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10 Life Lessons My Grandpa Wanted Me To Know Told By Ron Swanson

Advice that every millennial needs in their life.

Lily Cooper

Mar 22, 2017

Grand Canyon University

100

Ron Swanson

Grandparents hold the ultimate wisdom. They are go-to for advice, recipes, and all things junk food. My grandfather holds a lot of experience in his mind. He lived in Holland during World War II and was forced to share his home with German soldiers. When he came to America, he learned English by watching multitudes of John Wayne movies. He worked hard when he was younger to surprise his mom with a small fridge.

With that being said, here are some of the most important things I learned from my grandpa as told by Ron Swanson:

1. Swear every once in a while (or all the time, your preference).

I learned most of the swear words from him when I was younger. Though you ever tell him to not swear and he would respond with, "What? Me, swear? Never."

2. There's no such thing as a free lunch.

3. "Just throw it in the cart."

"Need a new dress for the Prom that is coming up in the next two years? Get it."

"You want that new hardback book? Throw it in. I don't care. If you need it, we will get it."

He was never short of giving to others. Anything that made us happy, made him happy. He loved to take people shopping and taught me that it is okay to splurge a little here and there (or all the time. Preferences, you know?)

4. Judge a man on not if he can dance, but if he will dance.

Dancing was all a part of my grandfather's cardio. It didn't matter to him if you were good or not, just as long as you danced.

5. America is the best country.

Since his experience in Holland in World War II, he has learned to appreciate the things he has in America, the Land of the Free. He loved it every day, and every moment of the day (Obama's election was sort of iffy, but he still loved America despite their choices).

6. You're going to die anyways, might as well eat a donut.

No explanation needed for this one. Go eat a donut.

7. Big government sucks.

Again, he lived in Holland for a portion of his childhood. He had to share his house with nazis. He knew his politics.

8. Get your guns out.

In Holland, they weren't allowed to have guns, they had restrictions. Therefore, when the Nazi's invaded Holland, they didn't have anything to defend themselves with. So you better know that my grandpa bought a case load of firearms when we were old enough in America.

9. A hat is the ultimate accessory.

He loved to see me in hats. Every time I wore one my mom would send him a picture. Every time we were in a store, he would insist he buy me one. It was the best accessory for a lady. I carry that logic with me every day now.

10. Live life.

He wanted everyone to live life to the fullest. Plant daffodil flowers, listen to music, sit and enjoy a meal with the family, and just be happy. Life is better that way.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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10 Life Lessons My Grandpa Wanted Me To Know Told By Ron Swanson

Advice that every millennial needs in their life.

1. Swear every once in a while (or all the time, your preference).

2. There's no such thing as a free lunch.

3. "Just throw it in the cart."

4. Judge a man on not if he can dance, but if he will dance.

5. America is the best country.

6. You're going to die anyways, might as well eat a donut.

7. Big government sucks.

8. Get your guns out.

9. A hat is the ultimate accessory.

10. Live life.

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There have been many lessons learned.

1. The importance of traditions.

2. How to be thankful for family and friends.

3. How to give back.

4. What the word "community" really means.

5. That it isn't about the destination, but the journey.

6. The consequences of making bad choices.

7. To trust people, until you have a reason not to.

8. To be welcoming and accepting of everyone.

9. How to be my own, individual person.

10. How to work for what I want.

11. How to be great at giving directions.

12. How to be humble.

13. To be well-rounded.

14. How to be great at conflict resolution.

15. The beauty of getting outside and exploring.

16. To be prepared for anything.

17. That you don't always have to do it alone.

18. How to be creative.

19. To brush off gossip.

I have never been so thankful to know you.

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Don't freak out

Email the professor

Attend the first class

Keep attending class

Have a backup plan

Remember that everything works out at the end

It's mandatory to have these conversations.

1. What do you do for a living?

2. What's your favorite color?

3. Do you have any siblings?

4. What's your favorite television show?

5. When is your birthday?

6. What's your biggest goal in life?

7. If you had three wishes granted to you by a genie, what would they be?

8. What's your favorite childhood memory?

9. If you could change one thing about your life, what would it be?

10. Are you a cat or a dog person?

11. Do you believe in a religion or any sort of spiritual power?

12. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be?

13. What is your ideal date night?

14. Who was/is your celebrity crush?

15. What's a good way to cheer you up if you're having a bad day?

16. Do you have any tattoos?

17. Can you describe yourself in three words?

18. What makes you the most nervous in life?

19. What's the best gift you have ever received?

20. What do you do to relax/have fun?

21. What are your priorities at this phase of your life?

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

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