Father’s Day Gift Ideas: 5 Life Lessons My Dad Taught Me
Growing up, my dad always played a major role in my life. I consider myself one of the lucky ones who had a strong relationship with both their mom and dad. My dad was always my greatest male role model. I could always count on him to help me with my french homework, have dinner ready by 7 and make sure boys were staying in line. The university I attended was only a 20-minute drive from home, so I decided to save some money and stay at home while attending classes. Looking back, I cherish this time I spent with my family. After moving to Florida, I still keep in touch with my dad and even surprised him with a trip to Canada to spend father’s day with him! Today I am writing a letter to my dad and including the top 5 life lessons, my dad taught me!
Five Life Lessons I Learned From My Dad:
1. Never Take Yourself Too Seriously.
My dad has his serious moments, but overall he is a complete goofball. As a psychologist, his profession requires him to be on his A game during work hours. However, when he comes home he is always the crazy, silly dad I remember. He taught me it is important to have a balance of confidence, determination, and plain ol’ silliness. You are never to young to crack jokes and dance around the house.
2. Men Can (And Should) Cook
As chef of the house growing up, my dad taught me the kitchen is genderless. His amazing shepherd’s pie, lime glazed salmon and turkey dinners are still my most favorite dishes. He always took the time to pamper my mom, brother and I with a healthy and balanced meal every night. Let’s hope the future hub likes the cook *fingers crossed*.
3. Ride The Wave
While experiencing a fair amount of rough patches growing up – my dad always encouraged me to ‘ride the wave’ meaning to embrace my feelings, instead of suppressing them. He taught me the importance of anger, sadness, and grieving. As a result, when tough situations come into my life I am not afraid to feel all my emotions. It is important to live these emotions and let the wave pass. After the waves have settled, I always feel stronger, happier and most importantly more confident in my future endeavors.
4. Just Try Your Best
Growing up, as a type A student tests, presentations and papers would cause tremendous anxiety. I was the type of student who was upset with any grade below an A. I felt I had to impress my parents, my friends and most importantly myself. However, when I would express my feelings of stress and anxiety to my dad he would reassure me what was more important than grades was the time and effort I put into school work. As long as I tried my very best – the end result didn’t matter.
5. Family Comes First
Throughout my life family values have been entrenched into my blood. My dad always reinforced the importance of family. Friends come and go but family is forever. He made sure my brother and I visited with my cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents every holiday. I am so grateful for this time spent with extended family as we have all grown super close.