I don’t know your story, nor do I claim to know everything in life, again, I’m human too and I’m still actively deciphering, but what I do know from first-hand trial-and-error and every set-back I’ve experienced to date is that you should never give up. Think of the people who truly care for you, your family, and close friends. You don’t want to hurt them, do you? The answer is no. Because honestly, no matter how bleak it may seem in the moment, just know, there is a lot of unexplored joy and magic that life still has to offer no matter where and what you may be unfortunately going through in this point in time in life. No one likes seeing a coward or constant self-pity. You are stronger and better than that. Period.

Sure – you may process your emotions and feel the anger, but ultimately, let me know when you are ready to be decisive on how will you turn your anger and channel it into a forever burning fire, so fierce, that it will only propel your drive and work ethic forward into eternal passion (and NOT hatred for evil)? It is a life-defining, responsible, ethical and moral decision you may only make yourself if you truly care to lead and become an agent of ethical change.

I don’t know about you, but in my book, now, that is a story worth living and retelling for centuries to come – a feel-good story of the protagonist defying the odds. Because, I care.

The emotions may come in waves, but know there is always hope even if it may seem impossible or disguised if you trust the process – in time.

Anger, pain, trauma, fear, helplessness, and forgiveness these are powerful human emotions that may make you feel numb or break you into a million shattered glass pieces in certain pivotal inflection points and major decisions in your life where your entire world may be flipped upside down, within your control OR not. Being aware or unknowing of the unknown, however it may be in your stage of your life, always remember, as dark or bleak any given situation may seem, “Life is a marathon and not a sprint.” So what does that mean, Alberto?

The sooner you realize for each adversity you overcome that you will only come out stronger and wiser, in time, you will also earn the right to have total control to how you react and the luxury to be able to ride out the waves and drown out the trivial noise(s).

Only if you continue to hold onto your core values/beliefs/principles and put in the work to power through the storm with optimism, will you become a better leader and fit to lead by example. I’m a firm believer everyone has a unique, individual superpower of themselves that will unlock their true potential once realized and nurtured. Knowing that, protect and cherish your superpower (FYI – mine is kindness 🍉 if you were curious). It will not be easy, but how you decide to respond and act accordingly in the face of adversity, for the positive greater good OR not, will actively define your character for many decades to come and earn you the luxury and rightful ability to say once all is said and done, “Legend has it, blah blah blah…,” so strive to be a good human being in a world of “Visual Chaos.”

Believe it or not, people are watching and for that reason alone, it is in your best interest, pride (head of the household), and duty to be a good role model to pay it forward to future generations of kids who were just like you so they don’t have to endure the same unfair pain you once felt wronged you in your life. There are no excuses, but to move forward. Period.

Life can be unfair at times, and that is OK. What is your gameplan? Mechanism? How will you carry yourself? Patience, because there is no rush. You have your entire lifetime ahead of you to sculpt and decide on your redemption arc + endgame, given you are no-longer in survival mode.

time truly heals if you put in the work. I am proof.

Anger is unique because it truly is a double-edged sword. There are just somethings that you are unable to control and are able to control in a point in time of your life, OR sometimes no one is truly to blame, OR sometimes it may be just grief, and that is OK too. The best you may be able to do in that point in time is to survive, and that is what it is too. Growing up is realizing not everything is black and white.

Realizing that it is OK to be human and acknowledge that those moments of weakness, scars, and vulnerability shouldn’t be looked poorly upon, rather be a source of power, strength, and a constant reminder of why you continuously strive to be strong in the present and not stray away from the path of good, where many have fallen to their demons, greed, and temptations, should bring you great joy, satisfaction, and purpose in life to move onwards and forward with tremendous pride.

Remember, with the opportunity to represent your family and community that fostered your growth in the present, comes great responsibility.