As I was leaving Albertson’s the other day I parked my cart, pulled out the groceries and got ready to head to the car. Out of habit, I looked both ways to make sure no car was going to swing out and hit not just myself but the food I wanted to bring home. I realized how such a little act of looking both ways before crossing the street is a lesson learned from the time I could walk and still is in full force now. Here are 11 lessons I learned as a child that still impact me now, as a somewhat-capable full sized adult.
Look Both Ways Before Crossing the Street
After all, getting squashed by a car typically isn’t on your radar for the day. When faced with those “adult” decisions (buying a house, finding a job, etc.) looking both ways and determining what actions to take before moving forward is just as important so life doesn’t squash you.
Eat Your Dinner Before Your Dessert
I’m sure we’ve all been there – the weight gain we didn’t see coming and didn’t realize was there until it was too late. Choosing to have a healthy lifestyle instead of indulging in the sweet goodness of desserts leads to a happier life and a body you can be comfortable in.
Finish Your Chores Before You Play
I’m that person – the one who will stay up until 3 or 4 A.M. cleaning the house just before a trip (which we then leave for at 7 A.M.). I simply hate going on an adventure just to come home and have to clean the house. Even in just my everyday life, my day goes so much better when I take the time (however short or long) to tidy up in the morning before everything else gets going.
Honesty is the Best Policy
Is your integrity really worth $10 as you movie hop? Of course not! Relationships, interviews, even careers based on lies will eventually explode in your face. Getting through the ruts of life and keeping your personal integrity will always serve you more in the long run than lying will.
Always Eat Your Vegetables
When you know something will work out for the better yet is hard, do it. Expecting results when you aren’t willing to do the “hard thing” will never get you anywhere. Be willing to suck it up and deal with it when something doesn’t go your way. Not everything in life is unicorns and roses.
Nap Time is the Best Time
Life is hard. Life is tiring. Even on those days when nothing is going wrong, life is exhausting. Taking the time (be it however short or long) to rest your body, mind, and eyes can be exactly what you need to keep your energy up for the rest of the day.
There Are No Stupid Questions
I used to be so embarrassed to ask other “adults” how to do various things. I wanted to figure it out myself – after all, isn’t that how everything works? Ha. Asking those questions and being willing to receive help can save you hours of unneeded time and stress.
Don’t Eat Yellow Snow
Things simply aren’t always what they seem. Ask those “stupid questions” and make sure you aren’t falling into a well-rehearsed scam. You don’t need to live life so cautiously so you never really live, but definitely don’t be oblivious to what’s going on around you. Trust your intuition. If something doesn’t seem right, it probably isn’t.
Cheaters Never Win
Play by the rules in every situation. Don’t get yourself stuck because you wanted something now. If you’re in a relationship, be in the relationship. Don’t be that person who sends someone on their way wondering why they weren’t enough.
Try New Foods
Be willing to be adventurous! Step outside your comfort zone. Meet new people, do crazy things. Live life! No one wants to feel stuck because they weren’t willing to try a little. So don’t let yourself become complacent and okay with never moving forward.
Stop Whining
If life isn’t going the way you want it to, do something. Don’t be the person who complains about it on Facebook and prays for a miracle to change your life. Be the change. Put your best foot forward and create the life you want to live.
When facing those everyday challenges, take the time to reflect on what your mom and dad taught you. Use those lessons to your advantage. Reach out to your parents and continue to learn from them. After all, they did teach you everything you know. Be willing to look both ways before crossing the street.
