My Daughter makes me find out an unexpected joy in waking up early

Recently, I’ve started waking up early in the morning, around 6 a.m. It wasn’t a conscious decision to transform my routine from being a night owl to an early bird. The real reason is that my daughter wakes up so early and moves around, making it impossible for me to stay asleep. Consequently, my day now begins at 6 a.m. and stretches all the way to midnight. Even though I feel a bit sleep-deprived and sometimes wake up in a grumpy mood, I’ve come to appreciate the extra time it gives me. My days feel longer and more productive compared to before.

Instead of mindlessly scrolling through social media to unwind after a long day, I’ve started to recognize the refreshing effect of soaking in the morning sunlight. Compared to the often draining energy of the evening, the morning fills me with a sense of renewal, excitement, and energy that lasts throughout the day.

In the morning, I have the time and mental space to take care of tasks that used to get pushed aside. Whether it’s finishing up yesterday’s chores, preparing for daycare, tidying the house, or feeding my kids, I no longer feel rushed. It’s a moment to get ahead, to organize my surroundings, and even indulge in small pleasures like checking the latest news on TV or reading a book that interests me. These small moments of productivity set a positive tone for the day ahead.

I remember watching countless YouTube videos where people talked about how waking up early changed their lives and allowed them to achieve so much more. I used to dismiss these claims, never believing that I could do the same. Waking up early seemed unattainable—something that wasn’t for me. But now that it’s become part of my routine, I see the truth in their words. The benefits of starting my day early have become clear, and I’m committed to sticking with this new routine. I’m excited to see what long-term results will come from this consistent effort.

I recalled an insightful message which I heard on a podcast during my commute today. The speaker emphasized that while there are many things in life we can’t control, the one thing we do have power over is our next action. Instead of overwhelming ourselves with lofty expectations—like resolving to do something every day—it’s more realistic and attainable to focus on today. Take the actions that align with your goals today, without worrying too much about the outcome. It’s the small, daily steps that create progress.

Looking back, I realize that waking up early has not only shifted my daily schedule but has also transformed my mindset. I’m learning to embrace the extra time, and the sense of control it gives me over my day. This new routine has helped me feel more accomplished, well-organized and less rushed. It’s not just about waking up early; it’s about reclaiming time that would otherwise be lost and making it purposeful.

I’ve come to appreciate that the key to change is not about making grand plans or waiting for the perfect moment. It’s about taking small, consistent actions starting with today. Waking up early may have been triggered by my daughter, but it has become a practice I’m grateful for. I look forward to seeing where this new habit takes me, knowing that each morning is a fresh opportunity to shape my day and, ultimately, my life.