I have always been one to arise early. When I was small, I would rush out the door at dawn to greet the day, smell the air, and look for fairies under the bushes. My mom would panic when she arose to find the front door wide open and my bed empty. But, I was usually there, crouched in the yard or behind the bushes, finding the magic of small things growing and crawling.
Early mornings continued when, as a young adult, I had a friend who also arose early. We would talk on the phone in the wee hours of the morning after a few hours of sleep. It was a great time to scrub my kitchen or tidy up. Later, we would meet at the local Howard Johnson’s restaurant for coffee and pancakes. It was the only place open 24/7 at the time.
As a young mom in my thirties, I found my children waking at 2 am to be nursed. I would nurse, read, and snuggle with them before putting them back to bed. But I wouldn’t go back to sleep. This early morning time became ‘my time.’ It was a great time to write as the house was quiet.
As an older adult, I continue my early morning arousal. I have found it the best time to write and also the best time to do laundry or time to tend to hearth and home before the busy workdays begin. It’s to the point that if I oversleep and do not have this peaceful, meditative time, I feel extremely discombobulated.
And I’m not alone. I have a dear friend who is also an early bird. We text nearly every morning and are committed to this meditative and peaceful time of the day. I have spoken to a few other early birds as well. I know one woman who walks in these early hours and another who works on her business. A sense of comradery is shared when we discover we are early risers. Our tribe relishes in the magic of pre-dawn and is ready to greet the oncoming day with gratitude.
I raise my mug of steaming coffee to you, dear reader, and can honestly say, “Carpe diem!” I hope that you can seize the day and enjoy every moment. Cheers!
Thank you to Belle and Co. for the free image.
