It’s her season—Halloween! Inky, the cat who was part of our family for nearly seventeen years, would be in her glory. What a great time to share a story from her youth that may inspire you as it continues to inspire me.

Solid black with a touch of white on her chest, Inky had an odd morning routine that fascinated me. Daily, she would perch on top of a fish bowl that we’d covered and taped to ward off her wandering paws. Once she’d steadied herself, she would slowly bend over the side of the container to look at the fish—upside down. She would stare intently, focus, and then jab at the shadow of the fish.

The fish would dart. Inky would jab. Inky would pause, refocus, and then lunge again. The boxing match would continue until she scampered off to play with her favorite straw or a bottle cap—or her tail.

Every day, Inky would try to catch that fish; and every day, she would fail. I could interpret this activity as one that shows a lack of intellect, since she didn’t seem to learn that she could not get the fish.

But I’m choosing to see it as her preparatory ritual, a morning routine that equipped her for the day.

I’m like Inky. I like routines. Why?

Routines keep me going, prompting me to keep moving even when I’d rather not. – BeckyGalli.com

My favorites are my morning coffee, my daily readings and journaling, and chatting with my sister.

Through the years, I’ve had several batches of out-of-town friends visit for a few days. In preparing for their stays, I would ask a simple, but apparently, tough question about their morning routine:

“What do you eat for breakfast?”

You wouldn’t believe the answers I received.

“Oh, I’ll eat anything.”

“I’m flexible.”

“I don’t eat until I’m hungry.”

“Don’t worry about me.”

“Please don’t go to any trouble.”

None of those answers helped me with my grocery shopping list.

“C’mon,” I begged. “You have to begin your day some way, right?” And I got specific and offered multiple choice answers.

I. Learned. So. Much.

Some don’t drink coffee. A few drink only orange juice. And when pressed, one admitted she preferred non-dairy creamer, French Vanilla. One liked eggs—prepared anyway BUT boiled (my go-to breakfast and snack) and one, believe it or not, didn’t like bacon. All liked fruit, yogurt, and would indulge in a carb occasionally if there were English muffins or bagels around as long as I had cream cheese (whipped) and jelly (grape) on hand.

Finally, answers that helped! In fact:

Most of us have routines, whether we realize it or not. We choose how to begin our day. – Becky Galli, Morning Fuel: October 31*

I still smile when I think of Inky’s daily ritual. Regardless of the previous day’s setbacks or failures, she let her perching-pondering routine prepare her to meet her day with enthusiasm.

And on we go. . .

How about you? What routine equips you to begin your day with enthusiasm? If Morning Fuel is joining you, send a photo my way—I’d love to feature it in the coming weeks.

(*Morning Fuel: October 31 is based on this story.)

P.S. SAVE THE DATE: Book Signing on Saturday, November 8, 2025 12 – 2pm Sip and Shop hosted by Simply Beautiful, proceeds benefiting Pathfinders for Autism.	P.P.S. If you haven’t listened to a podcast, I would recommend this one, Redefining Resilience: A Mother’s Journey Through Loss, Love, and Injury. Lianne offered such insightful and challenging questions! Had to dig deep for these responses.