Having recently entered the “adult world,” I have been forced to reflect and think about what I personally need to improve to become successful in life. During those reflections, I began to think about the lessons I wish I would have learned a little earlier in life, those that would have made this transition smoother.
I then realized that some of these lessons I had been reflecting on were actually instructions I had heard so many times, I simply failed to absorb. These phrases were shouted at me by my parents. They were scoldings my brother and I received during our endless bickering. Some of them were simply the cardinal rules of childhood. But when most of these lessons exited my elder’s mouths, I usually rolled our eyes, stomped away, and continued to do as I pleased. As I realize I should have listened to my parents a little more, I also realize that it is never too late to start listening to them now.
So here are six childhood lessons that I believe we adults could stand to learn from.
1. Say Thank You
This lesson should be a given, put people often have a hard time muttering these words. We are often too proud to ask for help, so when help is received we are still too afraid to admit we ever needed it. Others are simply so absorbed that they believe they are entitled to help, and no thanks are owed. Well, screw pride and screw absorption. Take the time to be thankful for the help you receive and do not be afraid to ask when you need it. Whether someone holds a door open for you, helps you study for a test, or guides you through a mental breakdown, just say thank you. It will make their day, and yours as well.
2. Clean Your Room
Trust me, everything is better with a clean room. When life is chaotic and disorganized, we all need a sanctuary where everything is calm and ordered. If you spend a few minutes each day putting your clothes away, you will save yourself hours of your weekend that is spent sniffing and deciding which clothes are dirty and which are clean. If you take the time to throw your sheets in the washer every week (or two), your body will be cleaner and healthier, and you will avoid having to wallow in your dirty bed with the flu. If you put your homework in their respective folders, it will be easier to find that assignment when you are running late. Trust me, a clean room makes all of the difference for both mental and physical health.
3. Go Outside
This is one of the ones that was shouted by an irate parent, but it is nonetheless an important lesson our parents taught us without them even knowing. No matter what, fresh air and sunshine are great for the soul. When life is bringing you down, when work is too much to handle, when the pressure of the world is pushing on your temples, simply go outside, go for a walk, and breathe some fresh air. It will clear your mind and push you forward for another hour, another day.
4. Call Your Grandma
Or anyone for that matter. Pick up the phone and call each other. Avoiding time on the phone is something I am definitely guilty of, but something I have vowed to stop doing. Talk to each other, catch up. Do not wait until it is too late, or until you are too distant, and you wish you would have called and talked more often. We all have some time where we could be talking to family and friends instead of simply reading their updates, so pick up the phone.
5. If You Don’t Have Anything Nice to Say, Don’t Say Anything at All
This is that one of the cardinal rules; it is the golden rule. Yet, every day we say nasty things behind people’s back; harsh words that we would not want to be said about us. Sometimes, we even say mean things to each other’s faces, simply to get a rise or irk someone.
Just stop. Words are hurtful. I guarantee, if you start only saying nice things and cut the wicked gossip, others will follow suit and eventually the world will be just a little less hurtful, and a little more livable.
6. Listen When Spoken To
This last lesson came up as a joke because my boyfriend actually never listens to me, but this lesson may be the most important one here.
Just listen. Listen when your friends talk, because they listen when you talk. Listen to your professors, they will give you all of the answers to the test. Listen to the music, because it can heal you. Listen to movies, because they have invaluable lessons, or laughs. Listen to your feelings, because you should not shut them down simply when society says so. Listen to your body, it will tell you what you need when you need it.
And finally, listen to your parents, they honestly do know what they are talking about.
