Being First

My dad likes to teach me stuff. There are a few lessons that he has persistently instilled in me and hasn’t stopped. I’m starting to realize that he only repeats the lessons if he sees that I’m not learning them. Two lessons that come to mind are, “put your keys in just one place at home,” and “take care of yourself first.”

The “taking care of yourself first” lesson fell on deaf ear most of the time. It was just something dads tell their daughters. Also, he didn’t really lead by example. Both my dad and mom have always put themselves second or third. In recent years, it has started to click. Even if I wanted others to come before me, the best way to serve them is to make sure I’m at a good place myself. It’s airplane safety rules! You put on your oxygen mask before you assist others.

In previous years, my dad would tell me I need to take care of myself foremost because everybody else is taking care of themselves first. (As they should!) Which means, if I don’t make myself my first priority, I’ll never be first.

It’s starting to sink in, dad.

Our current bit:

Dad:
Who do you take care of first?

Me:
Me.

Dad:
Who do you take care of second?

Me:
You.

Dad:
Third?

Me:
Mom.

Dad:
And?

Me:
Don’t tell mom.

P.S. I’m working on putting my keys on only the kitchen counter.