Grace in the Grind: A Catholic Gal’s AM Game Plan
“Let go of your plans. The first hour of your morning belongs to God. Tackle the day’s work that he charges you with, and he will give you the power to accomplish it.” (Edith Stein, aka St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross).
Mornings are like the Instagram filter of your day—choose the right one, and everything looks a little brighter, a little more manageable. Before the world bombards you with notifications, deadlines, and that one coworker who still doesn’t understand “reply all,” there’s a sacred window to set the tone. A well-crafted morning routine isn’t just a to-do list; it’s a vibe, a spiritual playlist that gets your soul in sync for the chaos—er, opportunities—ahead. ;)
We’re not all cut from the same cloth, and that’s the beauty of it. Your morning should be as unique as your Spotify Wrapped. But as Catholic women juggling faith, work, and the occasional existential crisis over whether to meal-prep or DoorDash, we can lean on some shared principles to start the day with intention. Here’s a guide—not a rigid rulebook, but a gentle nudge to make your mornings less “surviving” and more “thriving.”
Start with Silence
The world is loud. Like, scrolling-X-while-bingeing-a-podcast loud. Before you let it hijack your brain, carve out a moment of silence. Kick off with a quick prayer, maybe a Lectio Divina, letting a Bible verse sink in like a good latte.
Perhaps you’re savoring coffee with the Psalms, or sneaking in a Rosary decade while navigating a Lego minefield in the living room.
Journal (Because Your Brain Isn’t a Trello Board)
After prayer, grab a notebook (or your Notes app, no judgment). Journaling is like decluttering your brain before it crashes from too many open tabs. Jot down what’s on your heart: a gratitude for yesterday’s small wins, a hope for today’s meetings, or a prayer for your overflowing inbox. It’s not about writing a novel; it’s about naming what matters before the world decides for you.
If your brain’s already spiraling toward that 9 a.m. Zoom, journaling can be your anchor. It’s like telling the day ahead: “Hold up, I’m setting the agenda here.” Plus, it pairs well with coffee.
Move It (No, Not to the Next Task)
Your body’s a temple, not a cubicle. A quick morning walk—whether it’s a power strut through your neighborhood or a shuffle to your mailbox—doubles as a mini pilgrimage. Breathe in the fresh air, notice the sunrise, and let your thoughts untangle. If walking’s not your jam, try some stretches that don't require you to be a human pretzel. Movement reminds you that you’re not just a brain on a Zoom call but a whole person, “wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14).
Tidy Up
Before you dive into your work, take a second to tame your space. Make the bed, clear the kitchen counter, or at least shove the laundry pile out of sight. This isn’t about channeling your inner Marie Kondo; it’s about creating a workspace that doesn’t scream “hot mess.”
For us Catholic gals, these small acts of order are like mini-prayers, a way of saying: “Lord, I’m stewarding this tiny slice of creation, even if it’s just my coffee mug collection.”
Dive into Scripture (No PhD Required)
If you’ve got a few extra minutes, crack open the Bible. No need to go full theologian; a single verse, savored slowly, can light up your day like a perfectly timed meme. Pick a section from one of the Gospels or one of St. Paul’s letters and ask: “What’s God saying to me here?” The Word is your GPS (Psalm 119:105), guiding you through client pitches, tough calls, and the occasional office drama. For the businesswoman, scripture’s a goldmine of wisdom, courage, and the humility to admit when you need to pivot.
Make It Yours
Your morning routine should feel like you, not a Pinterest board of someone else’s life. Love a slow, candlelit start with Gregorian chants? Go for it. Prefer a high-energy vibe with a workout playlist and a protein shake? You do you. Ask yourself: What grounds me? What clears the mental fog? What helps me show up as the woman God’s calling me to be?
One Last Nugget
C.S. Lewis once said, “What one calls the interruptions are precisely one’s real life—the life God is sending one day by day.” Your morning routine isn’t a shield against the day’s demands; it’s a springboard to embrace them with grace. A morning well begun isn’t about perfecting every step; it’s about stepping into the day as a pilgrim, ready to meet God in the beauty of His plan.
Get up, tackle the day with purpose, and let your faith guide the way. Your coffee’s ready and the Lord is already in your corner.
Amber Apple is a Digital Marketing Manager and writer. When she’s not weaving tales for her novel, you can find her in her natural habitat—snuggled up on the couch, lost in the pages of a book, clutching a cup of tea. Her love language is baking French pastries, so if you’re craving a daily dose of mouthwatering recipes and delightful musings, visit her blog, mrsamberapple.com, or connect with her on Instagram @mrsamberapple.