What’s important

Well it’s been a while since I’ve posted and there’s been a bit going on.

Life presents each of us with many a challenge, and it is how we face these and come through scarred but stronger on the other side that makes the pain seem worthwhile.

For me, themmain thing is the debilitating stress of constant financial pressure, hoping and praying that nothing devastating befalls me or the kids because I have no way of dealing with any level of financial disaster. Sure, I could go back to shift work but then I would lose what I have now which is seeing my kids more regularly and I know that we all prefer a steady routine than the ad-hoc nature it used to be.

I have accepted the financial hardship that came with my decsion to give up the extra money for a more structured routine with my kids, and just as importantly, for myself. So what am I driving at here? I embraced the new situation, financial woes and all, because nothing is more important to me than having a strong loving relationship with my kids. If my divorce has taught me anything it is that the only person who has my back is me, and what makes me stronger is the love of my kids.

For the sake of my kids – and my own sanity – I had to begin to make the most of what I have, rather than looking at what I used to have. My kids are more important than money and having possessions, it is just a matter of prioritising what is needed as opposed to what we want. For example, I recently had a chat with the kids about whether or not we couold afford our annual January summer holiday. The kids were very mature about the whole thing – they said they understood and would be happy spending time with their Dad over the holidays doing simple stuff rather than go away for the sake of it.

Family is the most important thing about life. I’m so happy that my kids know that.