👋 Please comment on and like this post on LinkedIn. It’s an easy way to support my work and goes a long way! You can also repost it on Substack.
Call it an epiphany.
Call it a revelation.
Call it a realization.
Whatever you call it, the lightbulb finally went off, and I could almost feel the neurons lacing themselves together in my brain.
Pax was sitting on my lap, cuddling with me hard. He put his hand in mine and gave me a quick succession of high-fives. Then he turned to me and smiled.
And immediately I wanted to do whatever it takes to ensure I’m around to enjoy as much of his life as possible.
Physically.
Mentally.
Emotionally.
Spiritually.
Relationally.
Financially.
Whatever it takes – because God knows I’m going to need to be able to keep up with the little guy.
A friend told me having kids instantly puts all the nonsense going on around you into perspective. He was right. Having kids also takes things out of your perspective too, which I guess is probably the best part.
You quickly learn to turn your attention away from the life-sucking things and toward the life-giving things.
But doing whatever it takes means getting uncomfortable. It means doing things I’ve probably never done before. It means giving up those fickle short-term “wins” for the things that are longer lasting.
The only thing I can take to my grave is a treasure trove of memories, and I’m not going to make those while sitting behind a computer screen.
Don't get me wrong – I enjoy my day-to-day work. In many ways, it DOES give me life because it pulls some amazing things out of me.
But I enjoy time with my son even more.
P.S. Like what you read? Please comment on and like this post on LinkedIn. It’s an easy way to support my work and goes a long way! You can also repost it on Substack.
The Copywriter Column is a weekly glimpse into the mind of an agency copywriter. Thinking about subscribing? Here’s what else you can expect.