He has always provided me a safe place to land and a hard place from which to launch.
— Chelsea Clinton
Most of us never shy away from telling our mothers how much we love them. Somehow, it’s just easier being demonstrative and verbal with our affections towards our moms. But how often do we tell our dads how much they mean to us? He might not have been as hands on in my upbringing as my mum, but there’s no denying my dad was the foundation on which our family was built. Knowingly, or unknowingly we imbibe so much from our fathers. So in honor of Father’s Day, here are 10 life lessons that my dad taught me, and that make me the person I am today.
1) Family always comes first.
Whenever I have needed him, my dad has literally dropped everything to help me, and for that I’m beyond thankful.
2) Your quality of life matters more than the quantity of things you have.
Money can certainly buy you material comfort, but never peace of mind. You can never put a price tag on contentment.
3) How to treat the women in your life with respect and equality.
By treating his wife as an equal partner in marriage, and viewing his daughters as being as capable as sons, he leads by example.
4) When to speak up and take a stand… and when to hold your peace.
My father had a very measured approach towards using words and sometimes his silence wass more eloquent than any speech.
5) Love for sports and the sportsman spirit.
Being passionate about a game doesn’t mean winning at any cost. It means being gracious in defeat and humble in victory.
6) The value of a promise.
Men of our fathers’ generation were men of their word. A promise given was a promise fulfilled.
7) A strong work ethic and taking pride in your work.
Remember the look on your dad’s face after he came home from a productive day at the office? It was one of sheer pride and quiet confidence at having put in his hundred percent for him and his family.
8) How to make your money grow.
Nothing can beat the sound financial advice my dad gave me about handling money and making wise investments. Chalk it up to his life experience of being a self-made man, and never letting his kids feel the pinch inspite of limited means.
9) Resilience in the face of adversity.
No matter the magnitude of the problem, if you face it with fortitude and courage you will find a solution. If my mum was the glue keeping our family together, my dad was the rock that gave us strength.
10) The little things that matter.
And finally, where would I be without my dad teaching me how to drive a car, change a flat tire, tie a tie, give the perfect interview? Not necessarily life lessons, but definitely life skills!
So this fathers day, open your heart to the man who will protect it forever, and tell him how much you love him! Happy Father’s Day, Dad 🙂