Summary

Michele Maize discusses her love for early mornings, her strict sleep schedule, and her newfound passion for photography, which has become a creative outlet and a means to maintain her sobriety and mental well-being.

Abstract

Michele Maize identifies herself as a "reverse vampire," preferring the daylight and adhering to a strict sleep schedule that allows her to wake up between 5-6 am. She shares her experiences with early bedtimes and the teasing she endures from friends and family, emphasizing the importance of sleep for her well-being. Maize has recently taken up photography, a hobby she has always enjoyed but now approaches with more intention and skill, learning techniques and using tools like Lightroom to enhance her photos. This new pursuit has temporarily shifted her focus away from writing but has sparked joy and interest, contributing to her personal growth and sobriety. She finds a deep connection with early birds and nature, which aligns with her lifestyle and supports her mental health. Maize reflects on the necessity of continuous learning and self-improvement to combat feelings of low self-worth and anxiety, and she emphasizes the serenity and purpose she finds in her early morning routines and photography.

Opinions

Maize values her sleep highly and believes it is crucial for her functionality and mood.
She enjoys the time change as it aligns with her preference for early nights and mornings.
Maize has a newfound appreciation for the art of photography, which has become a significant part of her life.
She acknowledges that her early rising habits are beneficial for her birding hobby.
Maize believes that learning new skills, such as photography, is essential for personal growth and aids in maintaining her sobriety.
She feels a strong connection to nature and the tranquility of early mornings, which she captures through her photography.
Maize views her early morning experiences as a way to find peace and solace, which are key to her sobriety and sense of purpose.

Finding Fun and Beauty in the Daylight

The early bird gets the worm or the photo

An amazing sunrise that I got to witness and photograph — Photo Credit: Michele Maize

I am a reverse vampire. I thrive during the day and hide out at night.

My friends and family have made fun of me for years, in a loving way (I think), about how early I go to bed and wake up. It’s no shocker that sometimes I dip out of things without explanation.

They all know why.

I have been obsessed with my sleep schedule for many years. The thing is, I wake up around 5–6 am regardless of when I go to bed.

So, it seems obvious that going to bed between 8–9 pm is a good idea for someone like me. I do not operate well on lack of sleep.

I am miserable and worthless without sleep. I am sure many can agree. Although some can thrive on little sleep, I am not one of those people.

I have always been an early riser and have always loved to go to bed early. I think this is why I love the time change even though many people hate it.

If it gets dark at 5 pm, it is more acceptable for me to be in bed at 7:30 pm.

Looking for breakfast — Photo Credit: Michele Maize

I haven’t been writing and reading as much this month. I picked up a “newish” hobby. Although I have loved taking pictures for as long as I can remember, I have always just snapped the photo.

Not much thought went into it, I just loved snapping away and looking at the photos on my phone or computer afterward. I used to print a lot of pictures and make books and always think I need to get back into that.

Taking a break — Photo Credit: Michele Maize

Then, I started writing on Medium and following a lot of photographers here. So, for the past few months, I have been watching videos and reading about photography while taking my camera out into nature to practice.

I’ve been learning Lightroom and techniques to make my photos better. It’s been a fun journey but definitely something that is taking me away from writing at the moment. But, now the pull to write and share has come back and I think I needed a little hobby deviation to help with that.

Watching and waiting — Photo Credit: Michele Maize

Yesterday, I woke way before my alarm and I knew that was a sign to get out there to catch those early birds.

Those early birds that are like me. I feel a connection to them. They get their best food at 6 am, just like when I get my best sleep at my hours.

I think I got some side-eye for this one — Photo Credit: Michele Maize

I didn’t make much money writing this month but I fed my creativity in other ways. Something that sparked new joy within me and continues to raise interest in my mind to learn.

When I stay stagnant and am not growing or learning, I get anxious and the feelings of low self-worth come creeping in.

While I may not ever make money from photography, just learning a new skill is going to aid in other areas of my life.

I need to grow as an individual to feel purpose. Feeling purpose is key to my sobriety. When I start to feel low about myself, I am in a danger zøne and I don’t want to be in that space.

So, I go to bed and rise early like my body and mind want me to.

I went out to find peace and solace with the birds and the sunrise.

I went out to take pictures of the sunset and saw all the beauty that Mother Nature has to offer.

But, I wasn’t home late, so my nightly routine wasn’t disturbed and my sleep was amazing. I spent many years not sleeping great due to my alcohol and drug use and now I take my sleep very seriously.

A stunning sunset — Photo Credit: Michele Maize

While my situation might sound bizarre and odd to others who like to stay up late, it works for me and also is great for my new birding hobby.

I can take the jabs from my friends and family. I know it’s all in fun.

I love early, quiet mornings with my coffee and the sounds of the birds chirping outside. Now, I can make it a habit to go meet them outside and observe.

The early bird gets the worm… or the photo.