I loved this ever so much, Kate! I love your writing style. So calming.
I took it upon myself to answer your question, and it was so soothing to think of my morning, oriented to sound.
My mornings sound like the rustling of the comforter as my four hungry dogs crawl around me, licking my face in anticipation of breakfast. Then its the soft carpeted whoosh of bare feet padding downstairs and into the kitchen where I make a beeline for the espresso maker. (Sorry, pups, mama's got her priorities).
The espresso maker whirs and churns out an Americano while the house—sunlit and still—echoes with the clink of my Dutch oven lid hitting the wood floor. I dish out breakfast for four waggly-tailed companions, and it’s all click-clacky nails on hardwood as I return to the kitchen to swirl in a splash of heavy cream into my favorite blue aztec mug.
Then we all head outside.
The gate creaks open, the dogs rush into the yard full speed—joy uncontained—
while I linger behind, curling into my cozy chair for that sacred first sip.
Wow, what incredible writing - I found myself fully immersed in your morning, from the clink of the Dutch oven lid to that sacred first sip in your cozy chair. I could hear every sound and feel the sunlight on the floor. Thank you for sharing this - what a beautiful, peaceful start to the day. 💛
There’s something deeply moving in the way you’ve captured your morning. Not just the motions, but the moments within them. It’s clear that the day doesn’t begin easily for you. That jarring alarm, the slow transition from sleep to action, the weight of what’s ahead. But what shines just as clearly is your attention to the quiet beauty stitched into the ordinary.
The morning breeze on your skin. The birds’ unknowing welcome. The soft creaks of the floor, the song of your cat, the ritual of tea swirling and water bubbling. All of it reads like a love letter to being alive, even on the hard days.
You haven’t denied the struggle. But you also haven’t let it drown out the subtle joy. And that, to me, is the most resilient kind of hope. The kind of hope that listens closely, even when life gets loud.
Thank you for reminding us that there is beauty in the background noise, comfort in the smallest exchanges, and something worth noticing in each new beginning. Even when it starts with a buzz.
Your words gave me chills, in the very best way. It touched me deeply. You captured the essence of what I was trying to say even more beautifully than I could’ve. Thank you for seeing the resilience and hope beneath the quietness. Your comment is a whole sunrise in itself 💛
Wow. Truly brilliant, Kate! Never before had I heard ASMR writing. Truly brilliant.
I will take your invitation to share my morning also.
Eyes closed, unnoticed. Marked alone by the rustle of the pillow against my ear. Dimly, I am aware again — wakeness urges, excited waves of morning breeze, yet I take it gently by the hand, and beg it rest a moment by my side.
On its own, my mind reaches out behind me. Purchase of warmth, a subtle murmur. Her.
Suddenly I am aware: she is like the sun on my back, and just as smiling. Nightgown sliding in the bedsheet, reflective smoothness against cloth; 'neath it skin as soft as kisses, warm enough to burn, yet soothes. A bouquet of touches shy, verging on wakefulness.
Embrace. The exhalation of two smiles. Quiet resilience; the strength of softness, maintained by two halves. Sunrise of the heart.
Peace.
Only then do eyes crack open. Still, a moment longer, I look in. A reflection. Beyond it greet me three: the boy I was, called Heart; the mind that sees, called I; the body, patient, that's my home. I listen to them. Tingles of emotion, darting thoughts. An ache, somewhere. Whispers of needs, reminders of duty.
My vision, only then, returns, and at last do I see the world in truth. And the symphony hits me.
The sound of silence, muffled dust. A thousand colours on the ceiling, all pretending to be white.
Wow. I’m speechless. I wish I could write like this!
Your response is a masterpiece — tender, rich, layered with presence and love. What a beautifully poetic way to describe waking up next to someone you cherish. I felt the stillness and the depth in every word. Thank you for sharing this!
The way you frame the kettle’s hiss and the cat’s purr as a ‘song’ makes me wonder: How many of us sleepwalk through these tiny symphonies? Your piece is a reminder that beauty isn’t just in grand moments 🌸☕️🌞
Your cat’s ‘velvety purring’ steals the show, though!) Animals have a way of anchoring us in the present, don’t they?
Yes! That’s exactly it - “tiny symphonies” happening all around us, if we just choose to listen. And you’re right, my cat has such a grounding presence. She reminds me to slow down more than any mindfulness app ever could, or to jump into action when she brings me another mouse, lizard or dragonfly haha
This is so sweet and mindful! I love that you were intentionally aware of all your senses in the moment. It's something I strive to do and try to teach others. I'm newer to substack, currently using it to host my blog for my new coaching business and really interested in finding others like yourself who live with intention and mindfulness. I think that's the key to happiness! Thanks for sharing your morning.
That’s such a beautiful intention - and I’m honored this piece connected with you in that way. It’s amazing how just noticing can change how we experience life. Wishing you the best on your Substack journey and with your coaching work!
Kate have you ver been told the beautiful skill you have to write in a novel style? Love the details and how we can get in it and feel it. This is my type of vibe! ✨
Ahh, thank you!! That makes my heart so happy. I am still learning to weave little details into things. I think noticing them can make us appreciate the moment and be more present. So glad this one spoke to you 💛
The birds are my favorite part about the morning! They start at 430 and carry on late into the day. As I hear this, I hear a cardinal calling. It’s the most soothing sound. I think I’m so in love with the morning birds it’s all I hear right now to be honest. They make my heart smile
This was lovely. We all have a morning routine of sorts. Some fly out ready to tackle the day. Others, like myself, love to linger, slowly wake up (usually between 5-6 which may be why I have this luxury while the rest of the world sleeps). I get my coffee and slide back under the covers, then I pray - always notes of gratitude to the universe. Thank you for this. A lovely reminder that in the simplest of things, life is precious.
That sounds like the most soul-nourishing start to the day. I love the image of you slipping back under the covers with coffee and gratitude. Thank you for this beautiful reminder 🤍
I’m trying my absolute best to have slow mornings as much as possible. Burning some incense, having soft music or prayer in the background, stay away from my phone at all costs, journal, read, breathe, be present. 💫
This is beautiful writing, I felt your comfort and calmness reading about noticing and easing into the day. I totally agree with your description of the alarm!!!!! 🌻
I loved this ever so much, Kate! I love your writing style. So calming.
I took it upon myself to answer your question, and it was so soothing to think of my morning, oriented to sound.
My mornings sound like the rustling of the comforter as my four hungry dogs crawl around me, licking my face in anticipation of breakfast. Then its the soft carpeted whoosh of bare feet padding downstairs and into the kitchen where I make a beeline for the espresso maker. (Sorry, pups, mama's got her priorities).
The espresso maker whirs and churns out an Americano while the house—sunlit and still—echoes with the clink of my Dutch oven lid hitting the wood floor. I dish out breakfast for four waggly-tailed companions, and it’s all click-clacky nails on hardwood as I return to the kitchen to swirl in a splash of heavy cream into my favorite blue aztec mug.
Then we all head outside.
The gate creaks open, the dogs rush into the yard full speed—joy uncontained—
while I linger behind, curling into my cozy chair for that sacred first sip.
Wow, what incredible writing - I found myself fully immersed in your morning, from the clink of the Dutch oven lid to that sacred first sip in your cozy chair. I could hear every sound and feel the sunlight on the floor. Thank you for sharing this - what a beautiful, peaceful start to the day. 💛
Enjoyed this, esp the lo-fi beats (synth nerd here)
lo-fi beats are such a cozy little mood-setter! And yay for fellow synth lovers!
Deffo. Are you a synth owner/twiddler too?!
Haha no, not a synth owner — but I do admire those little worlds of knobs and sounds! Maybe one day. 😊
There’s something deeply moving in the way you’ve captured your morning. Not just the motions, but the moments within them. It’s clear that the day doesn’t begin easily for you. That jarring alarm, the slow transition from sleep to action, the weight of what’s ahead. But what shines just as clearly is your attention to the quiet beauty stitched into the ordinary.
The morning breeze on your skin. The birds’ unknowing welcome. The soft creaks of the floor, the song of your cat, the ritual of tea swirling and water bubbling. All of it reads like a love letter to being alive, even on the hard days.
You haven’t denied the struggle. But you also haven’t let it drown out the subtle joy. And that, to me, is the most resilient kind of hope. The kind of hope that listens closely, even when life gets loud.
Thank you for reminding us that there is beauty in the background noise, comfort in the smallest exchanges, and something worth noticing in each new beginning. Even when it starts with a buzz.
Your words gave me chills, in the very best way. It touched me deeply. You captured the essence of what I was trying to say even more beautifully than I could’ve. Thank you for seeing the resilience and hope beneath the quietness. Your comment is a whole sunrise in itself 💛
Lyrical beauty in the way you gathered some colorful moments and gave them to us fresh again
With wisdom
…you haven’t let it drown out the subtle joy …nor denied the struggle
That resilient hope
That listens closely
Even when life gets loud.
🙏
Thank you so much for these beautiful words 💛
What a beautiful response to receive. Thank you.
Wow. Truly brilliant, Kate! Never before had I heard ASMR writing. Truly brilliant.
I will take your invitation to share my morning also.
Eyes closed, unnoticed. Marked alone by the rustle of the pillow against my ear. Dimly, I am aware again — wakeness urges, excited waves of morning breeze, yet I take it gently by the hand, and beg it rest a moment by my side.
On its own, my mind reaches out behind me. Purchase of warmth, a subtle murmur. Her.
Suddenly I am aware: she is like the sun on my back, and just as smiling. Nightgown sliding in the bedsheet, reflective smoothness against cloth; 'neath it skin as soft as kisses, warm enough to burn, yet soothes. A bouquet of touches shy, verging on wakefulness.
Embrace. The exhalation of two smiles. Quiet resilience; the strength of softness, maintained by two halves. Sunrise of the heart.
Peace.
Only then do eyes crack open. Still, a moment longer, I look in. A reflection. Beyond it greet me three: the boy I was, called Heart; the mind that sees, called I; the body, patient, that's my home. I listen to them. Tingles of emotion, darting thoughts. An ache, somewhere. Whispers of needs, reminders of duty.
My vision, only then, returns, and at last do I see the world in truth. And the symphony hits me.
The sound of silence, muffled dust. A thousand colours on the ceiling, all pretending to be white.
And beside-inside me, on my lips,
"Good morning."
Wow. I’m speechless. I wish I could write like this!
Your response is a masterpiece — tender, rich, layered with presence and love. What a beautifully poetic way to describe waking up next to someone you cherish. I felt the stillness and the depth in every word. Thank you for sharing this!
The way you frame the kettle’s hiss and the cat’s purr as a ‘song’ makes me wonder: How many of us sleepwalk through these tiny symphonies? Your piece is a reminder that beauty isn’t just in grand moments 🌸☕️🌞
Your cat’s ‘velvety purring’ steals the show, though!) Animals have a way of anchoring us in the present, don’t they?
Yes! That’s exactly it - “tiny symphonies” happening all around us, if we just choose to listen. And you’re right, my cat has such a grounding presence. She reminds me to slow down more than any mindfulness app ever could, or to jump into action when she brings me another mouse, lizard or dragonfly haha
This is so sweet and mindful! I love that you were intentionally aware of all your senses in the moment. It's something I strive to do and try to teach others. I'm newer to substack, currently using it to host my blog for my new coaching business and really interested in finding others like yourself who live with intention and mindfulness. I think that's the key to happiness! Thanks for sharing your morning.
That’s such a beautiful intention - and I’m honored this piece connected with you in that way. It’s amazing how just noticing can change how we experience life. Wishing you the best on your Substack journey and with your coaching work!
Kate have you ver been told the beautiful skill you have to write in a novel style? Love the details and how we can get in it and feel it. This is my type of vibe! ✨
Ahh, thank you!! That makes my heart so happy. I am still learning to weave little details into things. I think noticing them can make us appreciate the moment and be more present. So glad this one spoke to you 💛
this is the type of content i live for!
glad our paths crossed💛
Yummy
Haha, thank you! Mornings should always have a little bit of “yummy” in them, don’t you think? 😄
Absolutely 💯
The birds are my favorite part about the morning! They start at 430 and carry on late into the day. As I hear this, I hear a cardinal calling. It’s the most soothing sound. I think I’m so in love with the morning birds it’s all I hear right now to be honest. They make my heart smile
I love this! Yes, birds feel like they carry a bit of joy in their song. A cardinal calling sounds so magical. Thank you for sharing your moment 🌸
This was lovely. We all have a morning routine of sorts. Some fly out ready to tackle the day. Others, like myself, love to linger, slowly wake up (usually between 5-6 which may be why I have this luxury while the rest of the world sleeps). I get my coffee and slide back under the covers, then I pray - always notes of gratitude to the universe. Thank you for this. A lovely reminder that in the simplest of things, life is precious.
That sounds like the most soul-nourishing start to the day. I love the image of you slipping back under the covers with coffee and gratitude. Thank you for this beautiful reminder 🤍
I’m trying my absolute best to have slow mornings as much as possible. Burning some incense, having soft music or prayer in the background, stay away from my phone at all costs, journal, read, breathe, be present. 💫
Your mornings sound sacred. I’m so inspired by your intention and presence. That kind of stillness is something I’m learning to invite in, too🌿
Tender is your heart
This warmed my heart. Thank you 💛
This was beautiful - I felt completely swept up in your morning. It even inspired me to write my own. Thank you for sharing, and for the spark!
I’m so touched that it inspired you to write your own. That’s all I could ever hope for✨
This is beautiful writing, I felt your comfort and calmness reading about noticing and easing into the day. I totally agree with your description of the alarm!!!!! 🌻
Thank you so much! And YES, “alarm” really is the worst word for something we rely on every day 😅
I just had to restack my favourite part. I could read this over and over again.
What a slow beautiful morning 🤍
This means the world to me — thank you for restacking that part. I’m so glad it resonated with you. 🤍