3 Lessons My Dad Taught Me | Happy Birthday Dad!

Today is my dad’s birthday and I wanted to celebrate by sharing with you the top 3 lessons my dad taught me. He is the epitome of a young soul who is ALWAYS looking on the brighter side of situations. 

Lesson 1: Give People Second Chances

My dad had his fair share of sh*tty people in his life and time and time again, he is always giving them second chances. While some may think that he’s not thinking right by walking back to the same fire, he thinks totally otherwise. He really believes in people and their ability to change. He gives second chances not because the other party necessarily deserves it, but because it makes yourself stronger – it shows an inner strength to forgive and move forward. So I always remember my dad’s generosity with chances because it means being the bigger person.

Lesson 2: Embrace Your Inner Child

If you have ever hung out with me, you know I act like a complete child (idiot/weirdo as others would call it) and it’s all thanks to my dad – peep the last photo I included. He is the biggest adult child I know and I love it. When I was younger, I would always wish to be an adult…and now that I am one (I think), I want to go back and shake myself! Being an adult sucks! But being able to embrace that inner child makes it a bit easier. My dad has always done that growing up and even now, which It makes going home so much more fun! Moral of this lesson: take things less seriously, do more of what makes you happy and get excited over the little things in life!

Lesson 3: Be the Tortoise in Life

I’m sure you’ve heard of the hare and the tortoise race story and know how it all went down. Growing up in an Asian household, comparison naturally occurs between extended family and while my family don’t practice those ways, it’s hard not to be affected by it when aunts and uncles are constantly boasting of their children. My siblings and I are always trying to do better to make sure we succeed and to do it quickly. But my dad is always on the sidelines telling us that we are the tortoise family. It’s okay to have things not work out right now, because eventually they will. He always says “don’t let other people’s progress in life affect what you are doing. We just have to keep working hard and realize our own successes. What’s going to come will come.”

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These are the top lessons my dad taught me over the course of my life. I hold onto these lessons every day and head into every situation thinking about at least one of these. I am so lucky to have him as a dad and I always cherish the memories we get to create together! Happy Birthday Daddy!

A million and one thanks for reading — until my next lil’ thought then!

xx jen