Morning Rituals: How I’m Building the Life I Want, One Sunrise at a Time

Some mornings feel like a sprint before my feet even hit the floor. The world is buzzing, my mind is racing, and my body… well, my body is on its own perimenopausal adventure. In a time when everything feels loud, unpredictable, and a little unstable, I’ve learned that how I start my day can change everything. Morning rituals aren’t just about habits, they’re about survival, joy, and setting the tone for the life I want to lead.

Life feels like it’s coming at us from all angles. The world seems to be cracking at the edges, and meanwhile my own body is navigating the uninvited guest called perimenopause. There’s so much to process, and some days you want to fight, scream, yell, or just shut it all out and be still. And honestly? Sometimes you have to do exactly that. But in the middle of all the chaos, I’ve learned one thing for sure: taking care of yourself is not optional. It’s survival.

I have friends who wake up at 5 a.m. (members of that so-called “5 AM Club". They swear by the benefits: more energy, greater productivity, better mental health, and an overall sense of alignment. It sounds magical… and also slightly terrifying when you’re not used to it. I’m not there yet. Instead, I’ve started where I am. My alarm goes off at 6:30 a.m., and I’m out in my yard by 7:30.

That first hour outdoors is sacred. Connecting with the earth grounds me in a way nothing else can. Sometimes I pop in my earbuds and let an audiobook or podcast inspire me. Other mornings, it’s just silence, the wind, the rustle of leaves, the layered songs of birds. Nature has its own music, and it’s a soundtrack that never fails to calm my spirit.

Movement is also part of my ritual. Depending on the day, that might be a ride on my bike or Peloton, a strength training session, or a 3–4 mile walk along the water or through my neighborhood. This isn’t about “checking off” exercise, it’s about starting the day in a way that makes me feel alive and present.

My morning ritual isn’t just a routine, it’s a choice. A conscious act of grounding myself, calming my mind, and creating the mental space to show up for the day ahead. Living the life I want to lead takes real intention, and I know how easy it is to get stuck in my head and lose momentum. Starting my day early, with the things that bring me joy, isn’t just self-care, it’s the foundation for everything I want to build.

And here’s the truth: your ritual doesn’t have to look like mine. It doesn’t have to start at 5 a.m. or involve a specific workout or meditation. It just has to be yours, something that makes you feel grounded, energized, and ready to face whatever comes. Because in a world that moves too fast and demands too much, carving out those first moments for yourself is the boldest, most beautiful way to say: This is my life, and I’m leading it on my own terms.