A sky that has never experienced storms lacks a timeless backdrop, rendering life dull and meaningless. To wish for a life free of hardship is unrealistic, as trials and tribulations are an inevitable part of the human experience.
To the weak-willed, hardship is a demon; but to the strong-willed, it is an angel.
Hardship makes us stronger and keeps our minds clear in the face of adversity. Rather than letting hardship control our lives, we should learn to face it with a smile. For those who truly love life, hardship is a form of tempering—a chance to sing life's most beautiful song while battling through the struggles.
In October 1940, Pelé was born in a small town in Minas Gerais, Brazil.
In Brazil, football is a fundamental part of childhood. As a young boy, Pelé played football barefoot with his friends. Because they were from poor families, they couldn't afford a real ball, but that didn't dampen their passion. They would take a large sock, stuff it with rags or old newspapers, press it into a sphere, and tie it with string to create a makeshift ball. As they played more, the ball grew heavier with more filler. Sometimes, they even took socks from clotheslines without the owners knowing. Despite their hardships, having a ball to kick brought them immense joy.
At age seven, Pelé received a pair of semi-new leather shoes from his aunt. He cherished them so much that he only wore them to church on Sundays. He vividly remembers the time he wore them to play football, only to ruin them and get scolded by his mother. He simply wanted to experience the sensation of playing in shoes.
Starting at age seven, Pelé frequented stadiums, watching matches and shining shoes for spectators. By the time his father picked him up, he had earned more than two Cruzeiros. The father and son would walk home together, both now having their own earnings.
At age eight, Pelé began attending school in Barretos. He continued to play barefoot through both summer heat and winter cold. His skills grew so remarkable through daily practice that even many adults were impressed. It was during this time that people began to call him "Pelé."
Many people tend to overestimate the difficulty of external obstacles, believing that a lack of resources prevents the realization of their dreams. But considering Pelé's days of playing barefoot, what challenges do we face that are truly insurmountable?
