Mornings at Birdsong Cottage begin before the sun, wrapped in stillness and quiet routine. The dogs wake first, eager and insistent, ready to start the day without delay. There’s no time to linger—they want out now. So, as the coffee brews in the kitchen, we step outside into the dark morning.

The world is hushed, still resting in the last moments of night. The air is cool, the only sounds are the padding of paws and the occasional rustle of unseen creatures. It’s a peaceful beginning, a brief moment of quiet before the day truly begins.

Back inside, breakfast comes first for the dogs—bowls filled, tails wagging, a well-earned treat before they settle in. Then, finally, my first sip of coffee. It’s never rushed. I take 10 to 15 minutes to simply be still, to savor the warmth and let the world wake up slowly around me.

Before I get ready, I make my bed—an intentional habit I’ve begun that brings a small sense of order to the day before it even starts. There’s something about walking into a room at the end of the day and seeing it tidy, welcoming, ready for rest.

Soft classical music plays as I move through the morning, getting ready for the day ahead. If I’ve prepped my lunch the night before, I’m grateful for the extra ease. If I haven’t, I do my best to throw something together quickly. Either way, one thing remains the same—I always pour a second cup of coffee into my large to-go container, a staple that carries me into the day.

The Rhythm of the Day

As I step outside, the world is slowly waking. The birds are already at the feeder, singing their morning songs, unseen but ever present. I always greet them with a quiet “Good morning, birdie bird,” a simple exchange that feels like a blessing on the day ahead.

The school day unfolds in its familiar rhythm—lessons taught, moments of chaos mixed with moments of joy. There are the usual tasks, but also the unexpected laughter, the small victories, the quiet reminders of why I love what I do.

Evenings are often busy, filled with chauffeuring Skyler to school events, games, or activities. But I try to create space for myself, too. Some days, I work on Birdsong & Blessings, shaping words and ideas. Other days, I focus on the home, tidying one small space to keep things from feeling overwhelming. One habit I never skip? Ensuring the kitchen is cleaned before it “closes” for the night—there’s a certain peace in knowing everything is reset for the next day.

I’ve also been working to incorporate intentional movement into my routine a few times a week. It’s not about pushing myself too hard, but about honoring my body, whether through a gentle walk, stretching, or something more active. It’s a practice I’m still building, but one that’s beginning to feel more natural.

Slowing Down & Letting Go

On nights when time allows, I slip outside to the swing by the pool, letting the gentle sway and the evening sounds settle over me. If the weather is kind, it’s one of my favorite places to be. The movement soothes me, the night air wraps around me, and for a few moments, I simply breathe.

Prayer is woven throughout my day—not just at set times, but in quiet moments between the rush, in whispered thoughts before my feet hit the ground, in gratitude before I drift to sleep. Some nights, I unwind with a bit of TV, but not always. There are stretches of days when it never even gets turned on, and I find I don’t miss it.

And then, the day winds down. The house settles, the lights dim, and I offer one last quiet prayer before sleep. Another day at Birdsong Cottage comes to a gentle close, and tomorrow will begin again—with morning light, coffee, and the sweet songs of the birds, already waiting to be greeted.

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Simple Daily Rhythms to Bring More Peace Into Your Life

If you’re looking to add more peace and intention to your days, here are a few small habits that have made a difference for me:

• Start your morning with stillness. Whether it’s sipping coffee in silence, reading a short devotion, or simply breathing deeply, a quiet beginning can set the tone for the day.
• Make your bed every morning. It’s a small act, but it brings a sense of order and accomplishment before the day even begins.
• Find a daily ritual that brings you joy. Maybe it’s lighting a candle, writing a gratitude list, or taking a morning walk. Small joys matter.
• End your day with a reset. Cleaning the kitchen before bed gives a sense of closure to the day and makes mornings smoother. Choose one area of your home to keep consistently tidy.
• Incorporate gentle movement. Whether it’s stretching, a short walk, or deep breathing, movement can bring energy and clarity to your day.
• Pause for small joys. Notice the birdsong, the warmth of the sun, the way your favorite tea tastes. Life is made up of these moments.

The beauty of a daily rhythm isn’t in perfection—it’s in the gentle flow, the way small habits shape our days and bring a sense of peace. Start where you are, and let the rhythm unfold naturally.

Wishing you peace and simple joys,

Jenny