{"id":2958,"date":"2015-09-03T15:55:47","date_gmt":"2015-09-03T15:55:47","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/awaywego.carnival.com\/?p=2958"},"modified":"2023-06-30T18:33:02","modified_gmt":"2023-06-30T18:33:02","slug":"the-main-thing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.carnival.com\/awaywego\/cruising-fun\/what-to-expect\/the-main-thing","title":{"rendered":"The Main Thing"},"content":{"rendered":"

The other day I was scrolling through some old photos on my phone, and I came across some baby photos of my oldest daughter (who is now 4.5 years old). I remembered how her birth changed my life for the better and how I promised that I would be the best daddy I could possibly be for her. Then, due to two different reasons, the emotional floodgates opened.<\/p>\n

The first reason is one that all parents can relate to: time goes by so fast. I remember the late night bottle feedings and diaper changes as if they happened yesterday and now I\u2019m preparing school lunches. Before I know it, she\u2019ll be dating, off to college, finding a career, and starting a life of her own. As my mom once told me, \u201cIn parenting, the days are long, but the years are short.\u201d So true.<\/p>\n

The second reason is a personal one: did I keep my promise to her that I\u2019d be the best daddy I could possibly be? All things considered, I know I\u2019m pretty good at the fatherhood thing \u2013 but I always wonder if I can do more for my two girls. Maybe I could spend less time on social media or writing articles and focus more on the moments that come and go so quickly. Maybe I could listen more and talk less. Maybe I could stop saying, \u201churry up\u201d to my daughters, because the universe has a funny way of speeding things up before you can blink an eye.<\/p>\n

One of my favorite quotes is this:\u00a0The main thing is to ensure that the main thing always remains the main thing.<\/p>\n

\"Man<\/a><\/p>\n

I’ve been so focused on writing good blog posts, being active on social media, and being an advocate for good dads everywhere,\u00a0that sometimes I lose sight of the main thing. The main thing is togetherness and always\u00a0being the best man I can be for my family.<\/p>\n

\n

Plan a getaway<\/h2>\n eastern Caribbean cruise<\/a>, I took them up on it instantly because I knew it would be a great way to focus on \u201cthe main thing.\u201d My cell phone wasn\u2019t ringing, my computer stayed home, and it was just about enjoying the company of the people who matter the most in my life. Specifically, it was a great way to focus on my daughters and enjoy quality time with them without dealing with the hustle and bustle of daily life in California.<\/p>\n

Do you know what the most valuable resource in the world is? Time. It\u2019s the only resource that we cannot get back once we give it, so we should never take it for granted. I cannot stress this enough – please hug your loved ones, tell them how much you love them,\u00a0and remember that they will always be your main thing, no matter what life throws at you (or them). And finally, if you want to focus on your \u201cmain thing\u201d during a vacation, do yourself a favor and do it on a Carnival cruise. Personally, I had the time of my life and I have a feeling you would as well.<\/p>\n

\n

This post was created for Away We Go with Carnival<\/a>, the destination for getting in the getaway state of mind.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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