Sometimes we, as women, look at other women — our friends, coworkers or those we admire — and wonder how they always seem so serene, so organized and so on point, all at the same time?
The answer, of course, is that they aren’t necessarily all that organized, serene or on point — we just think they are.
We gathered a cross section of successful Memphis-area women and asked them to share their morning routines, and we are thrilled to report that each one has a routine that works magic — for her. We hope you’ll find their morning routines and tips inspiring, will make you laugh and make you realize your own morning agenda might just be working its magic for you.
The Morning Routines of 4 Successful Memphis Women
The Rev. Dorothy Sanders Wells
Occupation: Episcopal Priest; Rector, St. George’s Church, Germantown
The Rev. Dorothy Sanders Wells was a practicing attorney in Memphis for 18 years before she switched gears and pursued a Masters of Divinity degree from Memphis Theological Seminary. She serves on the boards of Metropolitan Inter-Faith Association (MIFA) and Church Health Center.
Do you do anything the night before to prepare for your day?
I double-check my calendar for pastoral visits and meetings for the next day.
Do you have a mantra, moment of prayer or visualization ritual to prepare for your day?
Morning prayer and meditation are the start of each day.
How do you choose your outfit?
Most days, it’s a clerical collar!
Alarm goes off at:
6:30 a.m., during the week; 5:30 a.m., on Sunday.
What do you do for breakfast?
Either two hard-boiled eggs, fruit or a protein shake.
What’s your first order of business?
Checking to see if I have any early morning text messages from parishioners.
My morning doesn’t feel complete unless ___________.
I’ve had morning prayer and breakfast.
Is there a key piece of advice or a must-have App that is essential to your morning routine?
Double- and triple-check that calendar!
Jennifer Chandler
Occupation: Food Writer & Consultant
Jennifer Chandler is the author of The Southern Pantry Cookbook, Simply Salads, Simply Grilling and Simply Suppers. When she’s not whipping up delicious recipes, she’s consulting with local restaurants about their menus. Image: Justin Fox Burks
Do you do anything the night before to prepare for your day?
Every evening before I go to bed, I write my to-do list for the next day. It seems like every day gets busy, and if I don’t write everything down (especially not-so-fun household things like going to the bank or post office), they get forgotten! I found these cute little one-month calendars that are so small they fit perfectly in the pocket of my purse … so I always have the list with me when I am out and about. I love being able to cross through items on the list as they are done!
Do you have a mantra, moment of prayer or visualization ritual to prepare for your day?
When I wake up, I say a quick prayer to ask God to be with me and my family during the day. I think it’s important to take a moment to think of something positive and that gives you strength as you begin your day.
How do you choose your outfit?
Oh you mean my uniform?! I joke about that … but most days I am in my “uniform” of jeans or yoga pants! The benefit of being a writer and on the radio … no one cares how you are dressed!
Alarm goes off at:
6:45 a.m.
What do you do for breakfast?
I do eat breakfast everyday! I wake up hungry! I did The Whole 30 diet this past fall and have gotten in the habit of scrambled eggs and fresh fruit for breakfast every morning. It gives me the healthy protein I need to start the day. And … if I am lucky, my sweet hubby will make me an omelet!
What’s your first order of business?
Checking emails and then reviewing my to-do list … then off to the gym. If I don’t exercise in the morning, then it doesn’t happen. And a trip to the gym is a must for my profession or I wouldn’t be able to fit into anything!
My morning doesn’t feel complete unless ___________.
I try to do some type of exercise every morning. Ideally it’s an hour at the gym or yoga, but often if I have early morning commitments, it’s a 30-minute brisk walk around the neighborhood with my dog.
Is there a key piece of advice or a must-have App that is essential to your morning routine?
In Amy Howard’s book A Maker’s Guide, she suggests writing out your schedule to the minute … that means scheduling gym time, cooking dinner, posting on social media … all those little things that take up chunks of time but you normally wouldn’t think to schedule. It has helped me be better organized with my time, which can be hard since I work on multiple projects at once while also trying to manage the hectic schedules of my family. I’d feel lost in the morning without that handwritten schedule and to-do list!
Dr. Carrie Steakley
Occupation: Upper School Head, St. Mary’s Episcopal School
Dr. Carrie Steakley taught science and served as Director of Studies before becoming Upper School Head at St. Mary’s. She also worked with the Online School for Girls as an instructor and trustee, and is an adjunct professor of science teaching methods at Christian Brothers University.
Do you do anything the night before to prepare for your day?
The night before, I always prepare the coffee to come on before I get up. Also on days when I know I’ll have time for yoga, I pack my gym bag. However, I must add that I try to use the weekend to prepare for the week. Ideally, I start the week with a full tank of gas, all of the laundry done and the grocery shopping for the week complete. If my car and house are clean, that is a bonus!
Do you have a mantra, moment of prayer or visualization ritual to prepare for your day?
This is the most important part of my daily preparation, and I never skip it. Each morning, I give myself about 45 minutes of quite time for mindfulness and prayer. It may seem counter-intuitive to give up almost an extra hour of sleep, but I truly believe this practice is essential to the success of my day. I also deliberately choose not to check email until after my quiet time. I want to control the way in which my day gets started as opposed to allowing an email to get me off track.
How do you choose your outfit?
I try to dress for the entire day, so I look at my calendar to see what is in store. Oftentimes, my day is a mix of meetings with students, parents, teachers or other administrators followed by an after-school activity such as an athletic, theater or musical event.
Alarm goes off at:
My alarm goes off at 4:30 a.m., and my morning routine looks like this:
- 4:30 a.m. – 4:45 a.m. — Shower
- 4:45 a.m. – 5:30 a.m. — Coffee and quiet time
- 5:30 a.m. – 6:15 a.m. — Get ready for work
- 6:15 a.m. – 7:15 a.m. — One-hour commute to school. I actually do my best, most creative thinking in the morning, so the commute gives me time to plan and problem solve. Most people say, “I am so sorry” when they hear about the length of my commute, but frankly, I enjoy the time in the morning to process the events of my day with a clear head.
What do you do for breakfast?
I eat breakfast on the way to school. It is typically toast or a bagel with almond butter and coffee.
What’s your first order of business?
I try to hold firm to no meetings before 8 a.m. I think it is important for me to walk around the school and say, “Good morning” to the girls and teachers. I want the girls to start the day with a smile and well wishes, no matter what else is on my calendar for the day.
My morning doesn’t feel complete unless ___________.
I have coffee! I actually look forward to getting up to a good cup of coffee.
Is there a key piece of advice or a must-have App that is essential to your morning routine?
I strongly believe that time in the morning is important. I do not like to be rushed or to arrive late, so I get up much earlier than necessary so that I can take my time and enjoy the morning routine. Frenzy leads to frustration. If I am short on time, I am less patient with those who interact with me in the mornings (my child, my spouse, other drivers during the commute, etc.), and then I arrive at work already flustered and in a bad mood. Time allows me to purposefully choose not to start my day that way.
Sheril Greenstein
Occupation: Owner of Shindigs by Sheril, a wedding and special events company
Sheril Greenstein is one of the city’s go-to events planners and owner of Shindigs by Sheril. She’s busy planning a very personal event right now — daughter Cara Greenstein, lifestyle blogger and a contributor to StyleBlueprint, is getting married in 2017.
Do you do anything the night before to prepare for your day?
I always place appropriate client files next to my purse and keys to prepare for next-day meetings. Then, I check my daily to-do lists and iPhone calendar! Once in bed, I like to scan through social media on my phone. I follow wedding planners from all over the country on Instagram and love seeing their event recaps, especially the California wine country weddings! My mind rarely stops, honestly, so I sleep little and prepare much.
Do you have a mantra, moment of prayer or visualization ritual to prepare for your day?
I honestly need to start that — great idea! Being married to the Rabbi, you’d think I would. I seem to go, go, go, however, I do always stop to realize how blessed I am. I love my life. I love my family. And I love my job!
How do you choose your outfit?
My uniform is Lululemon when running errands and setting up events; I stick to all-black attire for my events.
Alarm goes off at:
I am a human alarm clock! None needed, but I actually get out of bed when my youngest, Julia, comes down in the morning around 6:30 a.m.
What do you do for breakfast?
I wish I drank coffee, but I don’t like the taste. I am jealous of those who can get that burst of energy from coffee when they need it. I start my day with either a protein shake or hard-boiled egg whites.
First order of business:
I make my daughter breakfast and pack her lunch, which I’ll greatly miss when she goes off to college next fall. I often walk four miles with a friend, and come back home to answer emails with the “Today” show as my backdrop.
My morning doesn’t feel complete unless ___________.
I always get an early morning 6 a.m. text from my oldest daughter, Cara, with a quick text conversation to follow. I am so lucky that she chose to move back to Memphis and settle here!
Is there a key piece of advice or a must-have App that is essential to your morning routine?
I always wake up in a good mood ready to conquer the day! Don’t be lazy — there is so much out there waiting to be accomplished.
Thank you to Dorothy, Jennifer, Carrie and Sheril for sharing their morning routines with us! We hope you feel as inspired as we do!
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