Even at 43, I feel such fulfillment and a deep sense of beauty when I send my kids a text—without expectation—just to say how much I love them and how proud I am. Or when I surprise my little ones with an ice cream day, or a stuffed animal from the gas station—something simple. Or when I surprise my beautiful lady with a date night and a babysitter.

I understand there are people in life who are difficult to navigate around with kindness, and it’s not always expected—or even wise—to invest energy there. I fully support keeping the circle small. But when it comes to family, why not give without condition?

Can you take a moment to truly see those you care about as yourself? As someone who wakes up each day simply trying their best? To reach out to them from that perspective—without expectation, without performative kindness, patriotism, or pity. Just a simple, grounded sentiment: “Damn, life is hard. I see you. And when you raise your head from it all, I’m here.”

There is nothing more fulfilling or beautiful in my eyes