Life likes to toss us hard balls, doesn't it? Eight years back, I could not see my life as it is today. I made a big sacrifice back then, putting my dreams on hold to care for my two great boys. Don't get me wrong, they mean all to me.
Their laughs, their fun, and how they pick me up when I'm down, they are my top joy. But I did not think that being a mom would mean I had to stop doing what I had always dreamed of. That's just how life goes, right? We can't always see what's next.
Of late, I've thought a lot about what I need to drop to move on. One thing keeps showing up: my late nights on my phone. It seems small, maybe even dumb, but it takes so much of my time and strength. I always think, "Just a quick look, then I'll sleep."
But soon, minutes turn into hours, and I go to bed way too late. The next day, I'm tired and mad, and sometimes I snap at the kids I teach, which isn't fair to them or to me.
This habit came on slow. After a long, hard day at work, I just want to relax, you know? Scrolling feels like an easy break, a way to laugh, zone out, and forget the mess for a while. It's like a treat at day's end.
But the truth is, it's a trap. Those late nights make me too tired to get up early, too worn to be sharp, and too mixed up to work toward my goals. I've dreamed of starting my own thing, but between teaching, my boys, and lost hours on my phone, I haven’t had the time or power to make it real.
Dropping this habit feels like a big give because it’s so nice. It’s my go-to when I’m stressed or bored, and it’s easy to get into. But I can’t stop thinking about how great it would be to wake up fresh, with a clear mind and full of energy to take on the day.
Giving up late-night scrolls means picking self-rule over that comfy, mindless fun. It means making a bedtime and really keeping to it, which is hard! But it’s not just about more sleep; it’s about taking back my time. It’s about making room to chase my dreams, to learn what I need, and to build something I can be proud of.
This giving isn’t just about dropping a bad habit; it’s about making space for something so much better. I want to feel sharp, full of life, and in control of my days. I want to look back and know I fought for my dreams, not just for me but for my boys too.
I know it won’t be easy breaking habits like this, it never is, but I’m ready to try. The life I want, the one where I’m making my thing and showing my kids what’s possible, is worth way more than another late-night look.
All images are mine