Surviving on Dad Energy or Lessons from the Middle?

 

For years I’ve been writing a blog from a “Constructing Christian” perspective.  To be honest, I have no idea where I’m at with that and if I’m being even more real, I don’t really care.  Some look to their faith in times of struggle or stress or even joy but I’ve found lately, it feels much more like I’m talking to myself.  I’ve decided that I need to focus more on the here and now, focus on what I need to do and be willing to talk to people here and now when I need help rather than looking to the clouds.

Generational lines are blurry online depending on your source.  Some would call me Gen X, some would say elder millennial, others even combine it to be a Xennial generation.  From an economic perspective, I’d be part of the Echo generation as we are the Echo or the kids of the Boomers.  Regardless of what you call it; I am optimistically middle aged. 

I lived through my party years before cell phones so there is little evidence other than fading memories and lore.  I have since made more than my fair share of mistakes, but we keep on going. 

I am not afraid to try new technologies but I’m still skeptical of them.  Full disclosure, when trying to name this piece, I used ChatGPT for title prompts.  If I end up keeping this going, I’ll settle on something solid for a name.

I’m a suburban dad who comes from rural roots.  A husband of 20 years and father of amazing kids.  A hard-working employee and empathetic friend. 

Despite seemingly having everything going for me, I’m tired.  I know I'm not alone in this, which is why you're reading this today.

I’m supposed to embrace these years because soon the kids will be gone and not need me and I’ll be at this same keyboard lamenting years gone by when the house was too active.  I already look back at the infant and toddler days and remember how spent I felt at that point.  That doesn’t change how exhausting these years are though.

Trying to be everything to everyone. 

The pressure (even if internal) to never break or show weakness while also showing that it’s ok to be vulnerable and ask for help. 

Constantly feeling like I should be working and keeping everything perfect while also taking the time to relax. 

Holding others accountable while also extending grace. 

Spending money on things I enjoy while also saving as much as possible because you never know what is around the corner. 

Taking care of my health while also wanting to live a little.

Being a fun and relatable parent while also making sure that my children grow up with discipline and an understanding of how the world works.

Teaching life skills while also trying not to overload people that already have way too much on their plate.

Being a middle-aged dad and husband is a struggle.

Before you start to roll your eyes or block me, I am fully aware of who I am and the advantages I’ve had through life.  I’m a middle-aged white, cis, hetero man.  Hell, I even got started in my industry because my dad knew someone.  Ultimately, what do I have to complain about?

And perhaps that’s where the struggle starts, and the impetus behind this writing was discovered. 

I hope to use this space not to complain but as a semi-anonymous (feel free to share with others) place to simply talk through things.  It’s not going to be literary genius, I promise you that.  But it will be well thought out questions, and maybe some answers, to things that many of us are facing. 

It will be lighthearted more often than not, as I try to approach things that I face and maybe you do too. 

I can’t promise you daily, or even weekly updates; the entire basis of the blog should tell you that.  But I will work to be as genuine as I can while being safe and honest with myself. 

Hopefully you’ll join me for this new adventure.