The Makings of a Mundane Morning

Daily writing prompt

What are your morning rituals? What does the first hour of your day look like?

View all responses

I wake at 03:30 and immediately find the first prescriptions of the day, those that must be taken on an empty stomach. The instructions suggest 30 minutes before a meal. If I take them immediately I’ll have time to grab a quick breakfast before leaving the house.

Then it’s into the bathroom to brush my teeth, shower and shave. After completing all the various modern hygiene rituals, I dress and put on my boots. I put on my wrist watch and cross pendant before gathering up my phone and other essential items.

Next it’s on to the kitchen to make coffee. I turn on the electric kettle to heat water for the pour-over coffee maker and while thats doing its thing I’ll pack a few snacks for later in the day.

I pour most of the coffee into my Zojirushi travel mug but reserve a small amount to drink with breakfast. By this time it is after 04:00 and It’s time for the second batch of prescription medications, those that must be taken with food. I pour cereal into a bowl and soak it with just enough oat milk to wet all the kibble.

I down the pills with my breakfast and coffee while reading the news, weather and the scripture verses appointed for the morning.

At about 04:40 I’ll put on my jacket and take a quick inventory of all the things that should be in my work tote. I do a final check to make sure I’ve turned off all the lights and appliances and finally about 04:45 I leave the house.

That is my weekday morning ritual. I rarely have cause to deviate from this pattern. It has all the makings of a mundane morning, but I am definitely a creature of habit.