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Embracing the night: My early years as a night owl
For a significant portion of my life, I was the quintessential night owl. This wasn’t just a phase; it was a lifestyle shaped by years of insomnia that began in my childhood and a career in journalism that had me working late shifts. For over a decade, I only caught glimpses of sunrise when I pulled an all-nighter. My days began while most people were wrapping up their nights, which often led to some unique parenting challenges.
A parenting challenge in the early morning hours
One of my most unforgettable parenting experiences happened during those chaotic early days with twins. As any parent of newborns knows, sleep is a luxury we rarely indulge in. My partner and I were both exhausted, and one night, she offered me a sizable incentive to take over the 2 a.m. feedings. With bottles ready, I was prepared for the sleepy but necessary task of feeding our twins, Ben and Emma.
As I settled into a recliner with the twins nestled in my arms, I had the brilliant idea to hold them both instead of sticking to our usual feeding routine. This decision, however, came with a twist. Just as I began to feed them, sleep crept in—just for a moment, or so I thought. I woke up to the sound of one twin crying, and to my horror, I realized I had succumbed to sleep, leaving my arms in a perilous position. My body was awake, but my arms had not received the memo. The chaos that ensued was both comical and deeply embarrassing as I fumbled to get both twins safely onto the floor.
A shift in my body clock: Learning to appreciate the dawn
As the years went by, my internal clock began to shift. I found myself waking earlier, often by 7:30 or 8 a.m., which opened up a whole new world of possibilities. No longer just a spectator of the night, I became a witness to the breathtaking beauty of sunrises. This newfound appreciation for early mornings has transformed my perspective on life. I’ve also taken up photography, capturing stunning moments like the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool bathed in the soft hues of dawn.
Celebrating milestones at sunrise
This past weekend, I had the joy of watching my partner, Jill, excel in a local 5K race. The event took place early in the day, and as I cheered her on, I realized how much I had come to love mornings. It wasn’t just about waking up; it was about embracing the new opportunities each day brings. I took photos of the sunrise in Old Town Alexandria, which served as a beautiful backdrop for Jill’s victory in her age category.
Inviting you to celebrate with me
As I reflect on this journey, I’m excited to share that I will be launching my photo book, *Keep Your Distance: Walking Through the First Year of COVID*. This event will take place on May 29 in the Greater Washington, D.C. area, featuring an engaging social hour, an interview/Q&A session, and a book signing. I invite you to join me for this celebration of resilience and creativity, and to enjoy the stunning visuals that accompany my journey.
Thoughts on sleep and creativity
Interestingly, my recent obsession with sleep has prompted me to think more deeply about my relationship with it. As I age, I find that my dreams have shifted. They now resemble a post-Accelerate R.E.M. phase—occasional bursts of inspiration followed by restless nights punctuated by trips to the bathroom. I often reminisce about the days when sleep was refreshing and my brain brimmed with ideas. I yearn for those moments of creativity that filled my early years, and sometimes wish I could reconnect with that energy.
If you’re interested in my journey and would like to share your thoughts, leave a comment or join the conversation. Thank you for reading about my reality show!