From party guy to present dad
Been reflecting this morning on who I was before kids. I was the guy going out every weekend, sleeping in until noon, only responsible for myself. Getting my oldest diagnosed with anxiety last year was a wake up call that being physically there isn't enough, I needed to be emotionally present too. Put down the phone, cut back the nights out, started actually showing up for my kids in ways that matter. I miss the freedom sometimes but gaining the respect and trust of my kids has been worth way more than any Saturday night ever was.
The funny part is how fast it happens. One day you're the party guy and the next you're debating whether your kid's bedtime should be 7:30 or 8. It's a trip.