Lessons Learned From Our Fathers

My dad was one of the most magnificent men I have had in my life.  He was a supporter of dreams and a source of incredible inspiration.

Father’s Day is Sunday, June 18, 2017 and I want to pay tribute to my dad and all the dads who have taught important life lessons to their children over the years. Maybe, some of these lessons will come in handy for you, too:

1. My dad taught me that getting an education is the most important thing that I could do for myself if I wanted to attain anything in life.
2. He taught me that life is learning. Finding the truth about the world would help me discover more about who I am and who others are.
3. My dad taught me that independence comes with great responsibility. He joined the Army at the age of 16 to fight in World War II. He was the oldest of five children, and his father had died.  He had to take care of his family and was unable to finish high school.
4. Because of his early struggles, my dad taught me that I can do anything that I put my mind to if I stay focused and realistic about it.
5. My dad taught me to laugh, a lot. Work hard, laugh hard, and play hard.
6. He taught me not to procrastinate. This lesson I am still learning.
7. He taught me to not “sweat the small stuff.” Life is a valuable commodity and how we live it is a reflection of who we are.
8. He taught me how to give back to those in need.
9. My dad taught me that family comes first and is built on the foundation of love.
10. My dad taught me to be grateful for what I have and to work for what I want.
11. Dad taught me that you are never too old to learn. The adage, “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks,” was wrong: one should be willing to try as long as it’s in moderation. 
12. Dad taught me to have humility and confidence: “these will take you far in this life.”
13. He taught me that to love someone means showing it. Love needs to be felt, not just said.
14. Dad taught me to make eye contact with those you speak to, and to listen.
15. Dad taught me to take care of the things I have or suffer the consequences.
16. My dad taught me that there is no place in life for bigotry.
17. He taught me that my career choice was not written in stone – if you are not happy, make a change.
18. He taught me to take time for myself: take long walks, enjoy friends, read a book, travel — whatever clears the mind.
19. Dad taught me that bad habits do not make us great: talent does.
20. My dad taught me to take time to tell someone you really care. It does not matter what you do with your life. It matters what you make of it.

Of all the things my father taught me, the most important was to live life to the fullest and always tell those you are close to that you love them.

What are some life lessons you learned from your father?

Author: Pam Crum, Lead Teacher at A Grade Ahead