Not All Those Who Wander Are Lost, Especially If They Have a Morning Routine: A Wizard's Take on Modern Motherhood

A Routine is Never Late Nor is it Early; It Arrives Precisely When it Means To

Hmph so the winds of change bring tales from distant lands – Hollywood to be precise. It seems one Lindsay Lohan a star of some repute has discovered the power of… routine! She claims it allows her to juggle the demands of acting and motherhood. A curious claim but perhaps there is more to it than meets the eye. 'I love having a routine and I like schedules,' she says. Even a wizard can appreciate such dedication. For even in the darkest dungeons of Mordor one must have a schedule for brewing potions and battling Orcs. Though I daresay hers is less… perilous.

From Dubai to Hollywood: A Wizard's Travel Guide (Not Really)

Dubai you say? A faraway land filled with glittering towers and it seems a new beginning for our Ms. Lohan. A husband a son named Luai and a renewed career. Truly life is like a box of chocolates – er wait wrong tale. Life is a winding road and even the most seasoned traveler can benefit from a well trodden path. She speaks of the difficulty of maintaining this routine in Los Angeles a place that I imagine is as chaotic as a Hobbit's second breakfast. 'It's all about balance and as I said routine. Especially when you have a kid routine is the most important thing.' Wise words indeed. Even the smallest person can change the course of the future – or at least keep their socks from going astray.

Jamie Lee Curtis: A Work Mother's Wisdom (Even Wizards Need Mentors)

Ah Jamie Lee Curtis! A name that rings with the sound of… well I haven't the faintest idea as I'm a wizard and not a film critic. But it seems she imparted some sage advice: 'to always take care of yourself first. Because without that how can you do everything for everyone else?' A sentiment echoed by experts no less. Indeed even Gandalf needs his pipe weed and quiet contemplation before facing down a Balrog. One cannot pour from an empty flask as they say in the Shire.

Mindfulness and Middle earth: Unexpected Parallels

This 'mindfulness' they speak of sounds suspiciously like elvish meditation. Starting the day with such practices rather than succumbing to the siren call of 'emails' (a most peculiar form of elvish scroll I presume) can boost happiness. I daresay a hobbit who begins his day by tending his garden and enjoying a good pipe has a far cheerier disposition than one who immediately frets about the price of pipe weed at the market. Journaling too is touted as a boon. A mere 15 minutes a day and one can clarify thoughts and feelings! If only Frodo had kept a journal during his quest to Mount Doom perhaps he wouldn't have been so tempted by that wretched ring.

Playtime for Grown Ups? Preposterous! (But Also Perhaps Necessary)

And now they speak of 'fun.' Psychologist Laura Pendergrass bless her cotton socks insists that 'self care in the form of fun is just as important as anything else we do to take care of ourselves.' We must create our own enrichment opportunities to do something fun or creative and inject color into what could otherwise be a gray day. Recess for adults! The very idea! Still I will admit there are times when even a wizard needs a good game of riddles with Bilbo or a bit of stargazing in the tower. "Deeds will not be less valiant because they are unpraised," as some wise man once said.

A Final Word From Your Friendly Neighborhood Wizard

So take heed dear readers. Whether you are battling Orcs or navigating the treacherous waters of parenthood and Hollywood a routine can be a powerful weapon. Embrace the simple pleasures find time for self care and remember – 'All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.' Now if you'll excuse me I believe I hear the kettle whistling. Time for tea and perhaps a bit of stargazing.