In the Early Morning, When I Used to Write

 

In the Early Morning, When I Used to Write

Looking Back on a Routine That No Longer Exists

Back when my children were in school, I used to wake up at 5:30 every morning. After preparing breakfast and finishing up house chores, I had to head to the art academy in the afternoon— so early morning was the only time I could write.

Now my kids are grown and working, and I’ve retired. I no longer need to wake up that early. And yet, I find myself missing those quiet moments. It was the only time of day I truly had to myself, free from any interruption.

The Quiet Solitude of Early Morning

Early mornings are still. No one else is awake, and the silence feels sacred. That silence allowed me to focus, to be immersed, and it became the only time of day that truly belonged to me.

But let’s be honest—your brain is foggy when you’ve just woken up. So, I created a small ritual to awaken my body and mind:

• Wash my face and check on breakfast prep

• Sit at my desk for a brief moment of reflection

• Copy Bible verses by hand

I would fold my notebook in half, copying Korean verses on one side and English verses on the other. Words I’d otherwise skim over came alive through handwriting— they stayed with me, became clearer, more meaningful.

A Cup of Tea, and the Beginning of Writing

After finishing my scripture copying, I’d boil water. Whether I drank tea or coffee didn’t matter. I’d return to the table—my makeshift desk at the time—with a warm cup. Back then, I didn’t even have a proper desk, but just having a laptop of my own felt like such a blessing.

Then I’d open the laptop—and write.

At least 15 minutes. It didn’t matter if I had no topic or if my sentences were clumsy. Writing itself was the goal. At first, it was just random words, but one led to another, and slowly, my thoughts sharpened, sentences took shape, and the writing began to breathe.

Why Morning?

To write, I needed deep focus. And for me, that kind of focus only came in the early morning.

I could read books or prep lessons even with others around, but writing required solitude.

My sharpest thinking also came in the morning. By 9 p.m., I’d get sleepy. After 10, I could barely concentrate. But in the morning? Even complex math problems felt easy. Writing always went best in the morning. I suppose I’ve always been a morning person.

A Ritual to Wake My Body and Mind

• Quiet reflection

• Bible copying

• A warm drink

• Writing

This ritual didn’t just start my day— it was a warm-up that gently awakened my body and mind, preparing me to write.

What started as an intentional practice became a habit. And once it became a habit, it became part of who I was.

And Now, Where Is That Time?

Now I don’t wake up at 5:30 anymore. I have more time and a much more relaxed environment, and yet… that silence, that focus, that tension from the old days is gone.

Maybe that’s why I miss those mornings. The habit of carving out time just for myself, the feeling of quietly opening the door between the world and me.

In Closing

I used to wonder: If I write every morning for ten years, how will I change? What kind of person will I become?

Morning writing was more than a daily start. It was the anchor of my life, the time that helped me stay true to myself.

I still write. Though the time has changed, and my desk is new, my heart still seeks that quiet space, just like before.

When and where do you write?

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