I love the concept of beautiful living through every day rituals.

In her book Living A Beautiful Life, author and interior designer Alexandra Stoddard writes:

One of the real goals of having rituals is to make sure there is ample time given to making the small things in our lives count. In this way, we enrich the whole of our lives, and continuity provides daily and weekly enrichment.

I had the amazing opportunity a few months ago to interview Ms. Stoddard. One of the questions I asked was what her favorite daily ritual is. Without hesitation she answered, “Morning Solitude.” She said solitude in the mornings sets the tone for her whole day. She
does not rush to connect herself with the world upon awakening. Rather, she gets up early and begins her day usually sitting at her writing desk. She loves to study, learn and contemplate. She says that the hours she spends alone in the early hours of the morning allow her to “focus inward with a clear head, preparing myself for the demands of
the day.”

In her book Gracious Living in A New World Alexandra writes, “We fill our well before emptying it.” I love that. I couldn’t agree more.

We all deserve a special space of our own for morning solitude. As women, we give a lot of ourselves and we need time to rejuvenate and prepare ourselves for our day. If you don’t have a special place for morning solitude, it would be worthwhile to create one specifically for your quiet time. By creating the space and seeing it every day waiting for us, it reminds us of our need for daily solitude.

Creating Your Place For Morning Solitude:

Your space doesn’t have to be fancy. Make it simple but inspiring! Find a cozy chair and place it in a quiet corner. Add an attractive lamp on a small table. Gather up a few inspirational books and pretty notebook and pen. Put some fresh flowers in a vase. Most importantly but sometimes the most challenging part: set aside time to sit in your chair!

Get up when the house is still dark and quiet, or wait until the kids have been dropped off at school and you can sit down with a cup of coffee and your thoughts! Take time to start your day off with a few moments of quiet inner beauty.

Melissa Michaels of The Inspired Room is an interior design consultant in Portland, Oregon.
Photo: Melissa Michaels