From debuting a new TV series to becoming a single mother, Tia Mowry has had quite the year. Since the days of Sister, sistershe has always been connected to family (something many twins can relate to). But in this new phase of her life, she is focused on herself.

As shown in Tia Mowry: My next actwhich premiered in September on WE TV and is available to stream on ALLBLK, Mowry had to deal with it alone for the first time after the divorce. Viewers followed her on “a fearless and fierce journey of self-discovery,” according to the show’s description.

“Tia has always been part of a duo, first as a twin sister, then as a wife… now she is alone for the first time in her life,” the synopsis reads. “The struggle is real as Tia returns to dating while balancing her acting career, business and motherhood.”

With all these changes, Mowry’s personal life has also changed. Here she sits down to talk about this exciting new phase, caring for her children and embracing the unknown.

Tia Mowry’s House Rules

Whether she’s adding natural elements or childproofing her couches, Mowry wants her home to be a sanctuary for everyone who enters it. Here’s how she made it her own.

Q: If you had to post a list of rules at home, what would they be and why?

When you come to my house, you just have to show your kindness. I can talk about other things that are more predictable – but the only thing that really matters is that whenever someone comes into my space, they should be friendly and welcoming and have that spirit of love.

And the reason I say that is because it’s what’s important in my home. It’s something I strive for very consciously; My house is a home that is very Zen. It’s very peaceful. These are the intentions. Of course things aren’t always perfect, but it’s a place where people can be themselves, have freedom of expression and feel comfortable.

And if I were to go into it more, it’s also the aesthetics of my home. I want the feeling to be peaceful and pleasant. Yes, I like design. And yes, of course I like beautiful things. But more importantly, I have two children and enjoy inviting people to my home. It’s important to come together and feel comfortable, just feel like you can just relax, get in the mood and relax.

Q: What is the difference between a house and a home and how do you plan to generate that energy?

I really believe in Feng Shui. I choose the colors very consciously, including in the children’s room, in my room and throughout the house. Because here too it is important to consciously respond to a feeling and a mood. And so the house is monochromatic; the tones are warm. It’s very zen and peaceful.

I am a huge fan of candles and have candles throughout the house. When you come to my house you will always see a burning Christmas candle. I love the scent – ​​it gives you a calming and relaxing energy.

Additionally, I think it was important for me to incorporate nature when talking about my aesthetic and when I was designing the house and adding furniture. So I have wood; I have marble. I have plants in my house just to create that calming energy again. I feel like nature is so healing. And if I can incorporate some of these elements into my house, it really helps a lot. Throughout the house you will find wooden cutting boards and serving containers in the kitchen. You will even see leather on the chairs or the back of chairs and things like that.

Q: How have your house rules changed since becoming a mother?

It’s really important to give children their own spaces – where they have freedom and space to play and a space where they can just feel free. As soon as I gave birth to my son, who is my firstborn, I always had a playroom for him so he would have space to play with all his toys and video games.

When I was looking for a home – I can’t believe I’ve lived in this house for almost 10 years – I wanted a theater room where the kids could watch TV. And you know, kids – they just jump over the couches, do forward and backward rolls while they watch TV. Even the sofas in the theater room are suitable for children. So if something spills, you don’t have to worry.

The couch I had in the living room – it’s not a cloud couch, but a kind of cloud couch – was something I had custom-made. It’s a large sofa and I wanted to make sure the bedding could be removed and taken to the dry cleaners. It gives you that stress-free mindset.

Q: In the trailer for your new show “My Next Act,” you say, “I’m weird, and that’s okay.” Do you have any “weird” personal details in your home? How do you make it your own?

As I come up the stairs, I have a photo collage in front of me, and the photos are pretty impressive. Since I’m going through this transition in my life, I didn’t take any family photos. And one of my friends (Becky), who’s a photographer, said, “Hey, I’d like to take some family photos for you.” And it was so meaningful to me because there was a transition in the family, and just because it happened , that doesn’t mean we’re no longer a family or that I don’t have a family anymore. So she took photos of the three of us and they are so beautiful and represent love, family and joy. I ended up hanging it on my wall as I climb the stairs – so the kids see it every day, I see it and it’s a nice memory.

Q: The show is about you learning to be alone for the first time – what were the most rewarding parts of the process?

I think the most rewarding process of this whole journey is understanding myself better and learning more about who I am. There was a lot of inner learning, growth and awareness. I’ve learned a few things, trust me – but I think the most important thing is that change is okay.

Change will always win, and consistency is a part of life; This doesn’t necessarily mean that you did something wrong or that your future will be terrible. The unknown is actually a beautiful place. But the unknown can be scary, and because it is scary, we often – and I can only speak for myself – are afraid of it and tend to go back to what is familiar and comfortable, but there is no growth there. You will be suffocated. And so I learned to embrace the unknown, befriend it, look it straight in the eye and say it’s okay and everything is fine.

I used to think loneliness meant punishment, but no, it’s exactly the opposite. Self-discovery begins in solitude; it is brave and shows strength. I learned that there is a difference between loneliness and solitude. I’m not lonely; I’m just alone. There is so much growth coming from this and I am so grateful for that. I wouldn’t be the person I am today.

Q: Do you feel like your home has changed with you during this transformation?

I’m including some family photos showing what the family looks like now. Again, it’s part of that self-discovery, like what works for me. I have relied on many Buddhist principles and that is why I have more Buddhas in my house. I put more books on the shelves, books that I have read (laughs). I’ve definitely become a more avid reader.

To be honest, I thought about moving, but I didn’t want to offer the kids too much variety. Here too, change is a part of life and the children go through a transition. Step by step, you know.

Q: Have you found that the feeling of independence and the feeling of being in your own home overlap? Do you feel different than before now that you come home with this new self?

It was a process. It was a very scary place at the beginning of my transition. When you’re so used to having someone by your side, sleeping next to you, walking around the house with someone, creating memories and visualizations, it’s scary. There’s a feeling of deep sadness and loneliness, especially when – and I even talk about this on the show – you have to co-parent and the kids have to leave the house to be with the co-parent.

I remember when this first happened I didn’t know what to do with myself. I didn’t feel like myself. I just collapsed on my bed and couldn’t move. I asked, “What is this?” This feels so strange. This feels so foreign.’ But the thing is, it’s not like that anymore. The feeling of loneliness is so powerful now. I’m not afraid to be with my own thoughts. I hug her now and there is comfort and there is this beautiful feeling of strength. Yes, independence, courage, but I also say security.

Which I don’t think is something anyone would expect. I certainly didn’t do that. And what I mean by certainty is when you become one with yourself and your inner thoughts. Maybe I can even say peace because I think peace equals security.

For me, an incredible amount of peace comes over you, and that’s where I am now. Then I start lighting candles, putting on my favorite music, opening a book, meditating, and journaling. And these moments have become so beautiful and peaceful for me. I’m looking forward to them now. I’m not afraid of it.

Q: How do you relax at the end of a long day? What is your routine?

I’m a big fan of swimming. I know it’s kind of old-fashioned – it feels like we’re in the Middle Ages now; Not many people like that. But it’s the way I like to end my day and the way I feel so incredibly comfortable and fulfilled: a bubble bath, some sage or Palo Santo, light a candle, drink a glass of wine and just (relax). And then I do a little journaling, a little meditation.

Sometimes it’s hard to create that routine, but I think it’s about prioritizing, right? Choosing to prioritize self-love, re-energizing yourself before the next day, and refilling your cup becomes a part of your routine and starts with making it a priority.

Q: Is there a favorite meal that you like to serve when you have people over?

I will always eat pasta. I absolutely love pasta and feel like it’s a universal dish that kids and adults love. It is also a versatile dish, which means that if there are people who avoid dairy products, there is no need to put cheese in it. If there are people who are vegan, you could also just make pasta and tomato sauce. If you have kids you can just make garlic noodles and butter or just butter noodles. And if you’re like me and my son, we love seafood or pancetta: pork, crispy morsels and pasta with some parmesan cheese on top. And it goes very well with a glass of wine.