Chapter 1: A Milestone Reached

This month marks a significant milestone as my son turns one year old. Time has truly flown by. Recently, I relocated with him and his mother back to the college town where we first met. She’s preparing to resume her studies after taking a year off to care for our child. From the start, we agreed that, despite our uncertainties and the unexpected nature of our journey, she would go back to school to complete her degree — even if it meant I would spend less time with our little one.

What seemed to be the right choice then remains valid now, though it doesn’t lessen the reality that I will miss seeing him as frequently. I can observe his personality blossoming rapidly — he’s crawling swiftly, climbing onto beds, and is it typical for babies to be this sharp?

Section 1.1: Discovering the Silver Lining

I often catch myself waiting for the ideal moment to embark on new ventures, fully aware that it’s a futile pursuit. However, amidst my current circumstances, I’ve uncovered a silver lining: I’m a new father with a year ahead that I can devote almost entirely to myself. Any new parent understands that when a child arrives, personal self-care tends to fall by the wayside. I have an opportunity to make the most of a challenging situation. Here’s what I aspire to achieve:

Subsection 1.1.1: A Promise to My Son

Son, I assure you that financial struggles will not define us.

As the eldest child of first-generation immigrant parents, I always felt the weight of expectations to change the family’s future. I’ve accomplished most of my responsibilities — maintaining good grades, securing a solid education, and landing a stable job. Now, it’s crucial for me to ensure our financial security.

Money has often been a contentious topic within my family, especially between my parents and myself. I understand their viewpoint, shaped by experiences in a country with differing economic challenges. Nevertheless, I believe a new strategy is essential for success here.

I recently completed reading Dave Ramsey’s Total Money Makeover. I grew weary of devoting a significant portion of my paycheck to the debts incurred by a younger, less responsible version of myself. Despite having a good job, valuable internships, and decent earnings on paper, I felt trapped in a paycheck-to-paycheck cycle.

I’ll delve into this further in another article, but for now, here’s my pledge to you: Son, I have a year to reshape my relationship with money and establish habits that will alter our futures. I will live this way today so that we can enjoy a better life going forward. I aim to create a legacy where your children and their children will experience a different reality.

Chapter 2: Pursuing Inner Peace

Son, I vow to work towards inner peace.

My internal state has often felt tumultuous this past year as I adjust to fatherhood, new living situations, and this new chapter in my life. I yearn to calm the storm within and explore the depths of what lies beneath.

I’ve experienced moments of tranquility that have revealed the beauty residing within me. It’s an endless source of strength, peace, and, most importantly, love.

My beloved son, beyond being your father, a friend, and a mentor, I aspire to guide you towards the beauty that exists in all of us. To do this honorably, I recognize that I must pursue it myself.

The world is a magnificent place, and I want you to see it as I do. I will embark on my spiritual journey to become a beacon of light for you, demonstrating that goodness can always be found.

I love you dearly, my little one.

-Papa