Without ritual & routine, I feel lost. My morning routine is the anchor that grounds me in who I am, cutting through the noise of the world. I begin the new day with the same five steps as the day before: grab a cup of coffee, take my supplements, meditate, read my tarot, get dressed. While the timing may differ day to day, these daily activities have become sacred to me.

Years ago, Isaac & I bought a Chemex for making coffee, & we fell in love with how it forced us to slow down instead of rushing and the simple ritual of taking the time to make something that brings us joy. I love getting up before Isaac (no small feat at 4 am) & puttering around our new home in the dark with just the little nightlight we have in the kitchen guiding my way so that I can watch the rising sun streaming through the windows. There's something magical in those quiet morning hours, with only the animals for company. The stillness fills my heart, & I am grateful for this space & life that is ours. Some mornings I sleep in, requiring a little extra rest. On these days, Isaac wakes me up with coffee in bed - an absolute treat that brings me so much joy, even after more than seven years together.

While the coffee is brewing, I take my supplements; I've stored them in the same cupboard, a gentle reminder to myself to take them. Lately, I've been taking CBD oil from a local cannabis shop, along with Milky Oat & Nettle tinctures from Tender Living Farms. This combination has helped my body & mind find ease & balance. The CBD helps soothe the nervous system & calm inflammation. The Milky Oat tincture is calming on what feels like a soul level, an addition to my routine that has helped me recover from this last bout of anxiety & depression. I've incorporated nettles into my diet sporadically through the years, but never often enough to truly see the benefits. The simplicity of this tincture ensures I take it daily, & I've been noticing less fatigue, particularly during my monthly bleeding.

For the last few months, I've been enjoying the meditations offered on the Chani Nicholas app. On warm mornings I'll wander out onto our deck with my coffee & settle into a comfortable position. I listen to the birds while Chani's voice lulls me into a gentle trance. The weekly deep dive into the astrology at play has saved me these last few months. I'm reminded that I'm not alone, forces are guiding us that my human brain will never understand, & all I can do is show up & try my best. The ten (or so) minutes devoted to connecting with my breath & body have been life-changing for me. After months spent being afraid to breathe, this simple practice has helped me reconnect to my breath & feel safe in the world again. The combination of settling into this vessel that moves me through the day, & the life force that guides us all, reminds me to both be present & stay connected to something bigger than myself.

Tarot has been a part of my daily routine for years now, & I am truly grateful for this art. This instrument helps me prepare for the day, letting me know what might be coming my way or what is going on behind the veil. I like to think the cards are little love notes from my guides, letting me know I'm not alone. Plus, the cards are so beautiful they simply bring me joy, which is a good enough reason for me to spend time with my deck.

Choosing what I wear is something I sincerely enjoy. It's a chance for me to be creative, to decide how I want to show up in the world that day. I tap into what my body is craving & reflect on what I'll spend the day doing. Experimenting with colours, textures, & shapes reminds me of being a child playing dress-up, & my Leo heart feels most satisfied when I adorn my clothing something stunning, so I only have pieces I love in my wardrobe. Even when I'm working from home, I get dressed up, as it's a signal to my brain what I'm doing that day & when it's time to unwind. When I'm feeling down, putting on a favourite piece offers an instant boost of confidence, a trick I've learned to utilize when I'm experiencing anxiety or pain. When I love my outfit, each time I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror I feel a little more inspired. I've found that clothing is so much more than simply pieces of fabric; they're the paints with which I express who I am that day.

It's taken years, but I've finally found a routine that helps me feel grounded. Even if the rest of the day is challenging or chaotic, I've at least had a brief window of time devoted to self-care, & hopefully, that will be enough to remind me to stay present, connect with my breath & trust my heart. It might not change the world, but it does help me feel a little better, & that’s a start.