Overcoming Fears and Embracing Motherhood: Patina Miller’s Journey
Patina Miller, renowned for her roles such as Raquel Thomas in Power Book III: Raising Kanan, reveals a deeply personal side as she shares her journey from fearing motherhood to embracing it fully. Despite her tough on-screen persona as a New York City drug queenpin, inspired by 50 Cent’s mother, Patina admits she once doubted her ability to be a good mother. "I thought maybe I wouldn’t be good at it," she confessed. Her fears extended even to holding other people’s babies, worrying she might accidentally harm them. However, life had other plans. Now a mother to her 7-year-old daughter, Emerson Harper Mars, Patina finds motherhood unimaginably rewarding. Her family, including her husband David Mars and her 15-year-old niece Alanna Miller, fills her life with joy and comfort, especially during their cozy Sunday gatherings, where they connect without the distraction of phones.
A Sunday of Balance: Family and Personal Time
Patina’s Sundays are a beautiful blend of family bonding and personal pursuits. While her mornings often start around 9, they can begin earlier at 7:30, depending on her marathon training schedule. Sundays are her long run days, ranging from six to 20 miles, a routine she began in 2021 under the encouragement of her trainer Beth. Her days start with preparing a simple breakfast for Emerson—oatmeal with berries and banana, possibly a yogurt pouch on the side—and a light meal for herself to avoid stomach discomfort during her run. Post-run, family time takes precedence. Her daughter Emerson attends swim classes at Asphalt Green, followed by a family brunch at favorite spots like Friedman’s or The Smith, where they enjoy pancakes, bacon, eggs, and avocado. These moments are cherished, offering a sense of togetherness away from the hustle of daily life.
From Fear to Strength: Patina’s Marathon Journey
Patina’s marathon journey is a testament to her resilience and growth. Her initial hesitation when signing up for her first marathon in 2021 was met with self-doubt, yet she persevered, transforming her fear into strength. She recalls moments of struggle, walking up a block and berating herself, only to reclaim her power with affirmations of capability. Over time, she progressed from four to ten miles, culminating in running the 2022 New York City Marathon on her birthday—a moment of triumph. Central Park, with its challenging rolling hills, became her training ground, though she also enjoys the euphoria of running along the West Side Highway. Her playlist, ranging from R&B to hip-hop, fuels her runs, with Eminem’s Lose Yourself being a key motivator. These runs often double as moments for character study and line memorization, blending her professional and personal growth seamlessly.
Reviving Music and Nurturing Creativity
Patina’s Sundays also serve as a Creative sanctum. After brunch, she heads to Invite Only studio in Chelsea, where she works on her debut EP, blending Afrobeat, R&B, rock, pop, and soul. This project, long-awaited, is her avenue to express her artistry as a vocalist, writer, and artist. While she fears vulnerable exposure, the studio brings her joy and fulfillment, marking a significant step in her musical journey.
Family and Nourishment: Dinner and Bonding
Family dinner is a cherished Sunday ritual, usually around 7:30. Patina, though no stranger to simple yet nourishing meals like salmon, steamed broccoli, and jasmine rice, finds joy in cooking for her family. Her niece Alanna’s culinary experiments add an extra layer of excitement to their gatherings. These moments of taste-testing and shared meals strengthen their bonds, creating lasting memories.
Reflection and Renewal: Evening Routine
As the day winds down, Patina prioritizes skincare, indulging in a routine that includes a hot shower, stretching, and meticulous skin care. Products like The Beauty Sandwich’s Snatching Sauce and facials from Iván Pol highlight her commitment to self-care. Her bedtime routine, involving rain sounds and last-minute Amazon shopping, reflects her personal time to unwind. Despite the occasional late nights, Patina ensures her evenings end with connection, reading with Emerson, and nurturing her niece. Her Sundays are a beautiful dance of personal and family life, reflecting a woman embracing each facet of her identity with grace and strength.
