She Strengthens

Embracing the Dawn: A Night Owl’s Quest for Morning Glory

For as long as I can remember, my creative spark has ignited in the still of the night. As a self-proclaimed night owl, I’ve always felt most alive when the world is asleep, and I’m free to pursue my passions without judgment. But with this nocturnal nature comes a price: a perpetual struggle to rise with the sun.

The Stigma of Sleeping In

As I navigated the world of 9-to-5 jobs, I encountered a chorus of disapproving glances from my morning-oriented peers. They’d remark on my late risings, offering breakfast with a side of condescension. I felt pressured to conform, to trade my nighttime revelry for a dawn-till-dusk existence. The world, it seemed, was designed for the early risers, leaving night owls like me in the shadows.

The Privilege of Morning People

Let’s face it: morning people have an inherent advantage. They’re perceived as more productive, more put-together, and more accomplished. Their early starts are seen as a badge of honor, while our late nights are viewed as a sign of laziness. But I knew that wasn’t the whole story. I wanted to prove to myself that I could be a morning person, too.

The Elusive Dream of Waking Up Early

For years, I tried everything to adjust my sleep schedule: melatonin, Ambien, exercise, and blackout curtains. But nothing seemed to stick. I’d make progress for a day or two, only to fall back into my old rhythms. It was as if becoming a morning person was an insurmountable feat.

A New Leaf: Harnessing Jet Lag

That was until I returned from France, determined to capitalize on my jet lag. I established a strict bedtime routine, lights out by 11 PM, and allowed myself a single snooze button. And then, something remarkable happened. I started waking up naturally, without the need for an alarm clock. The secret, I discovered, lay in being as diligent about my sleep as I was about my work.

Riding the Wave of Routine

It’s been a week, and I’m not declaring victory just yet. But I’m committed to maintaining this new rhythm, even on weekends. I know that one slip-up could send me tumbling back into my old habits. For now, I’ll continue to ride this wave of routine, determined to master my body and my habits.

The Power of Progress

While I still believe that morning people have an unfair advantage, I’ve come to realize that it’s not about being better or more productive. It’s about making progress, about taking control of my life. And as I savor my morning coffee by the window, I know that this newfound discipline will seep into other areas of my life, from personal finances to health. The morning may not be my natural habitat, but it’s become a lovely place to visit.