My older brother, Jacob, was the first friend I ever had. He was and still is the kind of brother who is affectionate, funny and loving. For the first few years of my life, it was just him and I. Falling asleep together, giggling at each other, and running around in circles to my dad's records are just some of these early memories I like to think back on. Today, he is 24, a student and a Starbucks shift manager living in San Francisco. We still share the same relationship we had as children. Having an older brother in my life has shaped me to view the world differently. Here are five life lessons I have learned from him:
1. Don't let the world knock you down.
My brother has gone through so many obstacles throughout his life. He lost his best friend when he was 16, he has struggled financially and has even had to sleep in his car a few nights. There are nights where he's called me, reasonably upset, and just vents to me. These things definitely have gotten to him, but he is the most resilient person I know. He gets right back up, with such a great attitude, and faces the problem head on. His fire to keep going has inspired me day after day.
2. Take your time finding what you love. Don't settle.
My brother has attended more than a few colleges. He has changed his major a couple times. To some, this may seem irresponsible or unrealistic. In my eyes, I think it takes a lot of strength to take a risk in order to find your passion. Sure, it may be more costly or take more time, but in the end it is worth it. In my opinion, passion trumps security. Today, he is extremely passionate about his major and is graduating next semester. He might have taken longer to graduate than others, but all of his decisions were absolutely worth his happiness.
3. You can find something to laugh at in almost every situation.
He is such a goofy person, and if he's is in a difficult situation or something not ideal, he can always find something to laugh at. I admire this about him so much because this not always something I can do. But for him, this is something that keeps his attitude on the positive side. He chooses to laugh out of stress instead of cry.
4. Love the life you live.
This one is so simple, but he does it so well. He is able to find joy in everything and absolutely love his life. Even if everything's not perfect, he still lives life to the fullest. In the past, I have struggled with this. Something won't be going right in my life and instead of focusing on everything that is I just look at that one thing.
5. Try to look at everything with a positive perspective.
This is one of my biggest struggles, to this day. He knows it and he encourages me to change my outlook on life. He helps me remember what's good about life, even if it's just the simple things. Sometimes, I can't believe how he keeps this mentality. He's gone through so much and is still standing, with a smile mind you.
For any of you who know my brother, it's possible you might have learned something from him as well. In just 24 years, he's been able to teach me about life and about myself. Our sibling bond and relationship is something I wouldn't trade for the world. Thank you for being my first ever friend in this world and sharing your experiences with me to help me be a better person.
