On today’s episode, my grandpa gives advice for those going through difficulties in life right now.
It should be noted that my grandpa had been imprisoned when he was 6 years old for decades, had his uncles, brother, and cousins die of execution and illness, was denied a visa to see his father for 8 years (whom he had been separated from for over 30 years due to exile), and much more.
This advice has more density than life advice you’ll find from another self-help book or coach.
This is real advice…from someone who’s endured immense, unimaginable challenges and lived to see the other side…time and time again.
Here’s the ninth segment of the SHACKLED interview series.
The SHACKLED interview series will appear here on the blog as well as my podcast and on YouTube.
Adam: What advice would you give to people who are going through a difficult time right now?
Khaled: My advice is to be happy always…don’t think negative…the time is going, it’s not staying…everything changes. Think always positive. Be strong. Don’t be naive. It’s not good to be naive, because you everything as a creature. You have wisdom. You have everything inside you. And your body is ok, why think about negative things? There’s no existence for negativity. That’s my advice for all my friends, the people, and my dear children.
Adam: Yes. Don’t make any room for negativity.
Khaled: No. Negativity has no existence in my room. When the German people heard my story, they’d say, “This is amazing you are always happy and laughing!” I said, “Why not? I’m not there anymore. I’m here!”
Adam: So don’t carry the past pain with you.
Khaled: No. Never.
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My book – SHACKLED: A Journey From Political Imprisonment To Freedom – is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other book retailers worldwide.
I wrote SHACKLED alongside my grandpa, as it chronicles his life from being imprisoned for decades when he was six-years-old.
The book has been receiving some incredible praise from readers already.
Here are a few reviews from readers:
A beautiful, spellbinding historical account of Khaled Siddiq’s life with photographs throughout the book. Adam Siddiq, the author, captured the essence, magnificence, and radiance of his grandfather, Khaled Siddiq, in this remarkable and awe-inspiring true story. It takes place in Khaled’s homeland, Afghanistan. A government takeover results in terror used as an instrument to control people, and led to the imprisonment of thousands of political prisoners for many years including the very young Khaled and his many close family members. Khaled’s life, along with his family, was about survival, sorrow, bereavement, injustice, grief, and a love that transcended broken dreams. Adam’s grandfather is the embodiment of resilience powered by patience, hope, and the gift of love bestowed upon him by family and generations of ancestors. He learned patience at a young age, and held on to hope and love while he and his family endured unimaginable hardship, deprivation, and imprisonment. He witnessed indescribable cruelty and inhumanity. This story, for me, was about surviving unending darkness through the light of love. Adam Siddiq, how fortunate you are to be a recipient of your grandfather’s legacy of love.
– Ilaann W.
If you’ve enjoyed books like Man’s Search For Meaning by Viktor Frankl, or Long Walk To Freedom by Nelson Mandela, or any book or movie or story that has a profound depth to it with overcoming a horrendous situation….you will enjoy reading SHACKLED. Written by Adam, the grandson of Khaled, there’s an extra dimension that makes this book so special.
– Daniel P.
This is an amazing, inspiring, heart-wrenching and heart-opening story of a man who walked in courage and love even amidst the harshest treatment and circumstances from a tender young age. Masterfully and lovingly written by the equally inspiring Adam Siddiq, this book addresses the ultimate question we all face in life: How do we find inner peace and spiritual freedom when faced with hate and difficulty as we walk as human beings in this world? The bond and collaboration between elder and grandson shine through the pages of this book. If only we could all find the courage and honor to share the stories of our elders in such a devoted way.
– Donnaah S.
Gripping story, beautiful imagery and a necessary literary contribution to the global library… Also a unique perspective on this historical account for those seeking to delve deeper into Afghanistan’s truth from the 1932 coup to the 1979 Soviet invasion. The story reinforces the idea that our time is precious and nothing may be taken for granted, while encouraging generational bonding… Many complements to the author as this is a “must read.”
– Sara
This was a Fantastic read!!
I literally couldn’t put the book down!
An inspiring tale that shows us how grateful we can be in life for everything that happens in our lives.
Recommended read for all.– Holyworld Productions
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