When your children arrive, who knows what is to come. It’s scary but the greatest of adrenalin rushes. And then they grow, and change and evolve. Becoming their own people.
A non-stop, all action ride ensues. Sometimes you feel like you might fall off, but you have to hang on. It’s a fun ride, and it only happens once. So enjoy every moment, and take it all in.
And, as for the future, well who knows? What will these all action bundles of energy become? I hope for sensitive souls, but with a tough edge. No one’s pushover, but thinkers not fighters. People who understand others, both our differences and similarities.
Most of all, I hope for people who will make the world a better place, who might make a difference.
We live in a binary world. We worry that technology is taking over, but that isn’t my real worry. It is simply that every thought, every opinion seems to be a 1 or a 0. You’re with me or against me. You don’t agree with me? Then you must agree with my enemy. You must be my enemy. There must be something more, something more elastic, some movement of thought.
Does anyone even change their opinion anymore? Hear an argument and think, actually??? Maybe… They could be right!
We shouldn’t blame technology for this. We choose the tools, our information sources and the platforms to spread our thoughts. We decide if instant gratification, an instant hit is what we need. We can’t fool ourselves that there is no time for more, there is, we just have to use it better. And think.
It all matters. Every word, every action. Both within our nuclear families and our wider family in the world.
Habits are learned and practised, they become ingrained. How we live, behave and interact.
What is irrelevant is our frustration with our fellow man. It’s not worth the loss of energy. Unless we can make an impact and affect a change, then our thoughts are pointless.
But it’s easier said than done, to ignore your frustrations. Being present and calm within yourself, that’s the constant struggle.
The most special day of the summer. The wedding day. Not mine, but that of my nephew. He found the right girl, she found the right boy.
After the stress of the buildup, the day finally comes. Family and friends, coming together in celebration. Beautiful surroundings, and a beautiful couple. A splash of rain can’t spoil this day.
But it is just the beginning. It’s been eight years since my special day, and we are not just a couple anymore. Now we are a team, working, playing and growing together.
I can’t wait to see what the future holds for my team and for the newlyweds. Every day is a new beginning, with a new path to follow.
There have been many fun days during this summer. Lots of interesting places, chances to both play and relax. But one day stands out, our trip to the Welsh seaside.
My family and I live in the Czech Republic which, if you don’t know, is a landlocked country. No sea or ocean. Lots of lakes, where many Czech people spend their summers, but it’s not quite the same.
My children love water and sand, so this day in Wales was a rare opportunity for them. And the weather gods were kind to us, for once. It was a beautiful, warm, sunny day. The weather, in Wales, is inconsistent. That’s the nicest way I can put it. So when the sun shines, you have to take advantage of it.
So, we decided on a visit to Barry Island. Located in South Wales, near the capital city of Cardiff, this is a famous summertime destination in Wales. It has lovely beaches, as well as a small fun park and everything that a British seaside town usually boasts. Penny arcades, fish and chips, ice cream and seagulls to try and steal your prized treats.
But, of course, the best thing about any family day out are the smiles on the children’s faces. The excitement you can feel from them, when they are doing something new or different to the normal. Swimming in the sea and building enormous sandcastles, with my wife’s help. Looking through rock pools, in search of aquatic life. Being a child at the beach, that was my childhood in Wales.
For my kids, it is an occasional treat, but life in the Czech Republic has many compensations for the missing beaches, so they don’t miss out on much. And we crammed a lot into our few hours on Barry Island. They had the time of their lives, got some sun and filled their bellies. And even had time for a bit of rugby practice.
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