So, I have six brothers, four above me and two below me. Being the first girl in my family, you would think I would be a girly-girl, a princess-loving girl who wore outfits that looked like someone threw up pink and glitter all over it. But, I was a major tom-boy. I played wrestle with my dad and brothers, played soccer and football with my brothers and their friends during recess, built forts with a hammer and rusted un-safe nails and ran around in the woods barefoot and wild. My brothers are crazy, smart and protective. But most of all role models that I can always count on when I need someone to look to. The amounts of injuries, laughs, tears, races and games that they have given me will forever be a huge part of my childhood. Here's a few things that the men in my life have taught me.
1. If you play rough, you've got to be tough.
My brothers taught me that if I was going to full-on throw myself into something, you have to be tough. They taught me at a young age that if I cried all the time, I was a cry-baby, so I would try my hardest to be strong and hold in the tears. Now, keeping that nagging in mind, I am able to not be affected by so many petty, dramatic things.
2. Work hard and stay motivated.
My four older brothers have been very successful in their lives. Whether it's leadership, sports, school or work, I can honestly say they have proven that hard work and motivation to succeed will get you to where you want. They taught me that those extra 30 minutes of work save you, and to stay motivated, whether its your school work, sports or a passion, keep your goal in mind. A little nerd in anyone is cool.
3. Hold high standards: boys, friends and yourself.
My third oldest brother, the one filled with personality,made a list of what my future boyfriend had to be, and what he had to have or not have when I was too young to even think of boys. They were:
1. Has to be stronger than him
2. Shake my hand when we meet
3. Has to have hobbies
4. They need to open the door for you
Although I was too young to take these seriously, now I see that he was just trying to set standards for me.
5. Were you a leader today?
After I got home from school, dropped my backpack on the floor, ate some food and went to my dad's office to talk, he would ask me, "how were you a leader today?" This made me reflect on my day, the good and bad, and also made me think of what I could do better. My dad taught me to respect myself and others, especially those who need a friend, and to be kind even if it means stepping out of your comfort zone.
6. We are blessed.
My grandpa Dan, a man who is the grandfather to about 50 grandkids, says at the end of every prayer before meals, "we are blessed." This has always struck me. We are truly blessed go to school and have people who love you and stand by your side. We take things for granted too commonly in life these days. So, take a step back and open your eyes to the blessings that are part of your daily life.
7. Laugh at Yourself
My brothers and Dad never seem to stop having fun. They take life seriously, but never are too hard on themselves. The ability to laugh at their stupidness and awkward childhood moments is a great trait to have. I have two younger brothers that are 7-year-old, identical twins and they never seem to stop laughing at the stupid things they do. Having young brothers has taught me to enjoy the little things.
The screaming, the fighting and the tears that I tried oh, so hard, to keep in were all worth having you in my life. Thank you to the men in my life who have taught me so much about life.
