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When You are Feeling Down, Remind Yourself

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Sometimes, we need reminders. Even ones that sounds so mundane and repetitive. Maybe even things that you hear from your mother a million times before, maybe even things that your kids can repeat back to you. We need reminders because sometimes we forget. 

I've always felt a little guilty about not being able to bring my kids for overseas trips when their friends are visiting Japan, Hong Kong, Florida and the likes. I don't say it outloud but deep inside, I feel the guilt. Eight years ago, I was making a fair bit of money and did not need to pay for as many things so, I was capable of saving some money every month. 

I saved enough to bring my kids, then 7 and 5, to Hong Kong Disneyland. That's the furthest that I've ever brought them and also the last time we've ever used their personal passports. Their friends also sometimes have the latest gadgets and the more up-to-date computers and games and I feel a pang of jealousy on my kids' behalf. 

I wish I was as rich as some people. I wish that I had someone to rely on instead of being alone in dealing with parenting myself. I wish that there was someone who could really co-parent with my on an everyday basis.

But that's not the case. I am a single parent. Everything is my business. 

Sometimes, when I read the news, it dawns on me that I am not having the worst of times. There are so many people who would give anything to have what I have. I personally, right now, have 2 laptops and 1 personal computer. I have a roof over my head and can afford to put home-cooked food on the table.  I have wi-fi and a relatively new car to drive around in. 

These are things that I should never, ever take for granted because these are my blessings. Blessings that not everyone in this world has. So, today, it is a pretty sobering morning for me as I look at this tweet on my personal twitter account. (I have two because one has too many politicians and public figures following me that I don't want to get too personal on that account)

If you find this blog post and feel the same way I do, remember, someone else is happy with less than you have. 

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