It is hard for me to take my children to the swimming pool during the summer months. Within minutes of arriving, jealousy, anger, and sadness overcome me. For me, there is nothing that flaunts happiness and joy like the child-like father playing with his children in the pool.
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As I sit watching my children swimming, I can’t help but notice where the laughter is coming from. Even though it is painful, I can’t help but watch so many fathers laugh, smile, and lovingly splash their children. I see the swimming pool as the ultimate playground for an easy going father; it allows the childlike characteristics hidden within a caring dad to show without looking immature. Over the years, so many dads have made this part of fathering look so easy and carefree.

For the longest time, I misunderstood the importance of my anti-anxiety medicine. I was concerned that as a daughter of an alcoholic, I was trading my alcohol addiction for prescription medicine addiction. The devil’s voice in my head had a field day convincing me that I was trading one addiction for another. I felt defeated and weak since I was unable to handle this anxiety issue on my own.
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What I now realize is how far from the truth this is. My anti-anxiety medicine restores a chemical imbalance in my brain. Years and years of abuse re-wired my brain’s ability to function. My medicine is required to boost chemical imbalances in my head thus allowing me to function in this world.