Things didn’t go as planned this morning. The workout was already short: parallette push-ups and heels-elevated squats. I got up at 6 a.m. and thought I was on track.

Then my wife came downstairs with our youngest daughter. Not what I expected. When she asked me to hold the baby, I held a boundary and said I needed to finish my quick session. I got it finished in 13 minutes, then played with my little squish.

Later, in the kitchen, I mentioned my morning hadn’t gone the way I hoped. She said, “Maybe you should plan to be interrupted.” She’s not wrong.

Waking up earlier used to be my solution, but I just wrapped up 18 months of 4:15 a.m. alarms to coach the 5:45 AdultFit class at the Underground Strength Gym. Those early mornings, plus night feedings, drained my health and vitality. Since giving them up, there have been far more impromptu dance parties and giggles with my family. I feel like myself again. So earlier isn’t the answer.

Leaving the house might be. After 20 years of coaching, I’ve seen again and again that carving out true “me time” often requires changing environments, not just intentions.

I’m still figuring it out, just like I hope you are. When life intrudes, how do you hold boundaries for your Me Time?