I celebrated Father’s Day by having dim sum with my dad yesterday morning. I thought I’d pay public tribute to him with this list of 25 life lessons he has taught me.
- If you don’t know something, don’t be shy to ask questions.
- You’re extremely lucky if you have one true friend to last you through life.
- Nothing lasts. Spouses will die.
- Don’t cry about people who don’t cry about you.
- People are not their jobs.
- There’s a lot to learn. Don’t be smug.
- Don’t fixate on the things that are out of your control.
- Books are friends.
- The human spirit is resilient, capable of withstanding war and loss.
- Persistence solves problems.
- Improvising solves problems.
- When you lose everything, start over.
- When you fail, start over.
- Pay your credit card bill in full every month.
- Don’t rush. Walk at a leisurely pace. Dot your i’s and cross your t’s.
- Sometimes we forget to breathe. Breathe.
- Don’t take for granted your mother’s love. Endure the nagging. It’s evidence of motherly love. (He grew up without a mom.)
- Protect your family.
- People’s perception of you doesn’t change who you are.
- Not everyone will feel and think the same way as you. Remember this when you’re angry or hurt.
- Marvel at small things.
- A good education should be prioritized over having your own room, having a nice car, going on nice vacations, having awesome toys, having a nice house, and many other things.
- Things can always be a lot worse. Be grateful for what you have.
- Be fearless. (He’s pushed for me to be fearless numerously in regards to bugs and snakes and toxic relationships.)
- Take care of and pride in what you have.