Lost and Found Dad: A Journey Begins
One step at a time
I am a dad, first and foremost, to a beautiful boy. When my son was born, my life changed forever. For the first time, I experienced a genuine, unconditional love for another human being. It was a love so powerful that it caused me to reflect deeply on what it meant to be a good father. But being present for my son and my then-wife wasn’t easy.
I worked in an all-consuming role in home care, supporting older people in their own homes—a rewarding but demanding job. My son was born during COVID, and like so many others at that time, we faced a lack of support. I’m sure many of you can relate to how isolating and challenging that period was.
I often found myself reflecting on the love I felt towards my son and, at the same time, grappling with a sense of longing. I couldn’t explain the growing hole inside me—a deep ache that seemed to widen with each passing day.
These reflections became a wedge that opened my heart and eyes to where I truly was in my life. I vividly remember going for a run one Saturday morning, shortly after my son was born, and falling to the ground sobbing. I no longer knew who I was. That moment—raw and unfiltered—was a turning point. A call deep inside urged me to take action. It wasn’t clear then, but looking back, becoming a father set me on a path to discovering who I truly am.
This year, my wife and I separated. She has been, and continues to be, an incredible partner—generous, supportive, and understanding. I am deeply grateful that we co-parent our son with the love and attention he deserves.
Despite this, navigating separation as a father has brought its own challenges. I know that for many, maintaining a positive relationship post-separation does not even feel like an option. Often, there’s little to no relationship left when couples part on bad terms. The emotional impact on both you, your partner and your children in such cases can be even greater.
The emotions involved in separation can be overwhelming, sometimes too tangled to break down. Strong emotions often bring self-doubt, self-judgment, and feelings of failure—that you’ve let your loved ones down, made a mistake, or ruined everything for yourself and others. For me, it was doubly hard because we, as men, are often reluctant to share our troubles, fearing judgment or appearing weak.
If you’re anything like me, and have measured your life largely in the context of business success, you might find it difficult to bring up personal challenges with your peers. Especially in leadership roles, where you’re expected to bring energy and positivity to the workplace, you might feel the need to hide your emotions and struggles to avoid burdening others.
There are practical challenges too: running two homes, ferrying kids around, and taking on responsibilities that your spouse may have handled before.
This cycle continues until you reach a breaking point.
You arrive at a place where you feel utterly broken. It’s a frightening space—your old self no longer exists, yet your new self hasn’t fully arrived.
I spent a long time in this place. It was dark, lonely, and cold. I want to hold your hand with compassion as you go through, this is as much healing for me as it will be for you - I hope.
But here’s what I’ve learned: this place of exhaustion and fatigue is also where rebirth begins. And I want to tell you, you will be born again. It’s a process of accepting what is, accepting who you are, and allowing yourself to heal.
This journey isn’t linear; there will be setbacks, and that’s okay.
When I searched for guidance, I found very little. Resources for separated fathers, or even tools to explain family changes to young children, were scarce. My ex-wife and I did our best with what we had, but I often felt isolated in my struggles.
This space, Lost and Found Dad, is born out of that experience. It’s a place of support, inspiration, and hope for fathers navigating the overwhelming emotions of parenthood, separation, self-discovery, and the journey forward.
We’re setting out on this path together. You know you’re on the right path when, even if you don’t know exactly where it’s heading, something deep inside invites you to keep going. It’s the voice that has cared for you all your life—your true inner self—the part of you that loves you for who you are and watches over you as you grow.
Give yourself permission to be a place of love—for yourself and for your children.
Warmly,
Mahdi
What Subscribers Can Expect
For Free Subscribers:
A weekly post every Tuesday, where I’ll share reflections, helpful resources, and personal stories about fatherhood, separation, and self-discovery.
Inspiration and encouragement to help you on your journey, no matter where you are.
For Paid Subscribers:
Everything free subscribers receive, plus:
Exclusive live sessions where we can connect, share, and learn from one another.
Access to curated tools, including books, art, and practical guides to help deepen your connection with yourself and your children.
Invitations to private exhibitions showcasing art, music, and creative expressions that speak to the fatherhood journey.
For Founding Members:
All the benefits of free and paid subscribers, plus:
Invitations to day-long nature hikes with me and other Founding Members—a chance to recharge, reflect, and build meaningful connections in a wholesome and supportive environment.
Behind-the-scenes access to new projects and initiatives shaping Lost and Found Dad.
A direct channel to share your thoughts, ideas, and feedback to help shape the future of this community.
This community is for all of us—to inspire, support, and grow together. Thank you for being here.