The Illusion of Starting: Why We’re Already Accomplishing More Than We Think

I was talking to my friend the other day and told him that I haven't started my day yet. But I've already:

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Brushed my teeth and splashed water on my face (I'm curious about these bamboo toothbrushes. Have you tried them?)
Cooked rice
Prepped breakfast in my stainless steel pan
Had the first batch of laundry going
Got the dry clothes from the clothesline and folded them
Paid some bills

And mentally restructured my week

All within 25 minutes of getting up.

He laughed and was sarcastic about it.

But because I haven’t “officially started” — because I was still in my pajamas and haven't showered and eaten breakfast, I trick myself into thinking I’ve done nothing.

This is the illusion of starting.

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We tend to define “starting” by structure:

A timer, a chair, a checklist, a clear goal.

But the truth is, we’ve often already started the moment we opened our eyes.

Especially if you're a woman — or a mother — or someone who carries invisible weight.

The day begins in motion.

With care.

With presence.

With dozens of tiny acts of love, labor, and intention that rarely get counted.

So, here's what I do

I’ve learned to romanticize even the tiniest of these — Turning my beautiful humidifier on,

applying cuticle oil on my fingers,

slowly applying my favorite lotion.

They matter. They shape the day before the day shapes me. These tiny rituals pull me back and remind me that I've done something for myself. And that is sacred.

My friends often remind me that I do the work of 5 people in one day when I'm spiraling. I'm ADHD. I can't help but spiral from time to time. And I can't help but feel useless when I feel like I haven't ticked the most important parts of my task list. I feel like if I haven't finished writing posts, but have already cooked breakfast and lunch and finished 3 loads of laundry, then I've accomplished nothing.

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So here’s a gentle reminder for you and me:

We're not behind.

We didn’t forget to start.

We already did.

We are in progress.

We are becoming.

And everything we’ve done — even before “starting” — counts.

Sometimes, “starting” is simply recognizing that you’re already deep in the story.

And it’s a beautiful one. ✨

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🕊️ SHOP MY GLOW ESSENTIALS:

🛒 Essential Oil Diffuser

🛒 Burt's Bees Moisturizing Cuticle Cream

🛒 The Body Shop Strawberry Body Butter

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'Til my next post,

Stay soft. Stay strong. Stay Glowing.

LET'S GLOW.

With elegance and quiet fire,

Lady E

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💫 I write, I cook, I create — with love, always.

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