About a month ago, we hired a sleep expert to get Harrison’s sleep under control. There’s been some bumps in the road with him testing boundaries on occasion, but on the whole, it’s been a game changer. (Perhaps more on this, and a review of the company and consultant we used later.)

This means we’re all sleeping better, and I have been able to get back into a routine of waking up early and having some time to myself before the rest of the house wakes: Light yoga, journaling, getting my day in order, etc. It’s done so much for my mood and outlook.

A letter I would write to my younger self, or anyone who doesn’t have children or someone else to be a caregiver for: Make time first thing in the morning for yourself. Wake up just 10 minutes early. Stretch. Write. Take care of yourself before the world piles on the rest of the day. Make it a regular part of your life.

Your future self will thank you.