Life Archives

17,897 Days

As I look back on another year, these reflections on turning 49 feel different from any milestone before. This birthday isn’t just about the “Week of Ben” celebrations, it’s about perspective. From conversations with Kailyn about life and death, to lessons on why time feels faster as we age, to the simple rules I try to live by, this is my chance to capture a snapshot of where I am today. A life lived at 110%, full of memories, friendships, and gratitude, and a reminder that every year adds wisdom, permanence, and new reasons to be thankful.

13 Years Later: The Breakup That Built Me

The past month has marked a significant positive shift for the author, who reflects on a tumultuous journey spanning 13 years since a painful breakup. Through personal struggles, including losing touch with loved ones and financial instability, the author recounts the challenges faced during and after the separation. Initially feeling broken but ultimately not destroyed, the author learned to navigate single parenthood and challenges while prioritizing mental health through therapy. By embracing small, sustainable changes, the author has rebuilt their life and continues to evolve. The experience has fostered a newfound appreciation for self-worth and meaningful relationships, ultimately leading to personal growth and happiness.

Change

Change is something that is almost inevitable. Death and Taxes . . . and change. Personally, I fight change every day. I like consistency, but no matter how hard I try, change occurs daily.

Mistakes. It’s Not Too Late.

The author reflects on mistakes made across his life, emphasizing the unpredictability of life and the importance of learning from mistakes for growth. He provides intimate examples including remaining single for his daughter and suppressing past pain. He advises readers to seize the moment, express love openly, and be willing to let go when needed, as part of his personal growth.

My Time

There have been many times in my life when I asked myself the question, “When will it be my time?” Most of the time, the

Chapters In Books On My Bookshelf

I’ve always looked at my life as a series of books sitting on a bookshelf. Mind you, my book shelf is getting dustier and dustier the older I get, but I’ve always thought of my words, actions, and decisions as being collected in multiple books, sitting on a shelf for only me to see.

Perspective

Perspective is something that’s difficult to see/understand because when you’re “in the moment”, it’s difficult to see your life and experience unbiased. It’s something that

Finding My Way Back To Happiness

Since my separation, I’ve been chasing happiness and can’t seem to find it. There’s just something missing and I can’t put my finger on it. This blog will probably leave you with more questions than answers, but I thought I’d pick apart my present journey to find happiness.

What If?

“What if?” Is one of the phrases I fear the most and I love the most. I don’t want to live my life wondering “what if?”, but I do want to dream “what if”. I can live with “what is”, “what can be”, and “what could be”, but not a past “what if?”

Happy Birthday Kailyn!

Every year Kailyn gets older, and every year I talk about how THIS year was the best year, and this year is no exception. Here’s a little not that I hope she’ll read someday about what it’s like to be her daddy.