Good advice can come from anywhere-- friends, grandparents, novels, poets, teachers, fictional characters, etc. Some of the best advice and lessons that I have heard have come from my father. Sometimes, he gives me advice about how to tell whether or not an outlet is burned out (hint: it smells like something is burnt or more specifically burnt popcorn) and sometimes he gives me good life advice. Here are some of the little bits of wisdom my father has revealed to me.
1. Ice cream and chocolate can fix anything
I remember coming home from school for the weekend after having a really rotten two weeks and my dad telling me there was Ben&Jerry's in the freezer for me. He knew from my mom that nothing was going well during those two weeks I was away from school and bought a pint of ice cream for me to cheer me up, and it did. Whenever something goes wrong or whenever the day is already great, the only thing that can make it better is ice cream.
2. Family is the most important thing
Ever since I was little, my dad has instilled in me that family is extremely important. Your family consists of the first people who cared for you and loved you. Your family might be crazy, but they're yours. When my siblings and I or my cousins and I used to fight, he would tell me that someday they'll become my best friends. Again, he was right. When something goes wrong and I have nowhere else to turn to, I know that my cousins and siblings are only a call away.
3. Humor helps
For some reason, a good joke or a pun can help almost any situation. Whether it is the same joke that you've heard 151 times or that witty phrase that you always say, humor helps. It can ease tension and bring everyone back to reality.
4. Kill 'em with kindness
No matter what the situation, my dad always told me to "kill 'em with kindness." Being kind to others is more important than whatever wrong has been done to you. Kindness is free and it is a choice. Choosing to be kind rather than choosing anger may not feel as satisfying at first, but it is better for the soul and better for everyone. Perhaps
5. Don't settle
Why settle for anything less than what you want? If you want something, go get it. Work hard towards what you want, push yourself and do not settle.
