Lessons learned from my Father

Happy Father’s Day to all you fathers out there! Today is a great day to celebrate our dads and acknowledge all that they have done for and taught us throughout the years. More and more I am realizing the habits that I have taken from my father and the wisdom that he demonstrated. It is a rule in life that you can’t admit this until you are older and wiser J Here is a list of 20 things that my dad has lived and showed me.

1. Drink coffee..but not too much!


2. Tough times don’t last, but tough people do


3. You always have to be willing to laugh at yourself. Do not take yourself too seriously.


4. Find what topics light people up, their interests, and ask them about it.


5. Have a sense of adventure, travel, experience, try new things!


6. The importance of physical activity, get outside, it is good to move. (I was running track in kindergarten!)


7. Help others help you


8. Successful people do what unsuccessful people won’t do


9. The value of an education, in school and by gaining experience in the “real world”


10. Work hard, play hard. Go on vacations!


11. The value and importance of work—Do what you love, love what you do.


12. Travel is important, you have to be willing to step outside your comfort zone to see and experience new things


13. The importance of being a team player


14. You are never too old to learn or try something new


15. The value of a good power nap


16. Err on the side of conservative (didn’t like this one when I was young!): be thoughtful, mindful when taking risks.


17. Dance, be silly, laugh!


18. Watch television in moderation


19. You have to show some grit in life, you can always change your situation


20. Make mistakes, laugh at them, but learn from them

These are just a few lessons that I picked up from my dad. He has lots of sayings, things that I will use for the rest of my life.

What are some lessons or quotes passed on from your father?