Morning air.

There are few things more refreshing than cool morning air when the atmosphere is slowly warmed by the sun rising. Oxygen is somehow crisper and slips into the lungs with ease.

My favorite time to wake up is 7 AM. By this hour, the sun has begun to peak over the home directly across the street. Shadows of the greenery in the front yard are illuminated onto the living room curtains now glowing with warm light. The dance of light and shadow fills me with so much delight and awe. I remember I’m alive in this split moment. I remember the faithfulness of the earth spinning once again, bringing me to a new day to live, and am grateful.

I click on the electric kettle to make coffee before I walk out into the backyard—still covered in cool from the night, the sun still on its way to this side of the house, slow to overcome the height of towering homes. Barefoot I walk through dirt and cold grass.

I inhale.

The morning air envelopes me gently, goosebumps form on my arms and legs. With a mess of frizzy bed curls, I take in the first moments the day has to offer and the air says good morning.

I exhale and say good morning in return.