The Bookends of My Day: Finding Peace on the Porch

We all have those little pockets of time that keep us sane. For me, those moments happen on my porch. It’s more than just a place to sit; it’s where I process my life, transition between roles, and simply breathe.
While the world keeps moving, I’ve found that there are two specific times a day when the porch becomes my sanctuary.

1. The Morning Hush: Planning for the Possible
   The first moment happens right after I walk my daughter to the bus. As the bus pulls away and the street falls silent, the world feels brand new.
   The sun is just starting to peek over the horizon. There’s a cool breeze that keeps you alert, yet everything feels incredibly still. This is my “strategy session” with myself. I sit there with my thoughts, mapping out the day ahead before the emails start flying and the to-do list takes over.

Morning on the Porch

2. The Golden Glow: Reflecting on the Work Done
   My second favorite time is the complete opposite of the first. It’s at the end of the work day, just as the sun begins its descent.
   Unlike the morning, the evening is busy. Cars are humming by, neighbors are out walking their dogs, and the neighborhood is alive with the “after-school/after-work” energy. But even with all that activity, it’s calming. The sun hits my face directly, warming everything up, and I can finally let go of the day’s stress.
   It’s my time to look back. What went well? What can I let go of? It’s the transition from “worker” back to “me.”
   
   Why It Matters
   Whether it’s the quiet dawn or the busy dusk, these are the only two times of the day when I am truly alone with my thoughts. We spend so much of our lives performing for others—at work, for our families, in our communities.
   Having these two “bookends” allows me to check in with myself. One to prepare, one to reflect.
   Do you have a “spot” or a specific time of day that belongs only to you? I’d love to hear about your daily rituals in the comments!