Top 5

Yusuf and Nooriya, this whole blog is for you and Zahra.  This post is specifically for you.

You both inspire me in different ways.  That has helped shape the way I act.  You're both teenagers and somehow how I behave seems more important.  I don't actually know.  That's probably important at most ages.  These teen years seem formative in a way other ages weren't.  I was thinking about that recently and how to articulate my behavior came in to clearer focus for me recently.

It's my goal to be in your top 5 later in life.  When you count on your one hand I want to be included in a couple of things.  I want to be in your top 5 friends.  I want to be in your top 5 role models.  I want to be in the top 5 people you love most.  I want to be in your top 5 good influences.  I want to be in your top 5 best people. 

Taher, do it if it gets you closer to being in the top 5.

Equanimity

 I've known this word for a while.  I just recently looked it up when I was trying to articulate what it meant.  I always thought it meant something I would describe as being cool.  I really like this word after looking it up.  The definition I found was mental calmness especially in a difficult situation.

This motivates me to have this quality more.  My mind could always be calmer, especially when it's a stressful situation.  People around notice and imitate the reactions they see.  Help normalize calm.

Taher, keep you cool and be mentally calm.  Remember the kids are watching; set an example.