👉 Want other prompts? Check out the Pen Your Past Starter Kit.
Why This Might Be Worth Writing About
The way we begin our mornings often says a lot about the season of life we’re in. Morning routines are rarely just about coffee or alarms — they’re shaped by our responsibilities, our energy, and even what we believe about ourselves.
Looking back at how you used to start your day versus how you begin it now can uncover hidden lessons. It can show growth, resilience, or even highlight little rituals worth bringing back.
This isn’t about comparing better vs. worse — it’s about noticing the changes and what they reveal about you.
If You’re Not Sure Where to Begin…
✨ You don’t have to write a book to tell your story.Just start with one small memory — and let it count.
My Life, One Story at a Time
In my 20s and 30s, mornings were crazy. I was a single mom, and my son was the center of it all. Some nights I stayed up too late with a baby, other times I was up early trying to get us both ready — me for school or work, him for daycare. I don’t think I ever got enough sleep, whether from long hours or just plain worry. Still, every morning began with his face, his voice, and usually a laugh before the day even started. Looking back, I see how hectic it was, but also how full of love.
These days, my mornings look very different. I wake up to my pets — they’re the first smiles I see. The TV provides the first voices I hear, and most mornings the only people who make me laugh are my grandkids on FaceTime. Thank God for technology. I might not love working from home so much if I felt disconnected, but instead, I’m always right here when they think of their Mimi.
I’m older now. My body aches. My life is quieter. Some mornings I wake up late or crabby, but I’m still unbelievably blessed. The only thing that could make it better is seeing and hearing from my son more often. Still, I know he’d answer anytime I call — and those long catch-up conversations are my favorite thing in this world.
So yes, everything has completely changed.
But every single morning I’ve been given has been wonderful in its own way.
Share Your Prompted Story
I’d love to hear what your mornings reveal about your story. You can share your response (long or short!) right here:
📭 Click here to submit your story
Update (August 2025):
I still love collecting stories to share with Project: Improve Me readers in the newsletter, but I also started something new — Path of Pebbles. It’s a space where women can submit their stories (any topic, not just prompts). I’ll review them to keep it safe, and then they’ll be published for anyone to read.
You can add your story anytime at PenYourPast.com.
If you’d like more gentle writing nudges, grab the free Pen Your Past Starter Kit from the Freebie Vault »
It’s packed with prompts to help you capture your life, one memory at a time.
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Closing Thoughts
“Every sunrise carries a story — the way you greet it tells who you’ve been and who you’re becoming.”
Until next week, keep noticing those small shifts. They’re worth writing down.
With Love,
Kari 💚
