Happy 11th Birthday to My Little Girl, Maya

Welcome back to consecutive day 1195 of the Diary of a Runpreneur. Can you believe we're fast approaching 1200 days of consecutive daily running? But today, I've got something more special and personal to talk about. It's my little girl Maya’s 11th birthday.

She is the apple of my eye, but let me tell you, she's growing up far too quickly—as any dad would say. Now, I've got two boys as well: a 12-year-old who's just about to turn 13 and an 8-year-old who's soon to be 9. Sandwiched in the middle is my wonderful Maya, who has just turned 11 today. Birthdays are always a big deal in our family, and it’s lovely to see the joy that a birthday brings to one of your children.

However, for all the happiness and love that I have for my little girl, I can't help but struggle with how quickly she's growing up. While she’s eager to grow up, I’m the dad who still wants to hold onto my baby girl. But, it's great to see her evolving into a wonderful little woman—bright, kind, caring, and ever so cheeky and mysterious.

We often joke in our household that Maya is the second most responsible member of the family, right after my wife. Me and my eldest son constantly jostle for third place. She’s just a delightful little soul. Yet, if there's one thing I'd love for her to gain, it's a bit more confidence. I trust that with age and the right guidance, it'll come.

Reflecting on her birthday makes me realize how far she and her siblings have come. It’s truly a blend of the strong points from both me and my wife, who are very different people. While I have some glaring weaknesses, fortunately, those are covered by my wife’s significant strengths and passed onto our children. They’re turning out to be better versions of both of us, which is one of the most rewarding things a parent can wish for.

Now, here's the bittersweet part for me. As my kids grow, I find myself struggling to let go. Not in the sense of wanting them to stay children forever, but in how the parent-child relationship evolves. The fun and games are still there, but they change with age. Carrying Maya up and down from bed on special occasions like her birthday morning is something I cherish, but at 11, it might be the last year it feels appropriate.

It's heartbreaking to think that the innocence and vulnerability of their younger years are waning as they step into adolescence, full of hormones and emotions. While my wife excels in navigating these emotional terrains, I sometimes find it challenging to match that level of empathy. But I revel in the fun dad moments, even if they’re evolving.

So, what have I learned from today's diary entry? Watching your kids grow is both rewarding and melancholic. You miss those younger, simpler phases when life was straightforward. The challenges multiply with their growth, and as a parent, it’s crucial for me to adapt. I need to be the dad that fits around their individual needs, ages, and personalities. It’s on me to step up and be what they need to nurture them into the best versions of themselves.

Today's reflection has been therapeutic, and I hope sharing it resonates with fellow parents out there. Thank you for always being here, sharing in my journey.

Questions? Comments? Drop me a line. I respond to everyone. Remember to give this a subscribe, share, like, and comment. The more people we get in front of, the more money we raise on my fundraising mission to save the lives of children by attempting the ultimate ultramarathon. All the information about the challenge and how you can get involved is in the link below.

Stay positive, stay happy, and I'll see you again tomorrow.

-Kevin Brittain