I'm a daddy's girl — there is absolutely no question about that. My dad has always been there for me no matter what is going on in my life, the break ups, failed tests, and so on. He has always been right by my side, and I can never thank him enough for that. Sure, we have had our ups and downs-as most children and parents do-but through thick and thin he has been a rock that I am able to lean on, knowing that it will never move. He is hands down, the greatest man on this planet, and everyone who knows me, knows that. I brag on him daily because of how encouraging and insightful he is to me. He always made this joke about how when I turned thirteen his brain would go away and when I would turn twenty that it would reappear. Understanding the joke now, it was about me being a teenage girl who "would never listen" to my father, and once I was older I would. Joke's on me because he was actually right, I really did not start paying close attention to what he was teaching me until this year, and some of it I want to share with you.
1. Wait 48 hours to buy something
When I was little I had just been given a gold iPod, and was obsessed. A girl in my class had also just been given this amazing pink one-and I was so jealous! It was pink-I had to have it. I told my dad about it and of course, he explained to me that we need to be satisfied with what we have. Me being around 12, I only wanted that pretty pink iPod, to which he told me, "If you still want the other iPod in two days, we can go swap them out." Of course once two days had passed, I did not really care about the pink iPod anymore. This has actually helped me with purchases now a days because whenever I go shopping and see something I love, I normally give myself a couple of days and see if I REALLY love it or not.
2. You'll feel better once you work out
This one I have actually started paying more attention to the past couple of months. My dad is a HUGE advocate for being healthy, which has made me really get into health. Working out is SO good for us, and I never really understood why until I did my own research on it. Now, whenever I have a really long day with class and homework, I am able to blow off steam by doing an intense workout. Not only does it help me feel better, I actually am getting stronger physically and mentally. Working out has given me the ability to push myself to see what I am capable of, and that overflows into so many other ares in my life.
3. Always have a book to read
My dad always said to me growing up, "If you have a book to read, you'll never be lonely or bored." When I was younger I would just laugh it off because um, who read for fun? Now, I understand it. I love reading, I am currently juggling four books. I have health and fitness, comedy, biography, and spiritual books all currently within my reach as I type this. Reading helps us grow our knowledge, and learn more about what we like as humans. I personally love reading other people's life stories-which is why biographies are one of my favorites-as well as comedy because who doesn't love a good laugh? Bottom line is, having a book nearby will always keep you company-no matter what.
4. Shop in your closet first
This one ties into waiting for 48 hours to buy something. I personally own over one hundred pairs of shoes-and my dad always says, "you are not Imelda Marcos!" every time I come home with a new pair. Shoes are my absolute weakness, and I have to refrain myself from buying every single pair I see. Needless to say, I have learned to shop in my closet because chances are, I have something to wear to whatever event that I am stressing about.
5. Boys come, boys go
This one is a little more personal, and a typical dad phrase. Growing up, I never really had the best of luck with guys and whenever something would happen, my dad was always right by my side-with ice cream of course. He would always tell me that, and it would reassure me that the one is out there-and that I hadn't found him yet. Any boy who has ever come into my life will always be held up to the expectations my dad has set for me. My dad treats my mom like a queen, and because of that I know not to settle for anything less.
