I know this is massively a first world problem, and that we are lucky in the grand scheme of things. We are healthy, comfortable and there is always food on the table. But I had a baby girl earlier this year and I keep thinking how my current life isn't what I dreamed of for my children.
I grew up in a big detached house just outside of a nice, tiny village. We didn't have a lot of "things" but looking back, my childhood was a dream. I remember how my surroundings and experiences captivated my imagination. Paddling in streams, tree houses, going to see the cows and horses. I thought that by now, I would have something similar for my own children... But we can only afford a terraced house in a very large, much less rural village a few miles away. We hear buses going past in the evening rather than an owl hooting. I miss it terribly myself, but I also feel so sad that my children will never get to look back on their childhood the way I do.
It's not money that I want, but unfortunately that's what we would need to get that sort of life (house). DH and I have both massively under-achieved career-wise despite being highly educated. Him because he found a job he absolutely loves but is poorly paid, and me because I have severe anxiety and have always let it hold me back.
Really not sure why I'm posting this, just having a reflective day.