Loved reading this Lisa, it made me feel good about my own decisions, and I’m so in agreement about holidays, hope your having a lovely one right now xxx
Thanks so much for reading Ruth’ and yes I think there is a lot of pressure to perform when you have kids but quite frankly if they can’t play the violin it’s not going to change their life 😂 hope you are well xxx
This is one of the most life-affirming posts I have ever read Lisa. I actually read it the other day, but have been crazy busy unpacking. Thank you for this. I try not to regret anything. Even my diagnosis of lymphoma 14 years ago. Yes, it wasn’t fun, but my god, it opened my eyes to the world around me and made me appreciate everything so much more. Xx
Thanks so much for reading and commenting, JP. I’m in total agreement; having a diagnosis is a complete game changer but it has definitely made me more inclined to grab all opportunities and there is pretty much nothing that can get me down! I hope you are doing okay now x
Enjoyed reading about your experiences of relationships and parenting. Going with what is right for us as individuals is so important.
When I reflect on the “mistakes” I made in relationships and parenting it was about not having enough confidence to say this doesn’t work for me or for us as a family but hay ho.., we are still going strong.
I think all that confidence comes with age. We are less likely to be influenced socially I think! Thanks so much for reading a commenting, is hugely appreciated xx
My kids (now 15 and 18) hardly went to any clubs/activities as kids for various reasons and they’ve still found their way to taking part in the things they enjoy (and they can swim!) But my God, the judgement I used to get from other parents when they were little for not having them signed up to anything other than some brief dalliances with gymnastics.
We’ve also poured every bit of spare cash into holidays and I wouldn’t trade them for anything - I think that you create some of the strongest memories when travelling / on holiday and we’ve had some incredible adventures together.
We’re currently trying to move house and you may have just tipped me over the edge I’ve been hovering on this past week about whether to go for the renovation project that’s on the market a few streets away…I think I’m in!
Ha! Go for the Reno project. I don’t regret that we didn’t but I do regret that I missed out on the experience of doing one 💪🏻 thanks so much for reading and for commenting xxx
Such an insightful post. And for once, someone (aka Lisa!) has the guts to be totally honest about mistakes (we all make) in life and solidly refusing to succomb to the pressures of carving out 'perfect' little lives. You are a gem !
How you can regret buying that lovely new build and enjoying life when u could have bought that run down semi and spent evenings and weekends slogging on the decor?? I have never bought a new build and spent far too much time renovating - actually spending so much time renovating is probably one of my biggest regrets!! Why are we such gluttons for punishment - weirdly also slightly regret not doing more renovating!!
Ha! Oh I def have a Reno in me I just haven’t found it yet! The satisfaction of creating something entirely to your own style must be extreme 👏🏻 thanks so much for reading xxx
I’ve followed you on IG for ages but only just realised you had a Substack 🤦🏽♀️ This is the first post I’ve read and it is SO timely. I’ve actually forwarded it to my friendship group as we are all in the weeds of younger kids (newborns to preteens), all questioning life and career choices as we teeter on the brink of our 40s. This feels like having someone hold out a hand from the future and say “it’s all going to be ok.” Really needed to read it this week and am just off to shove a fiver in the holiday piggy bank… x
Those are hard times when they are small! And so much societal pressure to ‘perform’ as a parent whilst also doing all the rest. I am so glad you enjoyed it and thank you so much for reading and sharing! Xx
Another great read! I have a framed print, the gist of which is every decision we’ve ever made has shaped us into the person we are today. I make myself read it if I’m ever doubting life. Enjoy the rest of your mini break 🩵🌞
With you on the holidays! We try for 2 a year in the sunshine & lots of mini breaks in the UK. It is where our spare cash goes & without a doubt all the 'we're going away' benchmarks throughout the year make the mundane absolutely worth it. Hope you're having a wonderful time in Crete 🩵
The time spend together on holiday is always worth the sacrifice I think! Plus it has given my kids a taste for the world which is the best bonus. Thank you and thanks for reading! Xx
I need to do this. I have some regrets but you're right it can map out things in later life. I do try to think there are reasons why things happen. Reading this has made me want to put holidays back up to the top of the list, they haven't been. And I have to say I have never read anyone that has put into context how I am with friends. This has always been me too. I was literally just thinking how many friends I am still in touch with from my wedding in 2008. Not many but not because I don't want to. Always love reading your posts x
A really honest read Lisa :) I completely agree with it all...I am a great believer in not having regrets about things you've done. It happened, move on. Perhaps I have a couple of regrets about things I didn't do, nothing earth shattering, and there's still time to change that! I had my 4 boys within 7 years, so they were their own little gang, and always had someone to play with! When they were young, they did swimming lessons, (just remembering them sends shivers down my spine), a couple did music lessons and one played football and that was enough for me! We too loved our holidays...and now holidays with the (very grown up) boys and their partners are still the very best!!
Loved reading this Lisa, it made me feel good about my own decisions, and I’m so in agreement about holidays, hope your having a lovely one right now xxx
Thanks so much for reading Ruth’ and yes I think there is a lot of pressure to perform when you have kids but quite frankly if they can’t play the violin it’s not going to change their life 😂 hope you are well xxx
As always, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this. It’s honest and, as such, is uplifting and inspiring. You have such a gift for writing.
Thank you so much and thank you also for reading xxx
This is one of the most life-affirming posts I have ever read Lisa. I actually read it the other day, but have been crazy busy unpacking. Thank you for this. I try not to regret anything. Even my diagnosis of lymphoma 14 years ago. Yes, it wasn’t fun, but my god, it opened my eyes to the world around me and made me appreciate everything so much more. Xx
Thanks so much for reading and commenting, JP. I’m in total agreement; having a diagnosis is a complete game changer but it has definitely made me more inclined to grab all opportunities and there is pretty much nothing that can get me down! I hope you are doing okay now x
14 years and doing ok Lisa. It’s not curable, but I take every day as a blessing. Isn’t it amazing how much you notice in the world after diagnosis? X
That’s good news and YES! I agree x
Enjoyed reading about your experiences of relationships and parenting. Going with what is right for us as individuals is so important.
When I reflect on the “mistakes” I made in relationships and parenting it was about not having enough confidence to say this doesn’t work for me or for us as a family but hay ho.., we are still going strong.
I think all that confidence comes with age. We are less likely to be influenced socially I think! Thanks so much for reading a commenting, is hugely appreciated xx
Well this was a wonderful validating read 😂
My kids (now 15 and 18) hardly went to any clubs/activities as kids for various reasons and they’ve still found their way to taking part in the things they enjoy (and they can swim!) But my God, the judgement I used to get from other parents when they were little for not having them signed up to anything other than some brief dalliances with gymnastics.
We’ve also poured every bit of spare cash into holidays and I wouldn’t trade them for anything - I think that you create some of the strongest memories when travelling / on holiday and we’ve had some incredible adventures together.
We’re currently trying to move house and you may have just tipped me over the edge I’ve been hovering on this past week about whether to go for the renovation project that’s on the market a few streets away…I think I’m in!
Ha! Go for the Reno project. I don’t regret that we didn’t but I do regret that I missed out on the experience of doing one 💪🏻 thanks so much for reading and for commenting xxx
Such an insightful post. And for once, someone (aka Lisa!) has the guts to be totally honest about mistakes (we all make) in life and solidly refusing to succomb to the pressures of carving out 'perfect' little lives. You are a gem !
Ah thank you! So happy you read and enjoyed xx
How you can regret buying that lovely new build and enjoying life when u could have bought that run down semi and spent evenings and weekends slogging on the decor?? I have never bought a new build and spent far too much time renovating - actually spending so much time renovating is probably one of my biggest regrets!! Why are we such gluttons for punishment - weirdly also slightly regret not doing more renovating!!
Ha! Oh I def have a Reno in me I just haven’t found it yet! The satisfaction of creating something entirely to your own style must be extreme 👏🏻 thanks so much for reading xxx
I’ve followed you on IG for ages but only just realised you had a Substack 🤦🏽♀️ This is the first post I’ve read and it is SO timely. I’ve actually forwarded it to my friendship group as we are all in the weeds of younger kids (newborns to preteens), all questioning life and career choices as we teeter on the brink of our 40s. This feels like having someone hold out a hand from the future and say “it’s all going to be ok.” Really needed to read it this week and am just off to shove a fiver in the holiday piggy bank… x
Those are hard times when they are small! And so much societal pressure to ‘perform’ as a parent whilst also doing all the rest. I am so glad you enjoyed it and thank you so much for reading and sharing! Xx
Another great read! I have a framed print, the gist of which is every decision we’ve ever made has shaped us into the person we are today. I make myself read it if I’m ever doubting life. Enjoy the rest of your mini break 🩵🌞
I am a big believer in this ethos! And thank you as always for reading xxx
With you on the holidays! We try for 2 a year in the sunshine & lots of mini breaks in the UK. It is where our spare cash goes & without a doubt all the 'we're going away' benchmarks throughout the year make the mundane absolutely worth it. Hope you're having a wonderful time in Crete 🩵
The time spend together on holiday is always worth the sacrifice I think! Plus it has given my kids a taste for the world which is the best bonus. Thank you and thanks for reading! Xx
Loved reading this Lisa. So much of it really resonated with me.
We will just have to cone to you for our next jolly then😂, book into the guest house under a psuedonym ( is that even a word) and surprise you xx
I need to do this. I have some regrets but you're right it can map out things in later life. I do try to think there are reasons why things happen. Reading this has made me want to put holidays back up to the top of the list, they haven't been. And I have to say I have never read anyone that has put into context how I am with friends. This has always been me too. I was literally just thinking how many friends I am still in touch with from my wedding in 2008. Not many but not because I don't want to. Always love reading your posts x
A really honest read Lisa :) I completely agree with it all...I am a great believer in not having regrets about things you've done. It happened, move on. Perhaps I have a couple of regrets about things I didn't do, nothing earth shattering, and there's still time to change that! I had my 4 boys within 7 years, so they were their own little gang, and always had someone to play with! When they were young, they did swimming lessons, (just remembering them sends shivers down my spine), a couple did music lessons and one played football and that was enough for me! We too loved our holidays...and now holidays with the (very grown up) boys and their partners are still the very best!!