Layers of a Daily Routine

Ding. Ding. Ding. My alarm rings, abruptly bringing me out of a peaceful dream. I fumble for my phone, and press the snooze button. Just a few more minutes… I think to myself, closing my eyes once more.

Ding. Ding. Ding. My eyes snap open for a second time, and I groan inwardly as I force myself up, out of my warm, soft bed and into the frigid air of my room. I walk blearily to my chair and pick up pre-selected clothes, chosen yesterday in case of sleepiness in the morning.

I drag myself, and my clothes, into the small bathroom adjacent to my bedroom. Plopping the clothes on the countertop, I rummage in some drawers for a hairbrush, hairbands and some basic makeup. Once everything has been laid out on the countertop before me, I can begin getting ready for the day. 

I change out of my pajamas and into the outfit I had selected yesterday, a simple t-shirt and jeans. Then, grabbing my hairbrush off of the counter, I start to untangle the mess on my head. Once I have gotten my hair to be smooth enough, I hastily but carefully make two identical braids, reminding myself that I can’t spend more than fifteen minutes getting ready.

As soon as my hair is looking decently presentable, I start on my makeup. I put on a quick layer of foundation, a bit of concealer to hide how tired I am, and, finally, some mascara. Then, I stand back and look at myself in the mirror, trying to see if there are any errors in how I look. Satisfied with what I have done, I turn off the bathroom light and put away my pajamas, make my bed, and check that I have everything in my backpack.

-

Soon enough, after scarfing down a quick breakfast and brushing my teeth, I’m at the front door, putting on my shoes. As I sling my backpack onto one shoulder, I take a quick look around the house, trying to see if I’ve forgotten anything. I’m just about to step out the door when a gust of wind finds its way into the house, and I realize I’ve forgotten my jacket.

I internally kick myself over my stupidity, rush over to the coat closet, and grab my favorite winter puffer jacket. I love how soft it is, and how the fluffy warmth feels like it can protect me from anything. Wind, rain, whatever it may be, the comfortable shell of my jacket can keep it away from me. As I quietly laugh to myself, realizing I unknowingly created a rhyme, I close the door of the coat closet and bring myself to the doorway once more. This time, confident that I have what I need to make it through the day, I walk through the front door, gently shutting it behind me.

-

As I drive to school, following my usual route, I think about my daily routine. Although I do the same basic steps every morning, it’s a bit different each time. Somehow, this brings me a sense of comfort. I like that I have this little bit of my day that I can always rely on. It’s this thought that I keep in my head as I make my way to the school parking lot, stop my car, and get out. Although I’m not aware of it, the whole day the same things that I thought about as I drove to school, simple as they may be, stay in the back of my mind, bringing me a bit of comfort.