State of independence

When I think about my parents, and about my life as a child, I feel so much love, admiration and respect for them.

As I've grown older, I've come to realise that life isn't always easy. Love, money, jobs, bosses, parents, kids - it all causes stress and makes the daily existence of the family unit difficult.

Not once did I ever realise this as a child. My parents shielded me from so much, protected me and made sure that my life was never anything less than wonderful. It makes me so happy to know this, that they loved me to this extent, yet so sad that their lives weren't as easy as I thought they were. But I guess that's what parents do?

When I spend time with friends who have kids, I see them doing the same thing for their kids. It makes me wonder if the path my life has taken, the path I have allowed it to take, the path I have chosen, is the right path. If I had kids, would I be happier? If I was married, would I be happier?

These are the things that traditionally make us humans happy - love, security, family life.

But I love my independence, my life on the run, my friends. I like being able to hand kids back when they start to play up. I like having time to myself. I like choosing what to eat, what to watch on TV, what to spend my money on.

Would I trade all of this for a different life? A life with a good man by my side. With adopted kids or rescued dogs. A life centred on a family home, not a bachelor pad.

Would I be prepared to change my life to this extent?

Today I'm feeling brave, so I say "Yes. In a heartbeat".