Ten Things I Learned From My Dad

My dad was unremarkable by society’s standards yet he was the most important man in my life. You may feel the same about your dad. I hope you do.

I learned a great deal simply by watching him live. Here are ten life lessons I learned from my dad, presented in no particular order.

Work hard and always do your best. He never said it, he just did it. Everything we do in life deserves our best effort.
Never be late. There are times in which you can arrive- early or late. Always show the respect to choose to be early.
Show up. My dad missed nothing. He was at work, at church, and at every one of my wrestling meets. He had no idea what was going on (during the wrestling meet) and even cheered at the wrong time on occasion. Didn’t matter, he was there for me.
Love your family. I should have put this first, because he did.
Be nice and respectful. A simple smile is a good start.
Talk to God…every day. It got him through some difficult times.
Have good friends. My mom was his best friend. After she passed, friends kept him alive for another 13 years. Good people make us a better person.
Enjoy your food. My dad loved to eat. A trait he passed along to me, and I am grateful.
It is fine to fail. We learn from failing. What matters is how we react.
Find happiness. We didn’t have much materially, but it didn’t matter. He somehow found happiness in living.

A good father will leave an imprint on his children for the rest of their lives. I was lucky to have a good father.

Enjoy your day,

Here’s a thought. Did you learn something from your dad? Add it to the comment section below.

References

Life , and my Dad

The Intersection of Health and Happiness