Big changes are happening in my household, and honestly? I’m excited. Starr is officially driving herself to school, which has completely shifted my mornings. For years, I’ve been up at 6 AM, juggling getting both kids ready, fed, and out the door. Royal, my toddler, used to come to work with me every day. Between packing lunches, managing drop-offs, and trying to start my workday, my mornings used to feel like a marathon before 9 AM.
Now, things are looking different. With Starr driving herself, I have more breathing room in my mornings, and I’m embracing it. My husband will be taking Royal to daycare, so I’ll only need to get her ready by 6:45 AM. Here’s what my new routine looks like:
- Wake up at 6:30 AM—30 minutes later than before. That extra sleep already feels like a gift.
- Spend 15 minutes tidying up the house from the night before. I’ve found that starting my day with a clean space helps me feel more centered.
- Get Royal dressed and ready for daycare by 6:45 AM. Honestly, this part isn’t a burden for me. I love being a mom, and these moments keep me grounded.
- My husband takes Royal to daycare by 7 AM. From there, I’ve got some extra time to focus on me before I leave for work at 7:30-7:45 AM. I’m planning to use that time for light makeup, doing my hair, and just feeling a bit more put together—something I haven’t prioritized in years.
This change has been a long time coming, and while it’s bittersweet—I’ve had to let go of helping my brother’s baby mama by taking her teenager to school—I’m learning to embrace this new season. It’s okay to make decisions that prioritize your well-being, even if they feel selfish at first. My husband and close friends reminded me that it’s not selfish to reclaim your mornings. It’s necessary.
Parenting, homemaking, running a business, and being a consultant are roles that give my life meaning. These changes don’t take away from that. If anything, they’re helping me show up better for all the roles I play. Here’s to welcoming the change and making mornings feel a little more like me time.