Creating peace and predictability in the middle of life’s construction zone.

I walked into the kitchen after picking up the kids from school. They threw their backpacks on the floor and headed straight for the snacks in the fridge. Dishes from last night’s dinner were piled in the sink next to rinsed and drying paintbrushes. The trash can was spilling over with Styrofoam takeout containers, wads of paint-covered blue tape, and an assortment of wood scraps and sawdust.

I didn’t have the energy or the will to tell the kids to pick up their backpacks, so I left them where they lay.

I walked past the chaos and entered the living room. It was no better. Drop cloths lined the half-painted walls. Buckets and paint cans were scattered about, next to shoes sloppily kicked off in a corner and a damp towel from last night’s bath, now coated in construction dust. I picked up my pace, trying not to notice anything else. I knew there was more.

Down the hallway, my bedroom door beckoned me. I turned the knob, swished it open, stepped inside, closed it behind me, and took a deep breath.

What did I see? A neatly made bed with colorful pillows arranged just so. The floor free of clutter. Clothes hanging in the closet. Restful pictures on the walls. Soft light filtered through the curtains, illuminating the ever-present dust in the air.

I kicked off my sneakers and stretched out on the fresh linens, my head sinking into the crisp white pillows. A deep sigh escaped as my whole body melted into the mattress. I gazed around at the little paradise I had created—the “vacation room” that whisked me away from the clutter and chaos of a home under renovation.

I knew I couldn’t stay long. Homework still needed to be done, walls still needed painting, dinner needed cooking, laundry needed folding—and on and on.

But for this brief moment, I was surrounded by order and aesthetic calm. Tonight, when I go to bed, I’ll have this same space waiting for me. That gave me something to look forward to. I guarded it with the fierceness of an ancient Amazonian warrior princess. Everyone in the house knew better than to mess with my peace.

When I lived in my house during remodeling, I always tried to keep one room neat and clean. That way, when I felt overwhelmed, I had at least one restful, organized space. Most often, it was my bedroom—so I could start and end my day in visual calm.

I’ve always disliked mornings, so I made the counter intuitive decision to get up earlier instead of sleeping until the last minute and rushing. Wake up slowly, I told myself. See if you can learn to enjoy the time of day you now dislike. Incredibly, it worked. I always say: “I’m not a morning person, but I am an early riser.”

When my life felt out of control—like living in a construction zone—I turned my mornings into a sanctuary of peace, routine, and predictability. Over the years, that routine has evolved, becoming more dialed-in and purposeful. It’s still a work in progress. My current struggle is not staying in that space too long, so I may start experimenting with alarms.

Even so, my mornings have become a deep source of joy and calm—something I guard carefully.

Above is a sampling of my morning routine, if you wish to emulate it. Each week (for now), I’ll share one morning practice. My hope is that it inspires others to carve out peace and routine, even in the midst of life’s chaos.

🌸 BOSS BABE MORNING ROUTINE 🌸

☕ First things first—coffee.
I’m a coffee lover, so I make my steaming hot cup of liquid joy. The rest of my morning revolves around it.

💧 Hydrate.
I keep a bottle of water next to my bed and chug about half of it first thing.

🌿 Spritz my face.
I use a witch hazel cucumber facial spray I found at Marshalls for $4.99 (you could also just use water). It’s so enlivening—I’d suggest not skipping this one. The spray bottle sits right next to my water.

🎶 Soft music.
Suggested song for this week: I’m in the Mood for Love by Julie London.
(I have a whole Spotify playlist just for my slow, peaceful mornings.)

📖 Read something grounding.
I start with a daily text or piece of ancient wisdom.
Today’s: “But after you have suffered a little while, the God of all undeserved kindness will himself finish your training. He will make you firm, he will make you strong.” — 1 Peter 5:10

✨ Set an intention.
I keep a cup full of questions to spark creativity.
Today’s question: What do I need most right now—peace, focus, or connection?

🙏 Three things I’m grateful for.

💬 One daily affirmation.
Today’s: “Life is a game—you can do what you put your mind to. If you are consistent, the game will open new levels for you.” — Kevin Hart
(He’s my favorite—if you haven’t read his book, do it!)

💃 Now, turn up the energy.
Song suggestion: September by Earth, Wind & Fire.

🛏️ Make your bed and start your day.
Go get ’em, Boss Babes!