24/07/2025
A Little Lunch Reflection
I was sitting at work having my lunch, thinking about doing some angel card readings later… but then I came across a video that really made me stop and think.
It was about a young man who took his own father to court because the car his dad gifted him wasn’t the exact one he wanted. Not that he didn’t get a car. just not the one that matched the image he wanted to portray.
What really stood out to me was that the father had come from nothing. He’d worked hard to give his child the best life he could, this made me reflect.
As parents, it’s not easy. There’s no rulebook to tell you what’s right or wrong. But one big thing I’ve learned is this: if a decision feels too easy, it’s probably not the right one.
I’m not an expert on parenting, but I never truly understood the quote “you’ve got to be cruel to be kind” until I had kids. Now, especially as they’re growing up, I understand it more than ever. Sometimes it’s hard to say no even when you want to give them what they want, because it makes you feel good and gives them a moment of happiness. But are we really teaching them the right thing?
Because when they grow up and start working, life won’t hand them everything. There’ll be plenty of “no’s,” rejections, and setbacks. And if they’ve never heard “no” before, how will they cope?
I remember a while back, when my son was in his last year of Year 6, he really wanted a part in the school play. He was so confident, adamant he was going to get it. He auditioned, but didn’t rehearse much, even though I kept reminding him to practice. He was sure he had it in the bag. He’d told all his friends, his grandparents, he had built up this expectation.
When he didn’t get the part, he was absolutely devastated. I’d never seen him so upset. He pleaded with me, “Mum, please ring the teacher and ask them to give me the part.”
As a parent, all I wanted was for him to be happy. My heart ached. But I said no. I told him, “You must work for the part. You can’t just get it because you want it, you’ve got to earn it.”
He cried most of that evening and I don’t think it was just about not getting the part, it was the embarrassment, the disappointment, and the expectations he’d built up in his mind. It might have seemed like a small thing from the outside, but for him, it was a big lesson.
As parents, our instinct is to fix things. We want to protect them from pain, to make everything better. We want them to win at everything, even when they don’t. I love my children deeply, and yes, in my eyes, they are amazing.
But I’ve come to realise that preparing them for the real world is just as important as loving them fiercely. If they didn’t come first in a race, that’s okay. It’s okay to feel disappointed, but it’s also important not to lose hope. We shower them with love and affection, but we also use these moments to teach them. To show them that not winning this time doesn’t mean they won’t win next time. With renewed courage and perseverance, they absolutely can.
I’m not perfect in any way, and I have days where things feel testing and tough. But I’ve found that even in those moments, staying grounded helps. I’m not an expert just a parent sharing a personal reflection.
life doesn’t hand us everything. Yes, some people get lucky. But for most of us, we must work, fail, try again, and grow. And that’s okay. That’s life.
I remember years ago, starting out with just a mattress and a TV, now, I have a lovely home, two beautiful children, and a husband. And even when things feel tough, I know I’m lucky. I always remind myself to stay grounded and be humble.
Just yesterday, we were sitting around the dining table, talking about how far we’ve come. It was a moment of gratitude but also a reminder that our family life isn’t perfect. It’s not all roses. We have our tough times, our moments of struggle. We argue, we disagree and that’s only natural. I’m not perfect in any way, and I have days where things feel testing and overwhelming. But through it all, I try my best to stay true to myself. Yes, has a family we argue, but beneath it all, there’s love and care that hold us together.
On a final note, thinking back to the video, we all want nice things and there’s nothing wrong with that. Aesthetics are lovely, and it’s natural to appreciate beauty and comfort. But when we look back on life, it’s not the material things that truly matter it’s the moments. The laughter, the lessons, the love.
It’s important to have goals and high standards, to strive for the life we want. But in doing so, we should never forget where we’ve come from. Staying grounded and humble is everything. Because at the end of the day, the only person we truly need to please is ourselves.
If someone judges you based on your background or what you have or don’t have then it’s worth asking: Are they really your friend?
Personally, I’d rather have a few genuine friends who accept me for who I am than a crowd of people who are only around because of what I own or how I appear. Real connection isn’t built on appearances it’s built on authenticity, kindness, and shared values.
when you really think about friendship, it becomes clear just how important it is to be mindful of who you surround yourself with. That’s a whole conversation; one I could probably write a whole piece. Honestly, a little card reading might’ve been easier than unpacking all of this! 😄
Have a good day all 😊