Sundays used to be the ‘pre-game’ for Monday’s “back-to-business” grind. I’d spend the day bracing for the week ahead. But lately, I’ve reclaimed the day as a sanctuary and as its own day. It is no longer treated as an extension of the work week. Now, Sundays are the one day when the Architect’s blueprints are set aside, and the Hostess takes over. The focus has shifted to rhythm over results. Now, my Sunday morning routine is for my home sanctuary, not my planner.
the slow wake-up
The vibe for Sundays is all about slowness. Sundays are the only day of the week when I don’t have any ‘agenda’ to follow. They’re also the days when my husband golfs super early, so I have the house to myself. There are no alarms, just waking up when my body needs to. Preferably, well after the Florida sun has risen!
And while the rest of the week, my morning coffee comes from our automatic coffee maker, Sunday is for the French press. When my husband and I went to Kentucky last November, I had French press coffee for the first time, and I became hooked! My husband then bought me a French press, so now that is a part of my Sunday ritual. Then, after coffee and breakfast, Lottie and I set off on a slow walk before it gets too hot. That quiet house and smell of fresh coffee combo is truly unbeatable, am I right?
the ‘better-than-the-bakery’ bake
Every Sunday, we do some sort of “Sunday gravy” type of dinner – lasagna, baked ziti, or spaghetti and meatballs. Always Italian! And to go with that, you have to have a good loaf of nice, crusty bread. Since I’ve officially retired the sourdough starter, I go the “attainable” way of baking. A no-knead, Dutch oven bread (or my husband’s new favorite, focaccia) is the way to go. A lot of times, I’ll also bake something for the week. Sometimes it’s chocolate chip cookies for dessert or blueberry muffins for breakfast. Whatever I’m in the mood for! Baking has always been therapeutic for me, but taking away the ‘must meal-prep’ mentality of Sunday and just baking what I feel like is especially grounding. Plus, it makes the whole house smell like a bakery! And, of course, it is a gift to my future self when I’m craving something sweet!
the great edit
Finally, just like I like to have my “closing shift” at the end of the day (folding blankets, fluffing pillows, etc.) I like to conduct a “light” version of my Spring Edit. Whereas I used to spend my Sundays cleaning excessively and feeling exhausted before the work even started, I now let my Sundays be for enjoyment and rest. Still, I just like to do a quick, 15-minute “refresh clean,” and then one little “extra touch.” Maybe it’s fresh flowers from the grocery store, washing the blankets, or cleaning some clutter off the dining table. I also love to light a candle I don’t use very often to close the day off ahead of the work week. The point is that it shouldn’t feel like I’m cleaning. Really, it’s about curating the space I want to wake up in tomorrow.
the invitation to rest
The world will tell you that Sundays are for ‘getting ahead,’ but I’m learning that the best way to prepare for a big week is to be fully present in a quiet day. Now, my Sunday rituals are no longer about checking boxes; they are about filling my own cup so that when Monday morning rolls around, I’m not starting from empty. That way, I’m stepping into each week with a clean kitchen, a nourished soul, and a heart that’s ready for whatever the ‘Middle’ brings.
I’d love to know – what is one thing you love to do on Sundays to prepare for the week?