Welcome to the world, little man. You are a miracle of God, bringing two families together and creating a precious baby boy. With all the resources and aspirations to make a difference in the world, what an opportunity it is to be born into a middle-class family in the 60s, a time of unprecedented growth and limitless possibilities.

Parents want the best for you, and the opportunities are endless. All you need to do is apply yourself and follow your parents’ guidance, as they know best.

However, life is not always easy, and no one asked or tried to discover your natural talents or strengths. As Rumi wisely said, children are gifts given to parents to be custodians, but they are not theirs to possess. Each child has their own unique path and purpose on earth. Parents should nurture their natural abilities, and they will discover their reason for living.

Unfortunately, if these skills are not nurtured and children are forced or coerced into areas that do not bring them fulfillment or where they cannot excel, not every child is destined to become a lawyer, doctor, or Indian chief. These children may end up feeling depressed and unhappy, seeking joy in all the wrong places.

Some children, like me, develop low self-esteem and never feel good enough. They perceive themselves as complete failures, even with evidence of their achievements, yet they are unable to recognize their worth.

When parents place high expectations on their children in the hope of giving them the best, it can lead to disappointment and pain for both the parent and the child.

Overcoming the feeling of not being worthy is a challenging task. Life has a way of reflecting our self-perception. Every setback reinforces negative self-talk, while successes are met with disbelief. Even compliments are dismissed as mere niceties rather than genuine recognition.

Negative self-talk and low self-esteem are constant companions, but I’ve discovered that leaning on God makes them bearable. I know that the Lord doesn’t make mistakes, and if He still needs me on this earth, I continue to rise each morning with gratitude and an expectation to make a difference, both in small and significant ways. I listen to the still small voice for guidance, courage, and faith to follow His direction. God is good.