Chapter 1: Asha Johnson
Monday Morning…
Monday starts at five. Not five-thirty. Not “a few more minutes.” Five.
Asha’s already up before the alarm finishes doing what it does. Sitting on the edge of the bed for a second, letting her body catch up to the day she already knows is coming. Three kids. One schedule. No room for falling behind.
“Alright, let’s go,” she calls out, voice firm but not loud. She does not need to yell. They know.
Kitchen light on. Coffee going. Something quick for breakfast. One eye on the clock, one eye on everything else.
“Shoes. Where your shoes at?”
“No, not those. The other ones.”
“Grab your bag. We not doing this this morning.”
She moves fast, but there is care in it. Always is.
By six, they are out the door. Next stop, her mom’s house. “Grammy gonna get y’all to school. I got my route.”
Kisses quick, but real. “Love you.” “Love you too.”
And just like that, she is back in the car. Already thinking three steps ahead.
By the time the bus engine turns over, Asha is in work mode. Same route. Same streets. Same kids climbing on, half asleep, backpacks too big, voices too loud for that early.
“Good morning, y’all. Sit down now.”
She checks her mirrors like second nature. Watches everything at once. Kids. Traffic. Time.
Somewhere between the second stop and the third, she shifts in her seat. “Man… my back.”
She rolls her shoulders a little, adjusts how she is sitting. Too much time in this bus. That is all it is.
At a red light, her right foot presses the brake. Then eases off. Then presses again.
It feels… off. Like it fell asleep and did not fully wake back up.
She flexes it once, subtle. Keeps her eyes forward.
“Probably just this pedal. And these drivers…” she mutters under her breath as someone cuts too close in front of the bus.
Everything has a reason.
By mid-route, she is already running through the rest of her day. Gotta get her mom to that doctor’s appointment after this. Do not forget.
And her son… he needs cleats. Football season coming up.
“Not them expensive ones either,” she says out loud to herself, shaking her head a little. “We gonna find something that works.”
She pulls up to the last stop. Kids off. Bus quiet again.
For a second, just a second, she sits there. Hands still on the wheel.
Her mind drifts. Not far. Just enough.
Her father.
She exhales, like she caught herself thinking too long. “Alright,” she says softly, turning the key.
Back to the day.
Because whatever that was… it can wait.
Starting a day as demanding as Asha’s requires not only discipline but also a clear mind and thoughtful planning. From personal experience, I’ve noticed that establishing a consistent morning routine, similar to Asha’s five o’clock start, can significantly increase productivity and reduce stress. It’s essential to prioritize tasks but also to embrace the little moments — like the quick but genuine 'love you' exchanges — as they fuel motivation throughout the day. Additionally, the physical toll of long hours in a seated position, especially performing demanding tasks like driving, can cause discomfort similar to Asha’s back pain and numb foot sensation. Incorporating small stretches and posture adjustments during brief pauses can alleviate tension. This subtle self-care helps maintain energy and focus. Her mental multitasking—juggling the bus route logistics, family responsibilities, and running errands—mirrors the challenge many face in balancing professional and personal lives. I’ve found that writing down reminders, like Asha remembering her mom’s doctor appointment and her son's football cleats, prevents important tasks from slipping through the cracks. Using technology for scheduling or simple lists can be invaluable. Finally, Asha’s moment of reflection about her father highlights an important aspect of caregiving and emotional load that many people silently carry. Making time, even for a brief pause to acknowledge such feelings, can be therapeutic and help maintain emotional well-being amidst a hectic schedule. In sum, Asha Johnson’s story is a relatable and inspiring depiction of resilience through organization, care for family, and attention to self — elements that contribute profoundly to managing a busy life successfully.
