The One with Ahmads Sling Diaries: On Strength

To my Adam,

If there’s one phrase you’ll hear over & over during your existence, it’s that life is hard If i must say one thing to you its life is hard! And it’s true, but not because of what you hope to accomplish in it. I want you to have the strength to be happy no matter how your accomplishments line up. Instead, life is hard because dealing with people is hard.

In your lifetime you’re going to me all sorts of people from all walks of life. You’ll meet intelligent people who challenge you mentally, good hearted people who challenge you spiritually, devious people who test your patience & cunning. But it’s the finesse you must have in dealing with those many faces and personalities that will define your strength. Who you give your trust to is where your strength lies. Keep your circle tight, but keep yourself tolerant.

Your mom and I will raise you to be kind to those who need it. Which, coincidentally, is everyone. Everyone deserves your kindness, but be strong enough to make sure your kindness isn’t taken advantage of. I have learned that in my years of life that as good as people can be, not everyone thinks about kindness the same way. But your strength is that you will think of it as of the utmost importance.