Hey Kid,
Let me tell you. The world will attempt to pick you apart in every way it can. And if you let it, it will.
Trust me on this, enemies will come, friends will go, sometimes the former becoming the latter and visa versa. There is no predicting what the future holds and what life will throw your way. If you do manage to find a true friend though, one maybe two, hold them dear. In this world, A true friend is worth his or her weight in gold. One of the rarest things on earth. Treasure them and soak up every moment you have together.
Anyhow, the world will do its best to break you down. And when I talk about the world, I’m really speaking about humans. Despite their best intentions, most men cannot help themselves. They are far too concerned with all sorts of unimportant things. Things like fame, ego, power and status. Most men are desperate for the day they are thrust upon on a pedestal. perceived relevance. This way, from their limited perspective, they are able to look down on everyone else beneath them. For most men this is life’s ultimate satisfaction. Don’t get me wrong, there is the rare exception, but I have seen it time and time again. Men that abuse power in every way they can, even the most unexpected of them. As i’ve always said, a man’s character is best revealed, not when he is a follower, but when he has all the power. Most men are not able to handle it. Power that is.
It is these men, worldly ones, indoctrinated in the way of being “real” men, that will attempt to bring you down. But they will also try to build you up too. Beware of this tactic, as mostly they will do so, not for your best interest, but only to project themselves further up the latter. In other words, they will use and abuse everyone beneath them, so they can stand taller. Know this truth and you can never become someone’s stool. Such wisdom of the ways of men will allow you the freedom to choose, whether or not you want to play a part in their game or walk away. Remember, you can always choose to sit out. You can always stand up and fight too. there is no right or wrong, just whatever you decide. And remember there is no shame in playing the game so long as you know which game you are playing, but do be careful.
So here’s my advice, if that’s what you’d like to call it. because after all, you are my kid brother. Don’t allow anyone to break you down or build you up. Just stay the same. Grounded. Know who you are and what you stand for. At the same time, hold your stances lightly as they will always be in flux. be ready to move. Trust me on this one, what you believe, or think you believe today, will not be the same tomorrow, let alone ten years from now. After all, the only constant in your life will be change. One of the greatest compliments you can receive is when someone says that you are no longer the same. “Good!” you should say. What do they expect? But as much as you do change, find a way to stay strong and balanced. As I said, like the ground you stand upon. Solid as. And embrace contradiction, but perhaps I’ll elaborate on that one more in my next letter.
Only Love,
Benny