Morning Routine

 Admittedly, I haven't had the best morning routine. I tend to feel rushed, and a little overwhelmed. I've tried a few things, but nothing has stuck. I have to exercise before work if I'm going to exercise at all, I just know myself. I have unfortunately gained 30+ pounds over the last 8 or 9 years and I need to lose it - both for my self confidence and for my health. I've tried getting up early and working out right away, but I have a hard time with that. My new plan is to get up early, have a cup of coffee and either read or do my quiet time.  This week started off on Monday mornin by reading a page from a favorite book, Live in Grace Walk in Love.

This book has been a favorite for a while. It's designed to be able to be completed in one year, one page a day, but I sometimes miss a day here and there.  I'm not sure what I spilled across the bottom of the book, but you can tell it's well loved!! ;)  

Then I started working through my Spiral Bible. I just started it this week and I'm only on the 2nd day, but I love it so far! 

Here's what this week's page looks like....

I didn't take the best picture, but on the right side is a daily checklist with corresponding Bible readings. I love that it bounces around the Bible a bit, but it makes it make sense. 

To go along with this, I picked up Making Sense of the Bible by Adam Hamilton. 

Growing up in the Orthodox faith, I actually never learned much about the Bible. Church for us was mostly cultural (Albanian) or social. I remember learning to make baklava in Sunday school, but not a lot about the Bible itself. My son is learning about the Bible in school, so I've wanted to learn more to be able to talk to him about it. This book is fantastic for helping understand the Bible in a way that you can make sense of it. 

After I finished up with my quiet time, I lit a new candle and prepped my lunch and my son's breakfast. I picked this up at TJ Maxx this weekend and it smells so good. 

Then when I was finally awake enough, I finished up my morning routine with a quick 20 minute Peloton tabata class. I love classes by Leanne Alldis (a breast cancer survivor!) and this one got me sweating! 

Finished up my class and realized that I haven't done the best job staying consistent with this...

In September I only completed 6 days. Eeek! I have a goal to try to do at least 3 days a week in October. Stay tuned! After this, I took a quick shower, got dressed for work and out the door we ran! 

If you have any tips for making your mornings easier as a working mom who works outside of the home or someone who has chronic illness (Lupus really makes me want to sleep in, but I always feel best when I push through and get up!), please let me know! 

Have a great day!