As developers I know we have a habit of just digging in and working endlessly.
We do it for passion, we do it for fun, we do it when we're bored... for a pay check.
But after a while, we forget to take breaks, to stop and smell the roses.
My son is laying in the hospital with a life altering illness, with the possibility of him never coming home.
It's brought a lot to us, stress, hurt, fear... love, closeness and awareness.
He's only 4 years old but he's been through more in life than most will. Even in his situation he still stops to smile, to do our family fist bump.
He finds the joy in what he's passionate about, which is Spiderman and Lego Ninjago.
He's taught me a valuable lesson, which I hope to spread the message. No matter what you do in life, how hard it is, there is always time to smile and truly spend a few minutes enjoying what it is that makes you happy.
So today, take the time to do what you enjoy. Even if it is coding, do with with the mindset that you get to code, not that you have to code.
Stop and count your blessings. Are you able to work with what you love? Can you help others? Share your creations? Learn each and every day.
Don't let your passion and joy be dimmed by the daily grind. If you feel frustrated, annoyed or discouraged, it is most likely that you've forgotten to stop and smell the roses... or stop and have "spiderman time" as my son puts it.
There are simple steps you can take to re-find the joy and it's probably so simple that it escaped your thoughts.
It starts with being kind, because when you're kind, you tend to be happier and when you are happier, you take better care of yourself and you feel better about yourself.
When you feel better about yourself, it changes your mindset, and gives you a view that what you're doing is worth while.
So here are a few things to help you reset your situation and get back on track.
- Reach out to a friend and say something nice to them.
- Ask someone if they would like to talk, which includes hearing them but also talking about yourself.
- Write down 5 things you're grateful for (roof over head, cloths on back, food in belly, phone, code, air, ground to walk on, ability to walk..., anything really)
- Thank yourself for being you
- Tell yourself you're awesome and you're loved
- Message me, and I'll give you a compliment or share something of yours with me and I'll tell you how great that it is.
Then go back to your project and view it in a positive manor. Have fun with it.
You deserve to be happy, we all do. It starts now, take the steps.
Top comments (22)
Man I love your blog posts, so sad to hear about your son, all my best wishes for your son and your family.
Great reminder that we should take a little time to appreciate the luck we have, the confort, the good situation, and the great people around us. Thank you for that, really appreciate the reminder and the tips to stay positive!
Thank you Khalyomede, I've very happy to hear you find my post useful! And thank you for the kind words. We all have an opportunity to lift each other up, so why not? Have a great day!
I have never replied to a thread here...but this one is different. I find it hard to believe that the world needs one more opinion from a front-end engineer, especially one that is still learning so much, but this is worthwhile.
I have two kids and made the crazy decision to become a developer about five years ago. I have put in some insane hours knocking out tutorials, preparing for interviews, and finessing the code to get it where it needs to be.
At the end of it all, what matters most is not my (im)perfect code, but itâs them; my kids. Itâs my wife. Itâs smiles and moments that many would call frivolous.
I canât imagine what you are going through, but please know your family is in prayers. Thank you for sharing some perspective; your perspective. We all can use more of it. đ
I am glad that I could help remind you what is really important. I great appreciate the prayers. I also appreciate the kind words. Thank you. Have a great day!
I hope the little man gets better soon, wishing for the best for you and your family. HOPING FOR THE BEST â€ïž
Thank you Abiel, We are too. Have a great day!
Sending my best wishes to you and your family. I hope you and your son get many more years of "Spiderman time" together â€ïž
Thank you Connor, I do too. Have a great day!
Hope your son gets better! Also sending the best your way! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you Michael, and no problem! have a great day!
Hello, thank you for the positive words and my best wishes are for your son and family.
Peaceđ
You're welcome Mohammad. And you thank you. I hope you have a great day!
Pray your son gets better. Sending my best your way!
Thank you so much. He needs them. Also you have a great day!
I am so sorry for your young boy. I wish that he gets back home and get together with you. Thank you very much that you forwarded the lesson to us. Have faith!
thank you very much A.J. I will continue to have faith! I hope you have a great day.
Thanks for sharing it such a loveable post, it reminds me to appreciate what I have. I'll include the little boy to my prayers, Hope he gets better soon.
Thank you Kenthmordecai, I hope you have a great day.
Thanks for the reminder, it was definitely needed.
Best of luck on your side.
Thank you Jaaki, have a great day!