My parents are the most influential people in my life, and I know I don't tell them enough how much they mean to me. Even though I tried my hardest not to listen growing up, there are lessons they have taught me without even trying. I can't imagine who I would be today without what I have learned from them. So, Mom and Dad, here are 11 things i learned from you.
1. Strength is something you choose.
My parents are two of the strongest people I know. I am constantly in awe of what they can do and overcome, and how the can defy the odds. In addition, they have shown me how to learn from my own mistakes and continue to grow. Whenever I have had an obstacle or boundary, they have been there to encourage me and cheer me on, but never to coddle me. I am so glad they forced me to get things for myself, and choose strength in everything I do.
2. Put others before yourself.
My parents have taught me how to give, and do everything for people you love and those you barely know. Both of my parents have sacrificed so much for my sisters and I, and I couldn't be more grateful. In addition, my parents have instilled in me a want and need to help others, and I don't know where I would be without it. Beyond simply preaching help, my parents took me to help at soup kitchens, serve meals and reach out in the community. Without realizing it, my passion for helping others has mounted into something I never expected.
3. Adapt quickly.
As much as I hate to admit it, dragging me through a few moves in my life has been good for me. Because of having to start over in new towns, I am not afraid to talk to others and begin again. Beyond that, having to adapt to new locations has allowed me to go with the flow and be accepting of change. Moving into college or studying abroad has been aided by my ability to be comfortable with the uncomfortable and I guess I can admit that moving states can be good for you -- kind of.
4. How to talk to others.
My friends like to tell me that I could make friends with a wall, and I owe this all to my Dad's profession as a basketball coach. Every year, I met new parents and administrators at games and functions, and I learned quickly how to look an adult in the eye and carry on a conversation. I take so much pride in my extroverted personality and ability to relate to the most difficult of people, and I know this came from all my eight year old conversations with adults.
5. Jump feet first.
I love trying new things more than anything at all. I was the kid who played every single sport because I wanted to try everything. I even played ice hockey for half of a two hour practice. My parents always encouraged me to try new things and immerse myself in whatever I do. Travel abroad in high school with nobody you know? Sure.
6. Team is more than myself.
One of the positives, and negatives of being a coach's kid is constantly hearing sports psychology and team drama. But when I was an athlete this meant more than I could have ever known. I was never the kid that cared how much I played if the team won and I was having fun. Sports was about the team first, winning next, and then me. I think the insight from my parents allowed me to see it this way, and also enabled me to have the most amazing experience as an athlete. I might not have been the best player but I know I can pride my self on my teamwork. Perhaps this could also do with growing up seeing the daily wall in the gym with a massive team, followed by the smallest me possible.
7. Be on time.
This is another coach's kid thing. My father is a timely person, most of the time. With work and his team absolutely; picking me up from school, not so much. My mother on the other hand is late for everything. Seriously. The dichotomy between the two has allowed me to see the balance. There is a beauty to being early to everything as I try to be, but also a joy in not caring when you arrive.
8."The road to success is always under construction."
I can't tell you how many times I have heard my father say this. I used to want to slap him every single time. But as one can guess, this one quote has stuck with me throughout my life. Every mishap, crashed hard drive, injury, or obstacle I can hear his voice chiming in my ears. I know this quote has allowed me to be optimistic throughout my life, and I would not have overcome some of these obstacles without this analogy in the back of my head.
9. Be firm in my faith.
My parents are two people who have more faith than you could imagine, in the way we wish the whole world could be. I both find comfort in mass as a family, and prayers in times of need. I didn't grow up with crosses in all of our windows and overbearing faith led parents. Rather my parents have many faults but choose to focus on the good, and how faith is always with you. They have shown me how faith is there when you need it to be and will always have your back.
10. Be yourself.
My parents have very different personalities and shine in very different ways. However one thing they have shown me is to embrace your own personality and not let others change who you are. My father is one of the strangest people I know, and if you don't believe me I have a video of him as Richard Simmons to clear the air. My mother, on the other hand, is one of the most loving and well meaning individuals and has shown me what it means to be a friend and have a friend. More importantly than that, my parents have always pushed me to be myself and not let others change who I am and who I want to be. They don't necessarily love when me being myself includes wearing a Cookie Monster snuggie in public or being called Turtle, but, hey -- whatever works.
11. Don't take yourself too seriously.
Trust me, my parents know how to make fun of my sisters and I more than anything. Nothing gets past either of them. But this has allowed me to laugh at myself as my friends never let me get away with anything. Then again I am a pretty ridiculous human being and deserve every second of mockery.
So, thanks Mom and Dad, for everything you have taught me and for everything that I have learned from you.
