Marriage Is Work, But It’s Worth It
Marriage isn’t just love and laughter—it’s work, arguments, mental health struggles, and the choice to keep showing up. We’ve had our share of messy moments, but like Dan and Roseanne Conner, we always circle back to each other. One thing I’ve learned—never leave without saying goodbye. A moment of silence between you and your partner could be the last. So hug, say ‘I love you,’ even if you’re mad. Because you never know when that will be your final moment together.
Me, Myself, and Bipolar 2
I was diagnosed with Bipolar II a year ago, but the signs have been with me for as long as I can remember. In this post, I open up about how the disorder affects my thoughts, relationships, and daily routines—especially now, as I try to manage without therapy. From mistrust and emotional burnout to fast-moving thoughts and possible ADHD symptoms, this is my ongoing story of learning, unlearning, and holding on.
Parenting the Child in Front of Me, Not the One in My Head
Parenting isn’t about fitting kids into a plan or checklist. It’s about seeing who they really are and meeting them where they’re at. Today, on my first bio kid’s 13th birthday, I’m reminded how important it is to let go of expectations and just be present for the person they’ve become.
My Temple, My Canvas
Tattoos aren’t just ink—they’re stories. They’re the visible reminders of love, loss, fatherhood, survival, and everything in between. From a mermaid representing my wife to seahorses symbolizing each of my kids, my sleeve isn’t just art—it’s my life, my legacy, my heart on display. Every tattoo I wear tells a piece of the journey I’ve walked, and none of it is meant to fade.
To My Wife: The Heart of Our Family
My wife works nights, goes to school full-time, and still shows up for our family every day. While I take care of things at home, she supports me and holds us together with her strength and love. This post is about everything she does and how much she means to us.
How I Broke the Cycle and Started Healing
For most of my life, survival was my default. I carried trauma like a second skin, always unseen, but always present. I wore the mask of functionality so well that even those closest to me never guessed the depth of my pain. But eventually, the weight became too much. I broke, not with a bang, but in a slow, quiet unraveling. What followed wasn’t easy. It was raw, messy, and full of grief for the person I’d been pretending to be. But it was also the start of something new. This is the story of how I stopped hiding, asked for help, and began the long, hard work of healing, which is still in progress. If you’ve ever felt like you’re too far gone to come back, this is for you.
Recent Posts
Marriage Is Work, But It’s Worth It
Marriage Is a Two-Way Street Marriage is a give-and-take situation—something that’s taken me years to understand fully and even longer to appreciate. My wife, Melanie, has worked two jobs for most of our time together. That kind of work ethic doesn’t just stop. When...
Me, Myself, and Bipolar 2
If you read my first blog post or know me well, a little over a year ago, I was officially diagnosed with Bipolar 2 Disorder. I say officially because after doing therapy and learning about the signs, I’ve seen the signs most of my life. Long before anyone gave it a...
Parenting the Child in Front of Me, Not the One in My Head
Like many, at one time, I was doom-scrolling through Facebook early in the morning and came across a meme with a quote that stuck with me like a guide: ‘Parent the child in front of you, not the one in your head.’ This quote is one from Dr. Shefali. As a dad to...
My Temple, My Canvas
A Brantley Gilbert song that came out last year stands out and hits home with me every time I hear it, which is often. “Tattoos.” It’s one of those songs that hits differently when you’ve lived a little. It’s not just about the ink on the skin. It’s about what that...
To My Wife: The Heart of Our Family
This post is written in honor of my wife, who is graduating this month with her Master’s in Nursing as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner from the University of North Dakota. It’s a milestone that represents not just academic achievement but years of...
How I Broke the Cycle and Started Healing
When I Finally Asked for Help There wasn’t one big breaking point—just an extended quiet collapse. It was like a hundred little cracks, that finally gave way. I was tired all the time. Numb. Angry. Not just worn out from parenting or life’s usual stress, but deeply...