My Inner Shakti

finding strength in everyday things

  • Home
  • About Me
  • Restaurants
  • Recipes
  • Par’s Picks
  • Privacy Policy
Sunrise

3 Non-Negotiables for a Good Morning

written by Parita 2 Comments

Since having Kaiden, our morning routine has changed 180 degrees, and I wouldn’t have it any other way!  But then again, I’m a morning person through and through.

Pre-baby, we could be up and out the door in under an hour.  Now, I need at least 2-2.5 hours to go through the motions and get everything in order.  I know that sounds like a lot of time, and it is, but I find the more time we give ourselves, the better off we are.  I hate rushing in the morning because it sets a frantic tone for the day.

Other than giving ourselves [lots] of time, there are three other things I like to include in our morning routine to ensure it’s a good one.  These are my non-negotiables, as they all bring a sense of love, fun, and calm at the very start of our day.

Sunrise

One – Vishnu likes to say that I’m the rock of our family.  While this sentiment comes with its own kind of pressure, I do tend to believe a lot of a family’s overall well-being rests on the mom’s shoulders.  When mama is ok, everyone else feels safe and generally ok.

With that being said, my first non-negotiable of the day is all about me.  As soon as I wake up, I like to take a few deep breaths, connect with God (the Universe, higher being, etc.), and say thanks for another day.  I also like to repeat positive affirmations as I go through the early morning motions – brushing my teeth, prepping Kaiden’s bottles, etc.

Two – Those who know me in real life know I’m not a singer in any sense of the word.  Even my humming is off tune.  Ah well, you can’t do it all!

Being an awful singer hasn’t stopped me from belting out tunes as a new mama.  Ever since Kaiden was a tiny little guy, I’ve been singing everything from nursery rhymes/songs to old school R&B to Disney songs.  Believe it or not, he loves it!  He’ll go from whining and crying to silent and smiley when I sing his favorite songs.  Not looking forward to the day he tells me to stop!

Regardless of what’s happening in the morning, singing is key.  We usually start with something like The Wheels on the Bus and move on to made up on the spot songs about changing K’s diaper, putting his clothes on, going to school, etc.

Three – #1 is about me, #2 is about K, and #3 is about Vishnu (and me!).

My third non-negotiable is to part ways with Vishnu every morning with a kiss.  Just a quick peck!  This action hasn’t had any earth shattering results, but it makes me and I venture to say Vishnu feel more connected!

Everything changes after baby, even your marriage.  Vishnu and I fall prey to deprioritizing our relationship more often than we’d like to admit.  We’re working on it though, and our daily peck is a small reminder that our bond matters too.

Your turn – what are your non-negotiables for a good morning?

Written on February 7, 2018 Related:Baby, Life, motherhood, Parenthood

The Little Things

written by Parita 7 Comments

I’ve been thinking a lot about the little things lately.  More importantly, I’ve been thinking about why the little things are so important.  And I found that all the answers I come up with are somehow embedded in the quote…even though we may not realize it in the moment, the little things are the big things.  And these things, if you will, are literally everywhere ready for us to enjoy.

Personally, I often find myself thinking about the future a lot.  And not in a “next week I have to go to the dentist” kind of way.  I think about where we’re going to end up in few years, will our family be close by, when will we have kids, will I have to switch jobs…and the list goes on.  And while it’s totally normal to think about the future and plan for it, there comes a point where thoughts about the unknown take away from the present.  They rob us of what’s certain and true…right now.  They rob us of the moments that make for a beautiful life.

In an effort to be more appreciative of all that I have right now, I grabbed a piece of paper and a pen and made a list.  A list of the little things that are really the big things.  So, without further adieu, here are a few of the (random) notes I jotted down…

  • Waking up every morning with my best friend and partner in crime by my side
  • Taking my first full deep breath before I (grudgingly) get out of bed
  • Feeling the early morning breeze hit my body as I run outside
  • Feeling my heart beat in my chest after a good workout
  • Making small talk with our neighbors on the elevator
  • Reading my family’s group text as the day progresses (we’re a goofy bunch!)
  • Chatting with my mom every morning
  • Hearing Vishnu’s voice as I step into our apartment after a long day at work
  • Smiling and waving to our concierge every time I exit and enter the building (and seeing them smile and wave back)
  • Laughing until my stomach hurts as I watch Vishnu reenact Beyoncé’s Single Ladies dance
  • Catching up with a good friend after a really long time and hearing about all the good things happening in his or her life
  • Making a new to me meal and having it turn out 100x better than expected
  • Taking things a little slower on the weekends
  • (Randomly) hearing a song from middle school and (loudly) singing along much to everyone’s dismay

Eventually, the future will become the present and bring it’s own set of surprises, challenges, etc.  A lot of which is unknown.  But as long as I keep reminding myself that life really is in the little everyday details, everything will be ok.  Right!?  Right.

Happy Wednesday!

Written on July 17, 2013 Related:Inspirational, Life

Welcome to My Inner Shakti! This is my little corner of the internet where I explore and share more about the things that give me my inner strength. I hope you stick around! Read More Here...

MIS gives back!

All advertising proceeds from this blog will be donated to a different charity every month!

Subscribe to MIS

Sign up now to receive all the latest from My Inner Shakti straight to your inbox!

Follow me on Feedly!

follow us in feedly

LOVE my blog!

Follow on Bloglovin

Web Hosting

categories

Archives

Top Posts!

  • Marriage Advice for My Little Sister
  • DIY Diaper Pail
  • My Experience with Apple Cider Vinegar
  • Vidhi
  • Drunk Elephant Daytime and Nighttime Skincare Routines
  • Acne Update: Jojoba Oil + Tea Tree Oil
  • Do Not Forget Your Parents
  • Homemade Wax Recipe
  • The 3 Things I Am Not
  • Our Indian Baby Shower!

Follow me on Instagram!

Copyright ©2022, My Inner Shakti. All Rights Reserved. Custom design by Pixel Me Designs