Remember basketball star Ron Artest? (Or Metta Sandiford-Artest, I think more people are familiar with his old name)
I remember learning on the news that he has a mental condition.
When I found that out, my respect for him skyrocketed.
He was no longer a troubled basketball star.
He was a man who had, against all odds, had a successful career in a highly competitive and highly stressful environment- the NBA- despite a mental condition.
Congratulations, Ron Artest. Congratulations Metta. Most people with a condition like yours would never make it in the NBA, no matter how good an athlete they are.
I just thought to mention this so that you out there can see Ron Artest's career in the right context.
I have Asperger's Syndrome, and I can't imagine being in a competitive and stressful environment like the NBA!
I could be a professor, a librarian, a secretary- but God, not an NBA star! With a condition like mine, in a competitive environment like that!
Let me spend 10 years every day writing a book instead, quietly in my home- that's much easier for me!
For many people, playing in the NBA might be fun- but for someone with a mental condition to be in a tense, competitive environment is not easy, no matter how fun it might be for 'normal' people!
Ron Artest's career was quite an achievement!
If you're reading this, Ron Artest (or Metta if you prefer!), be proud! Be very proud!
God loves you! All of you!
And if you have lived a successful life despite a mental condition, be proud!
Sincerely,
David S. Annderson
P.S. But never underestimate what you can do despite having a mental condition- look at Vincent Van Gogh! (And look at me! (All the books I have written and put on my Deviantart page for free as my gift to the world! But I don't claim to be a Vincent Van Gogh!))