Growing up with loving and supportive parents is an amazing gift that is often taken for granted. Our parents are the people who brought us into this world, raised us and took care of us when we were hurt or sick, encouraged us in all endeavors and ultimately shaped us into the people we are today. Despite all of this, being a parent can often be a thankless job. So, I'm writing this on behalf of all of the loving parents across the world, but specifically two very special ones: my own. Mom and dad, thank you for all you do every single day. Growing up with you guys as my role models has made life fun and exciting, and I've learned more things than I could even count from you both. That being said, here are some of the most important lessons I've learned over the years.
1. Work for what you want because nothing is ever handed to you in life
Growing up in a home where getting what you wanted meant putting in the work for it taught me how to follow through with my actions and make things happen. Whether it was as simple as going over a friend's house or getting accepted to college, my parents never handed me anything. For small things, it was doing chores and helping around the house or elsewhere. For the bigger things like college, they taught me to do quality work, put in time and effort, never give up and you will always receive what you have earned.
2. Worrying about what others think of you is a waste of time
As we grow up, it's typical to have parents that embarrass us in public and make jokes out of things we may not find so funny. It took me a long time to realize that all of those times my parents "embarrassed" me in front of my friends were not so serious. They taught me how to find some laughter in a tough situation and to always look on the bright side. My parents don't worry about what other people think of them and that is why they're happy. I'm grateful that they were able to convey that same message to me as I grew up.
3. Knowing when it's time to let things go and when it's time to fight back
In my eyes as a child, my parents weren't afraid of anything. They always stood up for what they believed in and also fought for me and my siblings when we weren't being treated correctly. I always have admired them for this, but even more importantly, over time I learned from them what battles are worth fighting and which ones are pointless and petty. I've watched my parents in tough situations where they chose to let go of their problems rather than fight a hurtful fight, and that meant a lot to me. They are my role models and constantly show me that getting angry with no solution doesn't fix anything.
4. Following your heart is much more important than following money
This is one of my most treasured lessons I have learned from my parents. Growing up, my siblings and I never got the fanciest clothes or had the nicest house or nicest cars, but our parents showed us that none of the material things mattered. As a family we never needed material items to show each other how much we loved one another. As I got older, this lesson carried on as we began high school and then college, always having the support of our parents telling us to take on a career that we will love, not one that just has a large paycheck. Seeing my parents' love for their jobs despite money has inspired me my entire life to follow my dreams.
5. The importance of family
My mom and dad have had their fair share of struggles and sadness in their lives, but always have found a way to bounce back and continue on. As a child I sometimes wondered how they could be so strong. Overtime, however, they taught me that when you need a helping hand, your family will always be there for you. Leaning on your family in times of sadness brings strength and guidance that no one else can provide. I'm thankful to have learned the importance of treasuring my family from my parents and now can portray the same message to mine someday.
6. True love does exist
Being married for over 25 years, my parents know a thing or two about how to make a marriage work. I'm so grateful to have parents with such a loving relationship and am only more convinced every day that true love really does exist. Whether it's surprising one another with a gift, doing a nice gesture without being asked or even just deciding to stay in for a night and watch a movie, I get to see every day what a real happy marriage is like. They have taught me how significant a loving gesture can be and that you should never give up on the person you love, flaws and all.
