It’s 11:30 PM, and my phone buzzes with a message from a friend who just can’t understand why I’m still awake. For many, especially those with young children, the concept of being up past 10 at night is baffling. But honestly, what’s so odd about staying up late? The same way early risers enjoy their mornings, I thrive when the world is quiet and still.
From a young age, I embraced my identity as a night owl. Weekends were my favorite not just because they meant no school, but because I had the freedom to stay up as late as I wanted. Many nights, I would outlast my parents, engrossed in late-night TV or books. Now, those hours after everyone else has turned in are my precious time to unwind and reflect.
Early mornings, on the other hand? They are just plain dreadful. I’ve structured my life as a freelancer, allowing me to wake up after 9 AM—if I choose to wake up at all. When people ask me how I manage being a single mom while juggling my work, I share my secret: the late-night hours are when I am most productive.
“But your child wakes up early, right?” they often ask. Nope! My little one, whom I’ve affectionately named Leo, is even more of a night owl than I am. It took some time to adjust his bedtime from the wee hours to something more manageable, but he’s never been one to rise with the sun. On the rare occasions he does wake up early, we both end up napping later.
Now that Leo is a bit older, I can give him a snack and let him entertain himself with the TV or tablet while I catch a few more Zs. He’s learned to play quietly, and when I finally wake up, he proudly tells me, “I played quiet for you, Mommy!” His version of “early” is still considered late by most standards; he rarely stirs before 8 AM.
Nighttime is when I feel most alive. There’s something magical about the stillness at night, a time for me to reflect and focus. Daytime often feels chaotic—my mind races with errands and tasks. But once the night settles in, I can push all of that aside and truly concentrate. If I tried to organize my thoughts in the morning, I’d still be dwelling on everything I didn’t finish the night before.
I do sometimes envy those early risers—their ability to seize the day as the sun rises. I remember a moment with my nephew when he insisted, “The sun is awake, so you have to be awake too.” His logic is unassailable, yet I’d rather see the sunrise from the comfort of my night owl perch.
Many people wonder how I balance work and parenting so effectively. The answer lies in those tranquil hours when the world is asleep. I often find myself sending emails at midnight because that’s when I feel most inspired and clear-headed. While others are winding down, I’m ramping up, tackling tasks that would seem daunting during the day.
So, no, I’m not lazy or some sort of superwoman. I simply choose to do my best work when others are dreaming. Yes, this might mean I sleep in a bit longer, but I’m not swamped with unfinished to-do lists. Just like those looking into home insemination, who find their own unique paths, I’ve carved out a space for myself in the quiet hours of the night.
In conclusion, whether you’re an early bird or a night owl, it’s essential to embrace your natural rhythm. Everyone has their own preferred time to shine, and that’s perfectly fine.
For more insights on home insemination, check out this excellent resource on artificial insemination and for more practical advice regarding parenting, visit Make A Mom.
Keyphrase: Night Owls Productivity
Tags: [“home insemination kit” “home insemination syringe” “self insemination”]