Let me first say that I’ve always wanted to write a column for a newspaper or magazine, but I didn’t know the day would come so soon. Hi, guys. I’m Brandy, Connect Savannah’s community and event journalist since Nov. 2, 2020.

There have been so many changes in my life over the last year and a half, from graduating Savannah State in December 2019 to writing for another local paper, to joining the Connect Savannah team and being a part of all of the swift developments that have taken place from then to now. There have been many changes, but they make life exciting.

“I always begin my day by expressing gratitude to be awake and alive.” — Brandy Simpkins, Connect Savannah community and event journalist

Despite my anticipation to one day write a column, I didn’t know what I’d write about. So, Noelle — Connect Savannah editor — suggested that I share my morning routine. After all, my morning routine is how I cope with this roller coaster called “life.” It makes each day make sense before it even begins.

So it begins: when I wake up, I say “Thank you.” I always begin my day by expressing gratitude to be awake and alive.

Then, I brush my teeth and wash my face, mindfully. This means as I brush my teeth I think about the power of my mouth and the words that I say. I set the intention to spread positivity with my words. After I wash my face, I look in the mirror and I speak to myself. I tell myself, “You are beautiful,” and, “I love you” and whatever else I may need to hear. After all, self love is the best love.

After leaving the bathroom, I pull out my yoga mat and I take it outside or I lay it out in the living room. Yoga by Adriene on Youtube is my favorite right now.

Depending on the time, I will do yoga for 10 minutes or 45. Yoga helps me to relax, connect and send love to my body.

Lastly, I journal. I write out my dreams or my feelings or my hopes and prayers for the day. This helps me to unpack the thoughts that crowd up in my head. Journaling is my favorite time of the day, so I don’t restrict myself to the mornings only.

The most special part about my morning routine is that it isn’t rigid. Sometimes I do yoga before I brush my teeth and sometimes I journal before I do yoga. The only thing that’s set in stone is that first “Thank you,” because that sets the tone of gratitude for all else.

This article appears in Mar 24-30, 2021.