Now that my house is a little (or a LOT) quieter, I often find myself at a loss. I used to thrive on the organized chaos—always surrounded by the kids, even as they grew older, and having a steady flow of teenagers raiding our pantry. Now, it’s silence.
At first, it was really tough. I’m a teacher, so during the school year, it was a bit easier to fill my days, but come summer, my days were filled with quiet. It felt hard to adjust. When the kids first moved out, I lived for the days they would return to grab something from the pantry or drop off their laundry. But as the years passed, those visits became less frequent. Now, my kids are in their mid- to late-20s, and while I’m incredibly proud of them, I knew I had to find ways to feel fulfilled in this new season of life. Here’s how I’ve learned to set my day up for success, so I no longer sit around feeling lost:
The first thing I do when I get up is lace up my shoes, grab a bottle of water, and either jump on my treadmill or head outside if the weather’s nice. The goal isn’t to run, but to walk at a decent pace. I plug in my headphones and listen to a personal development podcast (Mel Robbins is my favorite!). I’ve found this to be one of the most uplifting parts of my day. I get some steps in, and the podcast helps me grow personally, which has been so helpful in this new season of life.
If I walk outside, I always take off my headphones for the last lap and just listen to nature. We live in the country, so there’s often birds chirping and rabbits scampering around—it’s peaceful and grounding. I walk for about 30 minutes, and it really sets me up for a positive headspace for the day.
After my walk, I sit down with a cup of coffee and journal. I only started journaling consistently recently, and it has been so refreshing. I always begin by writing down a few things I’m grateful for. Gratitude is such a powerful practice, and it never fails to put me in a better mood. I’ve noticed the more grateful I am, the more beauty I see in the small, everyday things that I used to take for granted.
After journaling, I spend a few minutes in prayer. Faith has always been a cornerstone of my life, and I truly believe everything I have is God-given. As a mom, I know the power of prayer, and I pray for my children, my husband, and for guidance in my life.
Following prayer, I take a moment to meditate—just sitting in silence and allowing time for reflection. Prayer is when I talk to God, and meditation is when I listen. This quiet time does wonders for my soul, and it consistently puts a smile on my face.
Even if I don’t have plans for the day, I make it a point to get ready. I shower, dress, do my hair, and put on makeup. I’ve learned that while lounging in yoga pants might sound appealing, when I look like a hot mess, I feel like a hot mess. So, I take the time to look put together—whether it’s a cute shirt with my yoga pants or dressing up a bit more.
When I feel put together, I feel better. Plus, if one of the kids calls and wants to grab lunch, I’m ready! If no one calls, that’s fine too—at least I’m feeling good. If I’m ever feeling down or lonely, I make sure to leave the house, even if it’s just a quick trip to the grocery store. Being in public, smiling at others, and offering a friendly hello always lifts my mood.
Doing these 4 things every day has made a world of difference. They’ve helped me start my day feeling refreshed, grateful, and ready to see what the day has in store. When opportunity knocks, I’m ready!
November 25, 2024
December 3, 2024
June 24, 2024
June 13, 2024
June 6, 2024
