The first step is putting yourself out there and letting the world see you, I read the entire thing and your on the right track. Sometimes its the little things that make the difference and to start with the kids is golden. Find your peace and happiness thru them, take them out and see the world. So many beautiful things to see on this earth, get one with the nature. So many things to see, that we take our sight for granted, our hearing too for our surrounds. Hiking has helped me a lot on finding meaning. That's where I have also found peace. Also congrats on the Non smoking, I quit cold turkey 10+ years ago, don't even remember when, its been so long. Don't give up and all you can do from here is Strive for Greatness.......
As long as your being you and writing from your heart to mind, good people will come into your life and here on Steemit.....