The last lazy days of summer

“Good morning,” said the sun with its splash of golden light on the sturdy spine of the oak tree outside my bedroom window. “Time to rise!” I pulled on my favorite wool socks, dragged the crisp summer-white sheets up over the pillows, and tucked the corners of the duvet under the mattress. Straightening the books on the nightstand before reaching the door, I walked out of the bedroom and into the day.

Rituals lead the way to a satisfying life, I thought to myself as I headed downstairs to make a...