Positivity Corner: Morning Tea on the Patio

“What are you doing to self-care?” It’s a question I’ve been asked often and rarely had a good, solid answer for. I’ve got a few small practices that I use daily to keep healthy mentally, but honestly, when I’m in crisis mode, it’s tough. But recently, I started doing something that helps ground my day each day: morning tea on the patio.

It’s a simple thing. It’s something I’ve basically been doing for years. But I’ve never been intentional about it or removed distractions from my morning like this. It has been a fantastic experience. I highly recommend it to others.

I hear you. What do I mean?

As I start getting ready for the day, I put the kettle on and choose a cup of indulgent tea to drink that day. I don’t mean something with cream and sugar and additives. I mean things like Strawberry Sensation or Black Mango that are inherently indulgent without me adding calories.

Then, while the kettle is heating up, I scoop out my loose leaf and walk off for a few minutes to brush my teeth or get dressed. When the kettle sings its cheery tune, I pour the tea over my leaves and set my cup on the table near the sliding glass door. Off I go again to finish getting ready for the day.

And then, when the tea is cool enough, I put on a jacket or trade the socks for slippers and head out onto the patio with my decadent cuppa tea. Sometimes, my husband joins me. And we sit on the patio chairs with nothing else in hand save that cuppa. No phones, no computers, no distractions to draw us to the day ahead.

If I’m alone, I chat with myself. How did I sleep? What am I looking forward to today? What have I been reading or watching lately that’s been inspiring me? What is that crazy squirrel across the way doing this morning? Is there anything I need to seek help for? How am I doing?

My morning tea on the patio is to check in with myself. Am I tired from not sleeping enough? Is my body aching from not having enough movement the day before? Have I been taking care of myself as I ought to? Is there anything I need to do for myself before I get started with the workday?

If Matt’s with me out there, we chat about the beautiful day ahead, church services, grad school, or the future when we move Down Under or… whatever strikes us.

It’s a simple thing, but it has helped to ground me each morning and given me space and time to take care of myself, even for just a few minutes. It’s incredible how it has changed my attitude and my emotional health.

And when the cup is drained of all liquid, I go back inside, set my cup aside, and start the day.

Looking for other great ideas for improving you daily routine? There are loads of things in the positivity corner at the MockingOwl Roost.

• Paper Chain of Accomplishments
• Walking Three Times Daily
• Asking Questions
• My Power Hour
• Creative Outlets for Joy

Rita Mock-Pike

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Editor-in-Chief of The MockingOwl Roost, Rita Mock-Pike is the granddaughter of aviatrix, Jerrie Mock, first woman to pilot an airplane solo around the world. Rita has found inspiration from her grandmother’s life and flight and pursued many of her own dreams in theatre, podcasting, novel writing, and cooking up delicious food from around the world. She now writes on food, travel, pets, faith, and the arts. She’s happily married to Matt, and faithfully serves the very fluffy kitten queen, Lady Stardust.

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