It’s been a long day, a long week really, nothing major, just life. I’m tired and I’ve struggled a little today. Self-doubt, imposter syndrome, feeling like I’m too old and no one’s paying attention, so why even try. I’ve been a little more snarky with myself than normal.

I didn’t go for a run tonight. I need a rest day, and mainly, more than anything, I just missed my wife and kids. It feels like I haven’t seen them all week. We had some time to just sit and talk before getting the kids ready for bed, a ritual I’m not always home for, but I enjoy when I am.

Once everyone settled down, I made a sandwich and went downstairs to my home office to do some prep work for my day job and maybe do a little writing, but I wasn’t feeling any of it, really.

I sat at my desk and turned on the TV. Something I rarely do if I plan on writing. I was reaching for my sandwich when I saw I had a text from my wife. It was a picture of my desk and the kids’ chalkboard behind my desk, with my company logo drawn on it. I was so wrapped up in my head when I sat down that I didn’t even see the coolest thing I’ve seen in a very long time.

It was a needed reminder.

Slow down.

Breathe.

Just be where you are because no place else exists.

I am loved.

And nothing else matters.

I need to be reminded of these things from time to time. And I usually need to be reminded forcefully, with a metaphorical slap in the face.

Lovingly, of course.