Letters To My Son

The key here is perspective. By asking yourself whether something will matter in one, three or five years, you’re able to put things into context and see the bigger picture. It helps you to not sweat the small stuff and focus your energy on what truly matters in the long run - your relationships, your goals, and your overall happiness.

You see, it’s not enough to merely exist - to drift through life like a leaf in the wind, tossed this way and that by the whims of fate. No, to truly live, to embody that great consciousness of life, one must embrace life with all that uncertainty and complexities, And meet each moment with an open heart and a tireless and fearless spirit.

But memory is more than just a journey into the past. It is a transformative force that imbues the present with depth and meaning. When we allow ourselves to be fully present, to immerse ourselves in the richness of the moment, we unlock the full potential of our experiences. Every sight, every sound, every sensation becomes heightened, infused with the resonance of memories past, and the promise of memories yet to come.

“Be careful how you are talking to yourself, because you are listening” serves as a powerful reminder of the influence our inner dialogue holds over our lives. By cultivating self-awareness, practicing self-compassion, fostering, a positive mindset, and empowering ourselves, we can harness the power of self-talk for success, fulfillment and personal growth.

Do not squander this precious gift. Do not fritter away your days in idleness or indifference. Instead, seize each moment with fervor and passion, embracing life in all its splendor and chaos. Do not allow fear, or doubt to paralyze you, nor the shackles of conformity to bind you. Break free from the chains that tether you to the ordinary, and forge your own path, guided by the flame of your heart’s desire.

Think of your attention as a precious currency. Just as you wouldn’t squander your hard earned money on frivolous purchases, you shouldn’t squander your attention on things that don’t truly matter. This means learning to prioritize what is truly important to you, what aligns with your values, goals, and aspirations, and letting go of the rest. But knowing what to overlook goes beyond just prioritization. It also requires a certain level of emotional intelligence, the ability to discern between what is worth getting upset over and what is not, what is worth holding onto and what is better left behind.

This present moment is your opportunity—your only opportunity—to connect with your life. It's easy to get caught up in the busyness of everyday life, to be constantly thinking about the past or worrying about the future. But the reality is that the only moment we truly have is right now, this very instant that you are experiencing as you listen to these words.

You see, the good in you, the kindness, the compassion, the strength—it can never be taken away. It's a flame that burns eternal within your soul, a light of hope that guides you through even the darkest of nights. Yes, there may be times when you feel like it was stolen from you, like a thief in the night robbing you of your innocence, your joy, your belief in humanity. But trust me when I say this: the good in you is still there, shining brightly like a diamond amidst the rough.

I want you to ponder deeply on these words: when you look in the mirror, what do you see? Do you see the real you, or what you have been conditioned to believe is you? The two are so, so different. When you stand before that reflective surface, what gazes back at you? Is it truly the essence of your being, your souls reflection, or is it a mirror projection of the societal constructs, the labels, and limitations imposed upon you?

The world seems to be spinning faster than ever before, where every headline screams of conflict and discord, it's easy to feel overwhelmed, lost in the noise. But within this cacophony lies an opportunity—a chance to carve out your own space of tranquility, a refuge from the storms that rage around us.

When I faced my demons it’s not just that I became free of them, they lifted me up. I’ve been running away from the very pieces that I needed most. This armor is a million mistakes, a million tragedies, letdowns and lessons, friendships betrayed, rejection and disappointment but because of them my world is limitless.

When your determination changes, everything will begin to move in the direction you desire. The moment you resolve to be victorious, every nerve and fiber in your being will immediately orient itself toward your success.

Every day we face an array of choices and opportunities, and it is in these moments that our true selves are revealed. Whether it is a mundane chore or an ambitious project, the level of effort and enthusiasm we invest reflects our commitment to growth and self-improvement.

Apologizing for prioritizing ourselves is a behavior deeply ingrained in many of us. We feel the need to justify our decisions and actions, seeking the approval of others. There’s no need to apologize for putting ourselves first. By removing the word “sorry” from our self-prioritization equation, we reclaim the power over our choices and acknowledge that our needs are valid and worthy of consideration.

The world may beckon with its sirens of success, urging us to chase the mirage of monetary triumphs. But amid the flurry of pursuits, it is easy to lose sight of what truly matters. Our children’s eyes hold a mirror reflecting the authenticity of our love. No number can quantify the value of quality time spent with them, nurturing their dreams, and being the pillar of strength they need.

It’s OK to look back to your past and acknowledge something beautiful happened, but don’t get stuck there. It’s no longer where you live. You live in the present and your future demands that you be there. Remember, we can do hard things. Hold onto that.

The cave will test you, challenge you, and demand your resilience, but within its depths lies the essence of your potential. It holds the strength that will push you beyond your limits, the wisdom that will guide you through obstacles, and the self-belief that will light your path even in the darkest of moments.

Today, I stand before you with a profound realization. I no longer want us to bear the weight of life’s journey alone, feeling the burden of navigating success, failure, marriage, divorce, fatherhood, sickness, and all of life’s events in silence. Together, we can break free from the chains of isolation and create a new paradigm of shared experiences.

In the depths of pain lies the potential for a profound healing. Embrace your wounds, for they are not a sign of weakness but a testament to your resilience. Let them be the catalyst for growth and transformation, guiding you towards a place of strength and empowerment.

Choosing not to quit is not a guarantee that the road will be easy. No, it will undoubtedly be filled with obstacles and setbacks. But with each challenge you overcome, you gain strength, wisdom, and the unwavering believe that you are capable of achieving anything you set your mind to.

All I’m doing is reminding you how incredible you are, how much you’ve already overcome and how capable you are of conquering whatever is next.

“If you’re going to lose a fight, make sure the other person thinks twice before fighting you again.

As time passed, humanity evolved, and we became more than just mere survivors. We started to think about the future and plan for it. We began to set goals and work towards them. We started to think of ourselves as travelers, moving through time, going somewhere.

“Even as babies, we created fictional characters and situations that caused fear. And this is exactly how fear manifests itself throughout our lives. Every fearful or anxious thought we ever had or will ever have is created by us.”

Sometimes it’s hard to look around and find a reason to be optimistic, to understand or comprehend WHY. But what we’ll find is that if we look hard enough immersed in the uncertainty, the disruption and in some cases, the tragedy - there’s something to be gained.

“Let’s be the ones racing onto the track to be there for our loved ones who might have stumbled and hurt themselves. Let’s be strong enough to accept help from others and when we stumble and injure ourselves.”

Pain can break us or make us wiser. Suffering can destroy us or make us stronger. Fear can cripple us, or it can make us more courageous. It is resilience that makes the difference. Nothing lasts forever. And this too shall pass.

And the enemy is always watching. Waiting. Looking for that moment of weakness. Looking for you to exhale, set your weapon down, and close your eyes, even for just a moment. And that’s when they attack. So don’t ever be finished.

When you have immersed yourself in that which you love - time is your heartbeat. And when you have not, it’s a subtle warning sign whispering of roads untraveled and gifts unopened, singing reminders that you must realign that time can’t ever be stockpiled or saved. It’s loyal to no one person.

Do you know what it is to write and direct for yourself? I like to think consciously about my own story, the parable of my life, especially now than I am well into my final act. I intend it to be all about love.

“You can choose to follow your heart always. Then you can be in the middle of hell and still experience inner peace and happiness. You can stay in your state of bliss, and hell will not affect you at all.”

Do you notice the beat of your heart, the comfort of a hot shower, or the milk in the refrigerator? They won’t be appreciated if you don’t pay attention to them. When did you last tell yourself, “thank God my heart is beating.”

When two people have very different values or beliefs, it can be difficult to resolve conflict. It is important to remember that conflict is a normal part of any relationship. The key is to learn how to resolve conflict in a healthy way. It is possible for oil and water in a relationship to work.

We live in a culture that barrages us with images of a life, that all smart, attractive, successful, or otherwise good people are entitled to live. It’s a life of wealth, physical beauty, perfect careers, great health, abundant comfort, and lots of blissful photos online to prove it. Because of this, entitlement runs rampant.

Our struggle with impermanence, causes much, if not all, of our suffering. We don’t want things to change, we want things to be the way we want them. And when they are not, we’re stressed out, frustrated, disappointed, grieving, mourning, wishing things were different.

The only thing a person can ever really do is keep moving forward. Take a big leap forward without hesitation, without once looking back. Simply forget the past and forge toward the future. I know it’s easier said than done.

Focus on what you can offer the world. Leave behind your self-centered concerns about whether your job is just right. Instead, keep your head down and plug away at getting really damn good at what you do. No one owes you a great career. You need to earn it and the process won’t be easy.

You choose the happiness of this moment, over the pain of the past. You are in charge of how you feel, and today you are choosing happiness. You deserve to have an amazing life. You are here to live, not just exist.

Give your emotions her name. Let your mind and body know that it’s safe for you to see what hasn’t been seen, to feel what hasn’t been felt, to voice what hasn’t been said. Move toward yourself, not away from pain.

You deserve more than a chapter. You deserve to be the book they can’t stop reading. Let it hurt. Let it heal. Let it go.

Cutting people out of your life, doesn’t mean you hate them, it simply means your respect yourself. Not everyone is meant to stay. It is time to write a new story.

“Make your core principles, and come up with your own oath to self. Make sure it is aspirational, and that it challenges you to strive and achieve, and live by it every day”.

We create the situation, and then we give our power away by blaming the other person for our frustration. No person, no place, and no thing has any power over us, for we are the only thinkers in our mind. Our thoughts and beliefs are not set in stone. We could always choose to change them if they are not serving us in a positive way.

The challenges we face In life can help us to grow and become stronger. It also highlights the importance of remaining vigilant and adaptable, even during times of prosperity. By recognizing the cyclical nature of history, and embracing the lessons of the past, we can help to create a better future for ourselves and for those around us.

We exchange a promise with our partner to be there for each other, knowing that we are not perfect, knowing that we will screw up and make mistakes. But it does not give us a free pass. Marriage means making an effort to resolve conflicts, effectively, to be honest, and kind, to appreciate each other.

“Security is mostly a superstition. It does not exist in nature, nor do the children of men as a whole experience it. Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing”. - Helen Keller.

Life is a gift. It’s a gift when things are hard. It is a gift when they are easy, it is always a gift. So don’t let your losses define you. If you get back up, it is nothing short of a victory.

When it hurts, know that it’s hurt worse and you’ve persevered. When you experience loss, know that it’s not about what’s gone, but what you now have, and will keep with you forever and most importantly, know that you can always step into a new pair of shoes. You can always reinvent, re-create, you are never defined by something that happened in the past.

Maybe you’ll have a revelation, an aha moment. But you have to make yourself ready to listen. The calling that you here is often the echo of your own efforts. You want to know what your purpose is. I can’t tell you. I can tell you that, whatever it is, you’ll have to work for it. Your purpose will not be found; it will be forged.

“Frankl came to see that his unfinished work kept him sane. Mental health is based on a certain degree of tension, the tension between what one has already achieved, and what one still ought to accomplish, or the gap between what one is and what one should become”.