An open letter to my son

Dear son,

?As the year comes to a close, I want to take a moment to reflect on all that has happened and express my hope for the future. It has been a challenging year for all of us, but I am so proud of the strength and resilience you have shown in the face of adversity. These challenges may have been tough, but they have helped you grow and mature in ways that make me and the entire family incredibly proud.

I have noticed many positive changes in you lately, including your increased responsibility and your efforts to take care of your schoolwork, your room, and your relationships. You have also chosen good friends who are helping you become a better person, and I am grateful for that. I know that you have a bright future ahead of you, especially as you continue to excel in the Australian army cadets.

As you move forward, I want to offer you some advice that I hope will be helpful.

1. Always aim to be kind, respectful, and thoughtful towards others. By showing consideration for others, you can create positive relationships and make a positive impact on the world around you.
2. Use your words carefully and think about how they will affect others. By being mindful of your words, you can communicate effectively and avoid misunderstandings or hurt feelings.
3. If you make mistakes, don't be afraid to apologize and make amends. This shows integrity and a willingness to learn from your mistakes.
4. Remember that every problem eventually comes to an end, even if it doesn't have a straightforward solution. By staying hopeful and persevering, you can overcome challenges and move forward.
5. Approach problems with a loving and determined attitude. By approaching challenges with a positive mindset, you can find creative solutions and overcome obstacles.
6. Take care of yourself by making time for self-care. This can include activities like exercise and spending time with friends, which can help you recharge and feel more balanced.
7. Don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Whether it's from a trusted adult, a counselor, or a friend, seeking support can be a powerful way to care for yourself and overcome challenges.
8. Offer help to others when you see they need it. By being there for others, you can make a positive difference in their lives and strengthen your relationships.
9. Show kindness and compassion towards others. Small acts of kindness can have a big impact on others, and can also bring joy and fulfillment to your own life.
10. Set goals for yourself and work towards achieving them. Having a sense of purpose and direction can help you feel motivated and focused, and can also help you make progress in your personal and professional life.
11. Stay open to learning new things and trying new experiences. This can help you grow and develop as a person, and can also add excitement and variety to your life.
12. Maintain a positive attitude, even in difficult situations. By looking on the bright side and focusing on the good things in your life, you can stay motivated and find ways to overcome challenges.
13. Practice gratitude by focusing on the things you have to be thankful for. This can help you cultivate a sense of happiness and contentment, and can also help you appreciate the good things in your life.
14. Build and maintain strong relationships with the people in your life. Having supportive friends and family can be a great source of joy and can provide a sense of belonging and connection.

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I want also to remind you to always

1. Embrace your unique strengths and abilities, which set you apart from others. This will help you stand out and be confident in your abilities.
2. Remember that everyone has their own unique talents, and it's important to be proud of who you are. This will help you feel good about yourself and your place in the world.
3. Don't let your autism hold you back or make you feel bad about yourself. Instead, use the skills and abilities that come with it to your advantage. This will help you overcome any challenges and succeed in your pursuits.
4. Don't be afraid to ask for accommodations or support when you need it. This will help you feel confident and supported in your endeavors.
5. Believe in yourself and your abilities. This will give you the motivation and determination to succeed.
6. Use your unique strengths and abilities to set yourself apart from others. This will help you stand out and be noticed for your skills and talents.
7. Don't let anyone else define you or limit your potential. This will help you feel in control of your own life and future.
8. Embrace your individuality and use it to your advantage. This will help you be confident and successful in all that you do.

I know my son that you give a great importance to your faith and your family, so I hope that you

1. Keep faith in Allah at the center of your life, and seek guidance from Him in all that you do. Remember that He is always with you, providing strength and support in times of need.
2. Remember that your family is always there for you, providing love, support, and encouragement. Spend quality time with them and make an effort to strengthen your relationships. They are a source of strength and belonging, and will always be there to support you.
3. Seek out positive role models who can inspire and guide you as you work towards becoming an independent and capable person. These people can provide valuable insights and advice as you navigate life's challenges.
4. Practice gratitude and appreciate the blessings in your life, both big and small. Remember that every day is a gift, and take the time to appreciate the good things in your life.
5. Reflect on your beliefs and values, and strive to live in accordance with them. This can help you to lead a more fulfilling and meaningful life.
6. Remember that every challenge is an opportunity for growth, and with hard work and determination, you can overcome any obstacle. Believe in yourself and your abilities, and don't be afraid to take on new challenges.
7. Keep a positive outlook and focus on the good things in life, even when things get tough. Remember that Allah is always with you, guiding and supporting you on your journey. Trust in His plan and have faith that everything will work out in the end.
8. Engage in regular prayer and Qur'anic study to connect with Allah and seek guidance and inspiration. These practices can help you to feel closer to Allah and find peace and purpose in your daily life.
9. Seek out and study the teachings of Muhammad and the Ahlul Bayt (peace be upon them) to gain a deeper understanding of Islam and how to live a fulfilling and meaningful life. These teachings offer valuable wisdom and guidance on how to live a good and virtuous life.
10. Remember that the Qur'an and the teachings of the Ahlul Bayt are sources of comfort and inspiration in times of need. Lean on them for support and strength when life gets tough. These texts offer guidance and encouragement that can help you to stay strong and persevere.
11. Make faith, family, and a strong connection with Allah through prayer and study a priority, and strive to nurture and strengthen them every day. These foundations are essential for living a fulfilling and meaningful life, and it is important to invest time and effort into nurturing them.
12. Reading texts like the Nahj al-Balagha and Risalat al-Huqoq can provide valuable insights into the teachings of Islam and the wisdom of the Ahlul Bayt. These texts include:
13. The Nahj al-Balagha, a collection of sermons, letters, and sayings attributed to Imam Ali, which offers guidance and inspiration for living a purposeful life.
14. The Risalat al-Huqoq (Letters of Rights), a collection of letters written by Imam Zaib Alabedeen bin Ali addressing topics related to justice and human rights, which provide valuable insights into living a just and compassionate life.
15. Seek out opportunities to learn and grow through reading and study, and remember that knowledge and wisdom are important aspects of self-improvement. Whether it's through the Qur'an, the teachings of Muhammad and the Ahlul Bayt, or other sources of knowledge, make sure to invest in your own personal development and growth.
16. Don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Remember that your family is always there to support you, and that it's okay to ask for help when you're feeling overwhelmed or unsure. It takes courage to admit when you need help, and doing so can help you to grow and learn from the experience.
17. Again son, I remind you if you only read this section to Practice gratitude and appreciate the simple things in life that bring you joy and happiness. Whether it's spending time with loved ones, engaging in a hobby you enjoy, or simply taking a moment to appreciate the beauty of nature, make sure to take the time to appreciate the things that bring you happiness and contentment.
18. Remember that faith and family are two of the most important foundations for a fulfilling and meaningful life. Make them a priority and strive to nurture and strengthen them every day. Whether it's through prayer, reading the Qur'an, or spending time with loved ones, make sure to invest in these foundations and they will provide you with strength and support throughout your life.

?In addition to these pieces of advice, I also want to encourage you to embrace values like Respect, Justice, and Equality. These values will help you build strong relationships and be a positive influence on those around you.?

Respect:

1. Show respect towards elders, women, you boss at work, and authority figures by listening to them and not raising your voice in their presence.
2. Consider the positive side of situations and give others the benefit of the doubt.
3. Respect your teachers and classmates by paying attention and following their instructions, and treating them with kindness and consideration.
4. Show respect towards others in public places by being courteous and mindful of your surroundings.
5. Respect nature and preserve natural resources by taking care of the environment and not littering or damaging natural habitats.
6. Strive to be a kind, respectful, and fair person.
7. Treat others with the same level of dignity and respect that you would like to receive.
8. Remember the importance of respect in your daily life.
9. Treat everyone with kindness and consideration, you don't know what people are going through.

Justice:

1. Uphold the value of justice by treating others fairly and not discriminating based on factors such as race, religion, sexual orientation or gender
2. Use the law to resolve conflicts and respect authorities and people offering services to you.
3. Uphold the values of justice and equality in your interactions with others.
4. Follow rules and regulations in public places such as libraries, museums, and parks.
5. If you drive a car drive safely, respect traffic rules and regulations, and encourage others to do so.
6. If you see something wrong and you suspect illegal activity always report it to authority, you have a responsibility towards your country and the community
7. Bulling is not ok, drugs are not ok, no illegal or unlawuful activity ok
8. Do not do something that you think is fun and you know it annoys others, this does not end well always.
9. If you were mistreated that does not give you the right to mistreat others.
10. remember there are no bad people, there are people who do bad things, do not judge people for who they are, look at what they do and criticise the doing not the person

Equality:

1. Embrace the value of equality by treating all individuals with the same level of dignity and respect, regardless of their background or circumstances.
2. Always strive to be a positive influence on those around you.
3. Treat others with kindness and respect in all situations.
4. Remember the importance of equality in your daily life.
5. Do not judge people for what they are wearing or what they are saying or where they come from, remember what I told you, you do not know what is going on in their life.
6. Accept people for how they want to present themseleves and how they want to be addressed.
7. You are not Allah to judge others,

Finally, remember to stay close to your family and siblings. They love you and will always be there for you, even when things get tough. Try to show them love and forgiveness, just as you would like them to do for you.

I hope that these words are helpful to you as you navigate the challenges and opportunities of the coming years. I am always here for you and I love you very much. I hope that the new year brings you many blessings and opportunities for growth and success.

Love you Son

Daddy