know, I love the blog and podcast The Simply Luxurious Life, and she points out often that rituals are things we do specifically for our own joy where routines can come just from habit. I have a lot of “routines” that I do to simplify my life, but I don’t necessarily look forward to them/lean into them/savor them…rituals though are things I routinely do that I savor and that bring me joy.
Make sense?
I have blogged many many times about my MORNING ROUTINE which honestly has turned into one of my favorite rituals to savor.
If you don’t have a morning routine you love, maybe it’s time to tweak it and turn it into a ritual you actually wake and enjoy.
So, here is a peek at my daily routine that has created MORNING RITUALS I get excited to savor each and every day…
No matter what time I need to get up, I always give myself at least one hour before I need to get ready to enjoy this part of my day. Now, your morning rituals might not require an hour and/or look totally different than mine (they should because it should be about you!), but these are the specific things I’ve learned get me excited to get out of bed and get going each and every day. I don’t just do them out of “routine” any more, I do them because I love them. This little hour is one of the best hours of my day, and I truly feel like it sets me up for success all day long.
Here’s how I SAVOR MY MORNING RITUALS:
1: MY FAVORITE ROBE AND SLIPPERS
The minute my feet hit the floor, I put on my robe and slippers. Both of these things not only keep me warm, but they make me feel cozy and happy as I head off from my room to the kitchen. Early in the morning is the only time I wear my robe, so it always makes me feel like it’s the start of the day.
2: COFFEE
I don’t know about you, but I enjoy that first cup of coffee so much that it’s honestly reason enough for me to get out of bed each morning. I don’t just enjoy drinking it though, I enjoy selecting my mug (seasonal when appropriate or sentimental when not), I enjoy listening to the beans grind in my coffee maker, I love the smell of it brewing, and I always enjoy turning on my little lamps and puttering around my kitchen as my cup is filling up.
3: THE RIGHT SPOT
I think having the right spot for my morning ritual is crucial. Even if I’m in a hotel room, I make a little area to enjoy this time. For me, the right spot includes a comfy place to sit, a cozy blanket, adequate lighting (I love a lamp nearby), a place for my coffee, a place for my books, and few distractions. I also love a spot that I can make my “spot” each day with little effort.
4: THE RIGHT MATERIALS AT HAND
I keep what I need in my spot so that it’s there every day. Here is a list of all of the things I have on hand to enjoy my mornings:
1: I keep a scrunchie in my robe pocket in case I want to pull my hair up.
2: I keep tissues nearby.
3: I always have markers and a pencil.
4: I keep lip balm and lotion at my spot.
5: I have my books, journals and Sudoku there along with my Bible.
6: I have a basket with a blanket (and at the bottom of my basket, a pair of cozy socks should it be an extra cold morning).
7: I have a dog bed nearby.
5: MY TIME STUDYING THE BIBLE
The best part of my morning is savoring my time studying the Bible. As you know, I LOVE the Bible Recap and do it each day (along with my awesome MMM Bible Recap Group!). I also love adding in a Bible study in the mornings (right now, I’m doing NO OTHER GODS). I have my markers and pencils handy for completing both and making notes in my Bible. That time right there is such a wonderful way to start the day. Sometimes before, but typically after I read and study the Bible, I…
6: MY TIME IN PRAYER AND REFLECTION
Spend time in prayer and reflection. I keep two different journals in “my spot” for prayer requests. I write down new ones, mark off old ones, and pray over many of them each day. I try not to take it lightly that I spend time each morning talking to God. I mean, how cool is it that we can talk to the creator of the universe?
7: MY PUPS
For me personally, savoring my morning wouldn’t be complete without my dogs nearby. As you can see, they make themselves right at home each day and enjoy this calm way to start our day too.
#8: BOOKS THAT INSPIRE ME
Well you know I love to read. Reading is without a doubt my favorite hobby, so I absolutely make sure I include some sort of reading into my morning. I try and read something every morning that I find inspiring. For almost 3 years now, I’ve read the daily entry out of The Road to La Papillon each morning. In fact, I enjoy it so much that I even bought the Kindle version so that I can read entries when I’m traveling (and don’t want to carry the book). These entries take about 30 seconds to read, but they’re always inspiring, motivating and encouraging. After that, I pick up a book to read for a bit. This is when I read my beloved Francophile Books or a book on health and wellness. I love starting my day encouraged and inspired.
#9: SOMETHING I LOVE (THAT KEEPS ME SHARP)
Awwwwww yes, my Sudoku. I love Sudoku. I started working on these little puzzles several years ago but could never find enough time to incorporate them into every single day (I had been doing them at breakfast). I finally realized that I could just add five minutes to my morning time and work on them every day if I kept them by “my spot” instead of keeping it downstairs in the kitchen. Problem solved! My kids would tell you that their mama has Sudoku books tucked away all over the house. I keep one in my carry on bag for flights, I have one on Nantucket (both downstairs and upstairs), I love to pick up Sudoku even if just for a minute. Your thing might be a crossword puzzle or knitting or whatever…for me, keeping it close by “my spot” creates many more opportunities to add it in each day.
There you go! These are just 9 ways/things I do to savor my mornings and make my routine a “ritual” I look forward to each day.
Now, I would LOVE to know if you have a morning routine that you love (a.k.a. rituals you do that bring you joy each morning!). Please, please share if you do! I would also love your thoughts on savoring the everydays too. I feel certain this is a group of ladies who take time to do that.
One last thing, if breakfast is a part of savoring your morning, I am also sharing my 7 SIMPLE BREAKFAST RECIPES today too!
I hope you have a wonderful Tuesday, friends. I hope you find many things to savor. xx
Susan Jeffries says
I find it so difficult to find the time to sit and enjoy peace. We are self employed medical people and we seem to be working more, not less, as we get older. There are so many people in need. But I am consistent with my work outs and I am committed to reading the Bible this year. I also stopped watching tv 4 years ago and have never missed it. That frees me up for some fun reading at night. Thanks for the reminder to focus on filling your own cup.
Mix and Match Mama says
I really love that you’ve stopped watching TV. I think it’s absolutely amazing that you’re doing what you need to do to fill your own cup. xx
Elspeth Mizner says
I love this post!! My morning ritual includes journaling, prayer, a word search and some reading! The best way to start and ease into my day!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Lori S says
That first cup of coffee is always my favorite too.
Jess says
1. Slippers and Bearfoot dreams cardigan
2. Coffee
3. Wordle
4. Read your blog!
I am going to download The road LePapillion and start that now. I love her podcast and think it would be a great addition to my morning!
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank YOU for including me in your morning. xx
Kara says
I love this post and I am still finding my morning ritual as I am balancing getting enough sleep, getting up at 5 for work and making time to do the things I love!
Kelly Menou says
I love this post! I’ve learned what simple things I savor based on whether or not I want anyone to be talking to me! Haha
Times I ask people I’m with not to talk to me:
-During morning routine (no one is usually awake so this works)
-During the first or last bite of sushi
-During the leg rub part of a pedicure
-Before the first bite of boiled crab or crawfish or steak
-I don’t *not* allow talking during this but I appreciate when I can cook dinner with my slippers on and watch my kids outside playing. I don’t even like a podcast going.
Sometimes if I’m telling a story and see someone about to need to savor a bite I stop in my tracks and then wonder why it’s confusing to them that I stopped my story😂 so it must be a me thing 🙂
Mix and Match Mama says
I could not love this more!!!!! Thank YOU for sharing!
Bonnie says
For me, my morning time has to be solo. I love my husband and my kids, but I crave that alone time with my own thoughts and complete silence. It’s hard to get in the habit of getting up earlier, but man, it’s so worth it!!
Laura says
I think I love every morning ritual/routine post you do. My favorite time of day, too! I do much of this but am also trying to implement standing outside for even just 1 minute to enjoy the fresh winter air, wrapped in a blanket and holding hot coffee. I heard a podcast from a Danish woman that said in the winter they often have their morning coffee outside… and they’re the happiest people on earth!
Question- last year I went through the Bible Recap book (yay! Thank YOU for the rec!). This year I’m doing the study guide with questions. Do you repeat the same things every year? Or study new material from her each year?
Mix and Match Mama says
Yay! I’m so happy you’re doing it again too. I did the journal the first year, but I switched to the study guide for years 2-4. I personally love the study guide. Even though I’m doing it now for the third year in a row, I still take notes, have to look up so much info and learn so much each day.
Jeanie says
Retired mornings include letting the dogs out, coffee, Bible study and prayer time, a little scrolling the ‘net and checking the calendar. Then it’s on with the day. I like routines and rituals so tend to do the same things on the same days. When we are at our beach house, we like to enjoy the sunrise on the beach. Too cold for that here in the PNW!
Karleigh Johnson says
I am always so inspired by your morning routine! I love that you are a morning person, because so am I! Being super pregnant has kind of paused that for now, but I’ve always loved getting up before others just to have a cup of coffee and read in the dark and quiet 💙
Mix and Match Mama says
Being super pregnant is plenty of work without having to add a morning routine to boot. 🙂 . I’m pretty sure I laid in bed and didn’t move much when I was super pregnant.
Jodi says
I loooove a morning ritual! Checking in on your blog is part of mine! <3 Logistical question… do you have to let your doggies out to potty before they settle in next to you? I would love my pup to join me as I read and pray, but if I get her up (she sleeps in her crate), she’ll want to potty and then immediately eat which I fear would interfere with my quiet morning vibe, lol. How does this work for you?
Mix and Match Mama says
That’s a great question! My three older dogs do not have to go out first thing but Charlie is only one, so he does. Andrew and I kind of take turns letting him out. When he’s done, he comes upstairs with me.
Jess says
Thank you so much for the podcast recommendation! I can’t wait to check that out as one of my favorite ways to savor the post-school drop off drive is to listen to a podcast that brings me joy.
My go to lately has been listening (not usually watching) Simple Happy Zen YouTube videos while working or doing chores. Her voice and message is extremely calming and a beautiful example of purposeful living.
Mix and Match Mama says
You will LOVE her podcast!! I promise you will.
Pamela Garrett says
I LOVE this new series!!! The older I get the more I am trying to savor each day so this is fantastic!!! After my Bible Study and prayer in the mornings, I pour a 2nd cup of coffee and savor your blog as well as Erika and Andrea…all 3 bring me so much joy….so THANK YOU ❤️❤️❤️
Mix and Match Mama says
We are so so grateful. Thank YOU, Pam!
Paula Hobbs says
I love this new series, Shay. I’ve never been much of a morning person, but the older I get the more I agree that finding that morning ritual is the key to an overall better day. Thank you for sharing your morning ritual. 🙂
Laura @ Our Grand Lives says
I’ve always loved the word “savor” and all it represents! Life is truly a gift from above and its so easy to forget that when we get caught up in the hustle and bustle of every day. It’s rather amazing how this mindset of savoring, especially at the beginning of the day, can set the tone for the rest of my day! Happy Tuesday, Shay!
Diane Moore says
I love rituals, too. I’m not a coffee drinker, but my morning & afternoon tea (English breakfast with a splash of milk) are among my favorite times of the day.
I read my devotionals in the morning and a novel with the afternoon cup.
I love focusing on enjoying my own, simple life! 💕
Lisa D says
I love my quiet morning routine: a big glass of water and some stretches, coffee, Bible/devotional reading and gratitude journal, prayers. I get up early and really savor my quiet time with Jesus. He always joins me 😊
Heather says
Thank you, Shay, for reminding us Type A friends to savor. I was reminded last week by a friend that God created us to be human beings, not human doings. I need that reminder frequently!
Mix and Match Mama says
MIC DROP HERE. Wow! Powerful. Thank you for sharing this!
K.K. says
I like the rituals versus routines! I’ll share my ritual once I get to work (unless something needs my immediate attention). I’ve typically already worked out and done my Bible study, then commuted. I heat up a cup of tea, read your blog, do Wordle and share with my mom (she loves it and it’s our checkpoint for the day/seems like it means a lot as my parents age to just say hi), and then put on background music and review my checklist and calendar. I love the first few minutes that warm up my office routine!
Mix and Match Mama says
I love the Wordle checkpoint with your parents!
Lisa says
Love this post! Just curious do you workout right after this or at another time of day?
Mix and Match Mama says
Right after this. I go from this to working out. Great question!
Ashley B says
What a great post! I’m looking forward to more in the Savor Series.
Tasha says
Hi Shay! Thanks for sharing! I would love to know what your coffee set up is, I thought you used a keurig but you wrote that you grind your beans so do you use something additional?
Mix and Match Mama says
I have a Keurig in my office that I use during the day, but in the morning, I use my Jura which grinds the beans.
Lori Bittenbender says
Green tea for me. One of the best parts of the morning tea is holding the warm cup!
Michelle Etheridge says
That first cup of coffee …. I look forward to it everyday. The smell, the taste and the right mug.
Mix and Match Mama says
The right mug is such an integral part of the equation. xx
Lorraine says
I love my time with the Lord in the morning and find it so very life giving!! My time is similar to yours. I do my year bible reading first, then my Bible study, then from there sit in silence before the Lord (I use a timer for this. Anywhere from 10-30 mins depending on how much time I have). Then go through my prayer cards of requests. I have a schedule of what I pray on different days, which has truly helped so much!! I can go deeper on who I pray for with my prayer calendar. My little random fun thing that I’ve recently added is that I do a jigsaw puzzle while I listen to Scripture. It calms me and focuses my heart and mind and brings me joy every day!! Grateful for how you point us to abide with Jesus!!!
Jodi says
I would love to hear more about your prayer cards and how you organize your prayer time, Lorraine!
Kay says
I love this post! I have to admit, I have worked hard to make myself into a morning person. I’m naturally more of an up late/sleep later person. But around Covid, (with three tweens at home! making me need more time to myself), I read ‘The Miracle Morning.’ That book (plus the inspiration from you and your blog!) got me to finally commit to a morning routine. It was hard for 1-2 weeks, but then you get used to it. And now, like you, it’s one of my most favorite and treasured parts of each day. I even got up at 6am today when the kids are on break and there is no school day! I feel like getting up early makes me feel like I can do anything.
My routine is much the same as yours! Though I do 10 minutes of mediation each morning (5 mins on the weekends!) and I stand outside in my (currently freezing cold) backyard for 3 minutes of sunlight as soon as I get up.
I have known a few women who sadly passed away before their time in the last few years. So I also begin each morning just thinking of them and thanking the universe for the day I have been given. I know those mamas would have given anything to still be here and to have had more time to raise their young kids. So I try to honor their short lives by making the most of mine. It really helps reframe days where I wake up dreading a few things on my to-do list.
Thanks for all the inspiration you provide! Love this new post and can’t wait to see more ‘savor!’ posts.
Mix and Match Mama says
Well I love all of this, Kay! I just love it all. I really love you intentionality to get outside for sunlight. That is such an easy one I could also incorporate. Thank YOU for sharing. xx
Susie says
This is such a wonderful post! Thank you for the reminder to savor the little things. Your Dad sounds so awesome!
Marian says
My morning ritual includes my cup of coffee and then sitting down at my desktop to deal with email. . .the best part? Reading your blog!!! Thank you for the reminder to enjoy and savor our “rituals”!
Mix and Match Mama says
Well goodness, THANK YOU! I am so blessed to read this. xx
Sabrina says
What parts of your morning routine do you take when you travel?
Mix and Match Mama says
I always take my actual Bible, my Bible Recap, my markers and a pencil. I have Sudoku in my carry on bag and The Road to La Papillon on my Kindle. When I go to Nantucket for the summer, I take alllll of it with me.
Lauren Bev says
Starting my morning in the Bible makes a world of difference for my day! I am doing Ruth Chou Simons’ “When Strivings Cease” Bible study right now. And the days I also squeeze in a morning walk are my favorite.
Paula says
I love my mornings after I drop the kids off to school. I drink coffee, read my Bible, clean up the kitchen and play instrumental worship. It is so peaceful. I have learned if everything goes sideways afterwards, I can still be grateful for that peaceful time. I allow that to fill me up instead of something external.
I LOVE sudoku as well. I have several books around the house and my phone.
Jenn says
I love my morning cup of coffee, I make that and complete my daily Wordle when I have a few minutes to sit and think about the day. I wish I was as dedicated as you to morning quiet time, but with busy, bustling kids and late night activities, right now the extra 15 minutes of sleep is precious! I’ll get back to it…someday!
My other ritual is reading your blog (and a few others) when I need a midmorning break at work. While it doesn’t take long to read, the things that you write about cause me to stop and think about how I can incorporate appreciation of these little moments and savor each day! On the days that I find my calendar full of meetings, if one gets done even a few minutes early, I’ll pop open the blog and catch up!
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh well goodness, I appreciate this more than you know. Thank you so very much, Jenn. xx
Charmin says
Time with the Lord is so important, and when I absolutely don’t have the time to it down and pick up the Bible, I listen to my daily Bible reading while I’m doing a chore or in the car. Then I listen to The Recap. I actually retain more when I hear it. I try not to multitask my time in His Word, but sometimes faithfulness trumps dedicated time.
Bethany says
After Bible reading, I get ready for the day and listen to Elisabeth Elliot’s show on BBN while I cook breakfast for my family. A great start to my Monday – Fridays!
Eliza says
I love the reminder to periodically reevaluate the morning routine. Thank you!
Marisa Patel says
I love your reminders to take care of ourselves. We seem to do more with less time and life just speeds by. I REALLY want to be able to put practices in place to fill my cup but I seem to hit a wall each time I try to put it into practice.
bette says
i, too, love my morning rituals. when i get out of bed, i do my bathroom business and then go straight to doing an hour’s worth of workout. after that, i take a leisurely shower that i “savor”. there is just something about that first shower that i love to start my day. then, i go on my early morning 2-hour walk. the first hour is my quiet conversation with Jesus. in the second hour, i have a brief chat with my dad who passed away in 2023. i usually just update him about our family. next, i do a mental list of my day’s schedule. after my walk, i make myself a smoothie and breakfast for mom. then, i journal a little bit before i write up my daily post for my ig, which is my online diary for my kiddo. my morning feels off if i miss even one of these rituals.
Nicole Klaver says
Always love seeing a glimpse into your routine! You have influenced me so much! I always look forward to your blog, and I just ordered that Bible study and started The Road to La Papillon about a month ago before bed with the Cozy Up little book!
Sheaffer says
I really realllllllllllly wish I loved coffee. I want to look forward to something when I wake up!!!!!
Karen says
Thank you for this very inspirational post! You are a blessing to so many people!
Pat says
I love my morning routine. While my coffee is brewing, I do some stretching exercises. Then sit down and go over the Bible verses I am trying to memorize. I try to learn one a week, so by the end of the year I have 52. Then Bible reading and a non-fiction. Thank you for your post!
Lauren says
Loved this post!
Tracy says
I’m also doing The Bible Recap and love it! My morning routine also includes coffee, doing my church Bible study lesson, writing down three or more things I’m thankful for, writing down three truths about my identity in Christ (I am a daughter of the King, I am forgiven, for example) and prayer.
Jess Wade says
I envy your morning rituals! I am not a morning person so I have barely enough time to get myself out of bed, ready and out the door in time to get to work. 🙂
Sarah Shaneyfelt says
Coffee is something I really look forward to each morning! I love my mornings before my kids wake up–I feel like it makes me a much better mother haha!
Julie says
Shay you have inspired me for years to have a morning routine! I’ve always been impressed by yours! Love the book suggestions too. 💛
Krista F says
Reading your blog is always part of my morning routine! Looking forward to the new ‘Savor’ series. Such a great reminder to slow down and enjoy life rather than thinking a successful day is one where I checked off everything on my to-do list.
Courtney says
This sounds very much like you own personal “nest” with all your special things close by!!!! 😍 I love it!!!!
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh you are so right about that 😉 .
Jill says
I have to workout first thing or my day gets off to a rocky start. Since I am semi-retired I have started having some quiet/meditation time afterwards on the days I don’t have to hurry and get ready for work.
Stacey says
I recently read The Four Agreements and he said something similar about routine vs ritual and it really hit home for me. routines are mindless auto pilot tasks, rituals are being present, sensational, emotional, fulfilling your spirit. The example provided was taking a shower. You can clean your body without thinking about your body at all (routine), or, you can make it a ritual and thank every part of your body as you gently lovingly cleanse it, and love your body. I just totally love this and think it vibes with what you posted about ritual vs routine too! I’m taking a good hard look at my routines and turning them into rituals to be more present in my life and show up for myself!!
Mix and Match Mama says
I have The Four Agreements on my list. I need to read that one too!
Elizabeth McLenna says
Straight to working out for me but I think the short Le Papollion might be a good addition. Thanks for the recommendation.
~B~ says
I’m going to hop on here with what may be the most crazy ritual that I doubt anyone else shares. First things first, I am a morning person and love my morning time rituals. I have always been so inspired by what you have shared about your morning time too, Shay. I go to bed at night happily anticipating getting up and picking my mug and enjoying a glass of tea. Such a happy little start to my day! Here though is my crazy morning ritual: On the weekends, when no one else is up and the house is quiet, I enjoy putting on something I want to listen to, making my tea and then…mopping my kitchen floor. It’s part of my “Sunday reset” I guess. I know my kitchen is clean for the week ahead and then while it dries, I go and read, drink another mug of tea and enjoy some quiet time before getting ready for church. Crazy, I know, but it makes me happy! 🙂
Ashley says
I LOVE love love this new series, Shay!! I think it’s so important that you pointed out that we just have this one life. Sometimes we can get so caught up in day to day things that we forget that, and we should take time to savor moments when we can because some aren’t afforded that opportunity today. Love how cozy your rituals in the mornings are!
Make Life Marvelous
Sarah says
Do you have a link for the Sudoku books you enjoy? I’d love to try them out!
Mix and Match Mama says
I pick them up randomly from various places, but this one in particular I’ve purchased several times over because I like the size of the book: https://shopstyle.it/l/cmGtO
Angela says
Shay, I love this new series… Savor! Over the years, my mornings have become such a favorite part of my day that I truly savor! The hot coffee, twinkling lights on our mantle no matter what time of year it is that are intertwined with my seasonal garland – evergreen in winter, spring leaf and floral garland in the springtime, etc… , my cozy UGG slippers and blanket, reading the Bible and doing a Bible study, a sudoku (thanks to your idea a year or two ago!) or doing a word search, prayer and journaling, and reading your blog…. I love my mornings!!
Janaya says
Can you share a link to your chair, or a similar one? I’m in the midst of creating my “spot” / a cozy little library/office and I have yet to find the perfect chair. I love the really big floofy ones but just don’t have the space for one.
P.s. I love your blog. I’ve been a reader for many years now and you have always been so inspiring. Keep being you!
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh I love my chair because it doesn’t have arms which means I can really curl up in it (I like to sit crisscross when I am writing in my journals on my lap). My chair is from Restoration Hardware. It’s here: https://rh.com/us/en/catalog/product/product.jsp?productId=prod17480067 and the ottoman is here: https://rh.com/catalog/product/product.jsp?productId=prod17480070&sale=false&src=rel
Tina says
https://a.co/d/7UHwYP2
These posts are always so inspiring! I am DETERMINED to become a morning person! — Since I’ve gotten all my morning routine ideas from you, I thought I’d share this idea I found to keep all my quiet time items together and organized…and portable. I don’t currently have a spot that’s just mine, so it has really helped. It may come in handy for you on Nantucket. 😊
Mix and Match Mama says
THANK YOU!!! Thank you, thank you!