I've always admired my dad's wisdom and wit, and I can say that over the past 20 years, I've picked up some back pocket knowledge. Continuing the Father's Day celebration with 11 of my favorite life lessons, as told by Dad.
1. The truth will set you free.
Around the age of five or six, we develop the mental capacity to understand that our parents cannot simply know everything. Developing trust is an essential component of life. Without honest relationships, how can you preserve your integrity? Tell the truth and life will be smooth sailing.
2. Make people proud to hear your name.
My dad frequently reminded my siblings and me that we came into this world with a clean slate, but our experiences shaped how others perceived us. Our actions would always yield consequences, good or bad, and it was in our power to shape our character. He would always ask us how we would want to be talked about if our name came up in conversation. It didn't take long for us to take that advice to heart.
3. Your first impression is usually right, so go with your gut.
Another sixth sense my dad always seemed to have. He always knew if someone was really genuine or if it was a facade masking their true intentions. Even when others may not see it, do not fall and follow the rest of the crowd; stand your ground and let the rest catch up later. You'll probably be telling them, "I told you so."
4. Prior preparation prevents piss poor performance.
Ah, the 6 P's. Crappy grade on a procrastinated project? Sorry, that's your fault. Forgot your wallet on the counter as you were rushing out the door? Yep, that's on you too. It's some tough love, but six words that I'll carry with me for the rest of my life.
5. There's never a happy ending with drugs.
I would wake up some mornings with newspaper clippings on my placemat that my dad would cut out, the ink letters spelling out a story about a celebrity or a civilian death that stemmed from drug use. My dad would come home from work with horror stories about drug users and addicts. I learned and witnessed there was never a good outcome that could result, and though I may be a minority in that viewpoint, that's one value that will never change.
6. Sometimes money isn't everything.
My dad has always emphasized that you want to wake up in the morning and love to go to work. You want to be happy with where your life is at. Though those moments may bring struggles and difficult moments, you can persevere. If at any time the money is keeping you around, but anxiety, stress and time away from your family is a norm, then leave and never look back.
7. Surround yourself with people who add to your life.
People change and sometimes that's hard to watch, but dad has always reminded me to fill my life with the people who want to be there, who give back after they take, and that anyone who is adding negativity to my days is not worth a second thought.
8. Be comfortable with conversation.
I've grown up watching my dad say, "Hi, how are you?" He often cracks jokes with the pizza delivery guy, takes time to inquire and listen to how someone's day is going and always leaves a room with the words, "Thank you, and have a great rest of your day!" coming off of his lips. These are actions that now come second nature to me, all because I've witnessed Mr. Mayor himself converse so genuinely with those around him. He told me it would pay off and I believe him.
9. Learn to laugh it off.
No one likes someone who is too serious to laugh at themselves. My dad constantly reminds me that we are all human, we all make mistakes and the last person who was perfect walked on water, so why harp on our faults?
10. There's nothing wrong with a few dad jokes.
Me: "Dad, did mom get cantaloupe at the store today?"
Dad: "What's that? Can't elope tonight, dad's got the ladder!"
It's not a night without dad jokes and dad finishing your sentences with song lyrics. Humor is everything, and my dad's wit is something I can only wish to achieve one day.
11. When you love with your whole heart, how can you have regrets?
Some of my favorite life talks with my dad come during car rides to soccer games or after dinner chats on the backyard patio. We'd talk about how much I've grown, who my closest friends are, and how happy he is for me to see me at my happiest. In those moments, he will always remind me how we only regret the effort that we never put forward, and if we love and live in every moment, then we will never regret a day of our life.
