One Story at a Time #8: Then vs. Now: How Do You Start Your Day?

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This week’s Pen Your Past™ is to compare your mornings then vs. now — and discover what those little shifts say about your life story.
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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…

  • Think back: what did your mornings look like when you were in your 20s? Your 30s? Compare to now.
  • What was your first thought when the alarm went off then — and what is it now?
  • Did you rush, savor, dread, or look forward to mornings at different stages?
  • Are there morning habits you wish you’d kept… or ones you’re glad you left behind?
✨ 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

As a 50-year-old woman, this prompt made me realize how many different kinds of mornings I’ve had.

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.

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Pen Your Past writing prompt graphic with a woman drinking orange juice in the kitchen. Text overlay reads: “How Do You Start Your Day? Weekly prompts to start writing your story in midlife."

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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 💚

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