On becoming a man!

This post was written by my sister to her son on his 18th birthday! It's one that needs ro be shared with all sons.

Nidhi Awasthi to Kanishk Bhatt!

AN OPEN LETTER TO MY SON ON HIS 18th BIRTHDAY

Today you've become a man.
At least you are the legal age of maturity according to our society. But becoming a man is more than reaching a milestone. It’s a process that began on that day eighteen years ago when you took your first breath and will continue....
Being a man is not about accomplishments, athletic prowess, mechanical ability or financial assets.
Being a man is more about character, compassion and courage. My darling son be a person of integrity who can be depended on. Have compassion by not only caring for others, but also demonstrating it by putting their best interests ahead of your own.Be that sort of man who has courage when he does what is right even when it's difficult. I believe you have come a long way along this journey to becoming this man...You have learned so much already. You show so much promise.
Here are some other truths that I have learned in my own journey as a human being...

Remember who you are. Decide your values and what is important to you and live them out. Don’t be afraid to be an individual.

Listen more than you speak. You will learn more by paying attention to what others have to say, and people appreciate being heard.
Be selfless. Let someone else have the nice chair, closer parking space or last slice. Look for simple ways to help others.

Keep your promises. Doing what you say you will do is a rare thing in our world today. It is one of the easiest ways to stand apart.

Be confident but stay humble. You can accomplish anything you put your mind to, so don’t doubt your abilities. On the other hand don’t think too highly of yourself.

There is no substitute for hard work. The process of working towards a goal is often as rewarding as the achievement itself.

Intelligence and wisdom are not the same. Intelligence is the ability to learn. Wisdom is using knowledge and experience to make good choices. You can be both.

Never stop learning. There’s a whole world to be explored beyond the classroom long after graduation.

Embrace “IT”. Whatever life throws at you, embrace. Change, obstacles, accomplishments, difficulties, adventures, success, failure are all opportunities to grow.
Enjoy the moment.

Love outrageously! Be a man who is known by his affections and his actions. Value your family and forge friendships that last.

These eighteen years you have been alive also happen to coincide with the best eighteen years of my life. That’s no coincidence. Your coming into this world has profoundly changed mine. No words can adequately describe my love, my pride and my hope for you. I am blessed to call you my son.
And today I am also pleased to call you a man. happy birthday my son.