I got very, very lucky in the dad department. I’ve always enjoyed his company. Still do. In honor of the man who gave me my start and continues to guide me to this day, here are some of the things I’ve learned from him—life lessons he’s taught me either directly through conversation, or indirectly through his actions.
- Life isn’t fair.
- When trusted with other people’s secrets, keep them.
- Always be doing something.
- Know your house, and how to fix it.
- Know your car, and how to park it.
- When driving, always leave yourself an “out” should one of the cars near you do something stupid.
- There is no such thing as “laughing too loud.”
- Death will take you regardless, so there’s no need to wait politely.
- Some people were put on this planet to irritate you. Get over it.
- It doesn’t hurt to ask.
- Know your body, and listen to it and respect its voice.
- Trying and failing? OK. Failing for lack of trying? Not OK.
- You only have one family. Find a reason to love them.
- No good deed goes unpunished. Do them anyway.
- You are allowed to do whatever you decide you are allowed to do.
- It’s OK to prioritize family above work.
- Grown ups can get as excited about Saturday morning cartoons as kids.
- Macaroni & cheese out of a box needs a few special ingredients to make it worthwhile.
- Give children more freedom than you think they can handle.
- How to install a sink, a toilet, a water filer, and a garbage disposal.
- How to buy clothes.
- You can always pull the power card later. Try being nice first.
- Don’t waste time going after your enemies. On the other hand, if you notice them caught out in the rain without an umbrella, don’t feel badly if you don’t rush to share yours.
- A successful marriage takes commitment.
- The money will somehow be there for you when you need it.
- Authority figures are still human beings, with human frailties. Approach with caution.
- Never expect people to be at their best, but never doubt them when they are.
- Shut up before you snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.
- Eventually, you’ll get a reputation for something. Whatever it is, embrace it and use it.
- Don’t fight when you’re emotional. Fight only when it’s the best option
- Fight to win. When the fight is over, help the other guy back to his feet.
- If it’s important, repeat yourself often.
- Say “I love you” to those you love; don’t make them guess.
- The best way to punish someone for getting inappropriately drunk is to simply open their bedroom blinds early the next morning.
- Tell the truth.
- The world isn’t perfect, and that’s OK. It is what it is.
- Do the best you can do.
Who was has been that important mentor in your life? What life lessons have you learned?
{ 1 trackback }
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
You have a great dad. Super advice.
Wonderful post, Jason. May I add a bit of my own Dad’s wisdom: “Life is the art of new and better mistakes.”
@Frank—I do indeed.
@Wally—I like that a lot. Thank you for sharing!
How could I forget this one?
“There are no free hits.”
Talk about an oversight…!
i’m still mulling over what i learned from my dad, who died 12 years ago tomorrow. and i’ve reached out to my sister about the same. one thing i can say for certain is that he taught me the joy of laughter. he loved to pull off elaborate practical jokes (something he passed on to moi) and to surround himself with friends. he also taught me that showing your vulnerability in personal relationships is difficult but critical. thanks for getting my wheels going on this. it’s a great exercise in prep for lighting the yartzeit candle,
f
Fran, all my best tomorrow. And just know, when you find your car keys in the fridge and the orange juice near the back door on the washing machine, that when it comes to love, there’s no such thing as good bye.