Recently, during a trip to my parents’ house, I stumbled into a slower morning rhythm that felt like a deep exhale. I was jet-lagged, off work, and free to move at my own pace. What emerged was a morning routine that felt restorative and grounding.

Being a single mother means running an entire household solo. On one hand, it can be more efficient because there’s no one to confer with on decisions.

I used to think that I would be an Asian Tiger Mom. But then I had kids and realized that neither of them needed that from me, so this imagined identity never materialized.