Happy Father’s Day! I wasn’t planning on writing a post today, but after talking to my dad on the phone earlier I realized how appreciative I was for him. I wanted to take the opportunity to write this post even though it has nothing to do with Home Decor or anything else I normally write about.
My dad is my best friend and the greatest person I know. I’ve always had a special bond with him and even though he lives half way across the country, I know he’s always just a phone call away. I also know that he’ll drop what he’s doing and hop on the next plane to RDU if I need him. In my life he has taught me some very valuable lessons, and I wanted to share a few of those with y’all.
1. Treat people well even if they don’t deserve it.
My dad has always encouraged me to be polite and respectful to people even if they have not treated me the same. He does not encourage me to try to be friends with someone or go out of my way to help someone who does not deserve it, but he always make a point to not stoop to those people’s level. This was especially hard for me in high school and college because, let’s face it, girls can be mean, but as I get older I appreciate this advice and the fact that I didn’t burn as many bridges as I could have if I had been petty.
2. Bad times will pass.
I know I can always call my dad when times are tough or I’m feeling bad, but I do appreciate that he always re-assures me that things will get better. Sometimes it’s hard for me to see the light at the end of the tunnel, but the constant encouragement is so helpful.
3. Things don’t happen overnight.
I am the type of person that will get an idea and immediatley want to get it done. It’s a blessing and a curse because while I get projects done quickly, I don’t always think them through and do them right. My dad is good at making me take a step back and plan things. Even though sometimes he doesn’t get to me in time and I’ve already started ripping apart something.
He also helps keep me in line when I feel like something I’m doing, my career, or a goal I have set should be happening faster than it is. He reminds me that things take time and hard work to happen, but not to get discouraged.
4. Be financially savvy, but don’t be cheap.
My dad has always made saving money, budgeting, and spending habits an important topic for me. While I’m not as savvy as I want to be, he has done a great job of laying out the basics and helping me know how to plan. However, my dad is not a cheap man. He doesn’t buy things he doesn’t need, but if he wants to do something or has something he wants to buy he won’t skimp on it just to save a dime. I appreciate this as it has taught me to not stress about every dollar if I am on vacation or to not miss out on something just because I don’t want to spend the money. Like he says, “it’s all about balance.”
5. Don’t stress the small things.
I’m not going to lie; I suck at this lesson. I stress about everything and get anxious about anything. My dad always seems cool and collected, and he tries to pass that off to me, but I struggle with it. If I am with him, it is a lot easier for me to adopt that vibe because his calmness helps calm me down. This is something I am working on, and I hope to one day be able to let things roll off my back more easily.
There are so many more lessons that my dad has taught me, but these are the ones that stand out. I am so thankful for my dad and everything he has done for me and my brother. Happy Father’s Day, Dad. I love you!!
