1.) Be Kind
My father has always told me (and my brothers) that it's important to be kind to others. Others may have it worse than you and you must always bear that in mind.
2.) Know Your Strengths
Don't be afraid to admit when you are wrong. Don't be afraid to ask for help. My dad's favorite line when I was in school was "You have a mouth for a reason; use it. Your teacher is there to help you." I don't think he realized that he WAS my teacher. He was the one I went to for help on almost everything.
3.) Put Others First
Don't be selfish. Always lend a helping hand to those who ask for it, and those who don't. Paying it forward is nice but knowing you helped someone without expecting benefits for yourself is nicer.
4.) Think Before You Speak
He didn't really tell me this but his actions did. Watching him say things too quickly and seeing how it affected him, and others, made me realize to always calm down and process a situation before speaking my mind.
5.) Be Courageous
Stand up for others. Stand up for yourself and what you believe in. And most importantly, take care of yourself (physically and mentally.)
6.) Be Honest
If you have something mean to say, say it anyways. Don't sugarcoat things and don't be dishonest with others. It took me a long time to put this one into practice and I will be the first to tell you that it is ALWAYS best to be truthful, no matter the consequences.
7.) Be Respectful (of yourself and others)
Don't be rude to others and don't push your beliefs on them. And never step over the line if you're speaking to someone. Always know when to quit, and when to keep your mouth shut. As for yourself, just remember that you are your own worst critic. You deserve to be happy too. And you deserve better than to be treated like dirt.
8.) Family Isn't Always Directly Related to You
My father has shown me, and given me, the most wonderful family I could ever dream of. And no, not all of them are technically my family. But I have learned that they are always there for me and will do anything for me. He (and his wife) have raised me to believe that I am always welcome and loved in their home and I thank the gods for this every day. Those who truly care for you will prove themselves over and over again. Blood isn't always thicker than water.
9.) Love is Complicated
Sometimes those you love will frustrate the living daylights out of you. But that is no reason to be mean or uncaring or unloving. You are part of a support system and you are part of something bigger than just yourself. Just remember your family loves you and they have plenty of weird ways of showing it.
10.) Always Protect Yourself
Yes, you're supposed to put others first. However, in the words of my father, "Don't take shit from anyone. But don't start it either." I was always told to defend myself but to never start a fight. To this day, I still remember him teaching me how to get out of an arm-lock on our trampoline in the backyard. You are responsible for yourself. Always know who to trust and who to watch out for.
11.) Never Forget Where Home Is
It's exactly what it sounds like. Never forget where home is. Never forget who gives you the best hugs. Never forget who tells you to be careful when driving anywhere. Never forget who told you to call him if you had ever been drinking (even though you're still in high school) and to worry about how much trouble you'll be in after you're home safe. And lastly, never forget who truly loves you.
