By Laura Johnstone
There’s a lot of talk out there about having a “solid morning routine”—you know, the kind with yoga, green juice, journaling, and a perfectly made bed. But I think there’s something far more real (and meaningful) about a routine shaped not by perfection, but by love.
Before Amelia was born, I took part in a five-day self-care challenge, and one of the tasks was so simple, yet it completely changed how I started my day. We were asked to take three deep breaths before even getting out of bed, and during those breaths, say three things we were grateful for.
That practice stayed with me. In fact, I did it religiously during pregnancy. Especially on the hard days when everything felt fragile, uncertain, and overwhelming. Every morning I’d pause and say:
“I am grateful she’s still here.”
“I am grateful for another day of hope.”
“I am grateful that I’m not alone.”
Those breaths became my anchor. They still are.
But motherhood changed everything else.
Now, the mornings aren’t about me anymore. They start with changing Amelia’s nappy, sorting out her breakfast, making sure she’s hydrated and feeling okay. It’s a whirlwind most days. The kind of whirlwind that involves trying to drink a lukewarm cup of tea while negotiating toddler socks, Peppa Pig, and deciding if that suspicious quiet means she’s playing or plotting an escape.
There are days I look in the mirror and think, “Wow, I look rough.” But then I see Amelia—dressed, fed, smiling—and I remember: She looks well put together. And that’s a reflection of me. That’s enough. That’s more than enough.
I think that’s one of the biggest truths about parenting:
You stop putting yourself first—but you do it willingly. Gladly. Not because it’s easy, but because your child’s wellbeing becomes your greatest source of pride.
Still, I do one small thing for myself every single morning. I take those three deep breaths. I name three things I’m grateful for. It helps me to start from a place of hope. I don’t turn on the news—because let’s be honest, it’s often full of sadness, stress, and doom. I don’t want that energy in my space first thing. Instead, I choose gratitude. Even if it’s just for dry shampoo, a clean baby grow, and the fact Amelia slept through the night (or at least a bit longer than usual).
Some days are harder than others, especially when you’re dealing with birth trauma, navigating neurodiversity, or just trying to survive the toddler years on minimal sleep. But if you take one thing from this blog, let it be this:
You can find stillness, even in chaos.
You can ground yourself in gratitude, even if your feet haven’t touched the floor yet.
You’re doing a good job—even if the mirror says otherwise.
Call to Action
If this resonated with you, I’d love to hear about your morning routine and what helps you get through the start of your day. Leave a comment, give it a like, and don’t forget to subscribe to The Good, The Bad, and Your Parenting Journey for more real talk, support, and encouragement.
References
• Self-Care and Morning Routines: NHS Inform. https://www.nhsinform.scot/
• The Science of Gratitude: Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/gratitude
• Maternal Mental Health Alliance. https://maternalmentalhealthalliance.org/
What are your morning rituals? What does the first hour of your day look like?
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