Chapter 1: A Morning Routine That Sets the Tone

Every weekday, I rise at 5:15 AM or even earlier. The first task on my agenda is to feed my cats, who eagerly await their two meals and a midday snack, making them quite hungry by the time I finally get out of bed.

By 6 AM, Briana and I leave home, allowing us to grab a quick coffee from Dunkin' before I drop her off at work. Five minutes and four miles later, I find myself parked at my workplace—a kitchen where I dedicate the next four hours to washing pots and pans.

Could I pursue a different path? Certainly. However, I find contentment in this routine. I may not hold a leadership role, yet my boss would likely say I often take on that responsibility. Old habits are difficult to shake. The best part? I can leave work at the office. Once home, I feed my pets and then dive into my laptop to read and write.

After my shift, I filled up my gas tank in preparation for a weekend getaway and contemplated grabbing a bite to eat. Instead, I took a leisurely drive for 15 minutes before finally stopping at Barnes & Noble. While I appreciate B&N, I usually prefer to support a local independent bookstore; unfortunately, there isn’t one in my city.

Still, I cherished the quiet ambiance within the store. It brought me a sense of peace. I ordered my coffee and wandered through the aisles like a curious traveler, with no particular plan other than to relax and flip through a magazine or two.

Reflecting on my past visits to Borders Bookstore, I fondly remember sinking into their plush chairs while enjoying a book or magazine. Perhaps that’s why the chain closed its doors in 2011—who would purchase a book when they could read it for free in such comfort?

While the seating at B&N isn’t quite as cozy, the atmosphere remains inviting: individuals immersed in their passion for reading, savoring both the written word and their beverages.

However, like many places, prices have been on the rise. My medium vanilla latte and brownie set me back just over ten dollars. Seriously?

I spent about thirty minutes meandering through the store, with no intention of purchasing the latest bestseller. Maybe I shouldn’t admit that on a platform for writers, but it’s the truth.

I then took a drive around town, relishing the sunshine while it lasted. This morning, the sky is overcast, and there’s a mix of rain and snow on the ground. I’m really looking forward to navigating that.

Back home, my cats greeted me with their usual hungry meows. They’re fortunate I adore them. After a brief moment of playful annoyance, I treated them to their snacks, making everything right in their world. It doesn’t take much to bring joy to a cat, and they certainly add happiness to my life.

A simple jaunt around town, a warm cup of coffee, a visit to a bookstore, and returning to my beloved cats transformed my day. It truly is the small pleasures in life that put a smile on my face.

Thanks for reading.

Chapter 2: Energizing Your Day

Feeling energized and focused is essential for a productive day. In this section, we’ll explore some habits that can help you recharge.

Do This Every Morning: How to Feel Energized, Focused, and in Control - This video offers practical advice on establishing morning routines that boost your energy and focus for the day ahead.