5am was the wakeup time of all three of my children when I was on maternity leave with our youngest, Rose. Those days that started so early, after nights of very interrupted sleep, felt endless.
These days, 5am is the time my husband, Arnauld, and I wake up to take our daily prework walk. We started this routine nearly two years ago, waking just a few times a week to either run or walk. We quickly learned that walking was friendlier on our bodies and it was a nice way to start the day. We upped the frequency to four times per week, walking every day that Arnauld went into the office-he works from home on Fridays.
Last year, when daylight savings hit in November and the weather started to pose threats, like icy roadways and dark skies, we paused our morning walks. But this year, we’ve just kept going, opting to walk by the light of the moon and take our chances on the ice. I’ve come to savor this quiet time of day. Sometimes Arnauld and I walk in silence, noticing the occasional fox finishing up their nightly jaunts or the random raccoon slipping back into the sewer grate. Other times, we chat away about the kids, work, life. We’ve often passing in different directions throughout the day, our pathes only crossing enough to exchange random logistical texts, or brief in person exchanges in between dropoffs and pickups. These walks have become our moment of connection-a moment to pause before the chaos of the day begins.
Where In the World Am I Writing From: Yesterday, I read new slicer, Karen’s slice, Peaceful, quiet. I had snapped this picture of my husband and the moon, and her post inspired me to write about this quiet time of day. Today, I write after my 5am walk only to come home to a surprise announcement that we have ANOTHER snow day today. I was not expecting this. So today, I write from my personal laptop, on the couch, under a cozy blanket contemplating when to wake the kids with a dance party.
Where There Is Joy 
Pre dawn routines might be my favorite. You capture why this one has become one of yours. Savoring, appreciating the calm, the quiet, the fresh air before the beautiful chaos of any given day!
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I also love to walk, and early mornings offer beauty that we’d miss if we slept in! Your words wove together beautifully as you described these moments with your husband. I look forward to reading more of your posts this month.
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I count on the morning walks with Nancy and Farley. It’s peaceful and I feel like we’re doing something good for each other. Today was tricky, though, with a thin layer of invisible ice on every surface. We sort of tiptoed all the way. Farley, with four-wheel drive, had no idea why we were being so cautious. I’m glad you got to write at your laptop for a change…That was a weird snow day.
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Yes. Doing something good for each other. Our pace yesterday morning was way off due to the ice. I nearly hit the pavement several times. Today, we were back to our regular pace!
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What a lovely way to begin your day and feed your relationship. This sounds so romantic! I admire your discipline and I’m certain this practice pays off, both physically and emotionally. Sometimes Arnauld and I walk in silence, noticing the occasional fox finishing up their nightly jaunts or the random raccoon slipping back into the sewer grate. This line painted a great picture in my head. Thanks for sharing.
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This feels atmospheric. “noticing the occasional fox finishing up their nightly jaunts or the random raccoon slipping back into the sewer grate” really helps me to feel the moment. It also feels cold (!) but guessing that’s part of the joy. I aspire to wake up that early… 🙂
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I have some morning routines that set the rhythm of my day. When I miss them, the whole day seems out of kilter. I’ve been working with students on how to craft their final sentences. Your final sentence is a good example of nicely pulling your slice together: “These walks have become our moment of connection–a moment to pause before the chaos of the day begins.” You have the who [us], what [walks], when [before…day begins], purpose [moment of connection…to pause before chaos].
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Sounds like me and Al on our Saturday morning shopping dates! Keep it going! Life gets busy and you fit in time any way you can.
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I chuckled at the line “We quickly learned that walking was friendlier on our bodies and it was a nice way to start the day.” I love a good morning walk. Let’s hope the track thaws soon and we can meet there too!
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This ritual sounds wonderful…it gets your body moving, connects you with your husband, and starts your day off quietly. What’s not to love??
Happy snow day!!
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It’s so amazing to have found this time for the two of you to connect! I’ve always been jealous of early-morning people. It seems like such a productive time of day. But, alas, I am a night owl. Sometimes I’ve only been asleep a few hours at 5am!
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On this first Saturday, I finally have time to read more than just 3 slices and I can catch up on YOU! I am inpressed by your 5am routine. I also like how you are ending your slices with Where in the World I am Writing From! It gives a bigger view of you as a writer!
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