Word To the Wise: 15 Lessons We Can Learn From Our Parents That Make Life Better
Life poses more than its share of challenges and can be overwhelming. There’s no blueprint for navigating all of life’s ups and downs. It’s simply a matter of doing the best you can with the knowledge you have at the time.
One thing that makes life a little easier is listening to the advice of our parents. As much as we believe we have all the answers, we don’t. We can learn from their experiences to improve our lives.
1. You’re Known By the Company You Keep
People will judge your character using different criteria, one of which is who you keep company with. If you’re seenwith people whose behavior is questionable, an assumption will be made that you’re just like them.
There’s a lot to be said for being friends with others of good character. It’s not about how much money or power they have because those aren’t metrics determining a person’s true nature. Choose your company wisely.
2. Admit Your Mistakes
Admitting you made a mistake is difficult to do. Knowing you made a mistake is bad enough, but admitting it feels even worse. You may feel that you let yourself or others down. Everyone makes mistakes, so you’re not alone.
Owning up to mistakes isn’t a bad thing. Admitting you did something wrong is the first step in correcting what you did. If it can’t be fixed, then at least it’s a lesson learned, so you won’t do the same thing again.
3. There’s Value In Education
You don’t have a doctorate or any college degree to value education. You don’t even need to be in a classroom. All you need is an open mind, a sense of curiosity, and a willingness to learn.
The lessons learned can be from an online course, a book you’ve read, or someone else whose wisdom you respect. Some of the smartest people I’ve known didn’t even graduate from high school
4. Always Be Polite
Having good manners is important, not only because it reflects well on you but also because it shows respect for others. Sometimes, it’s a challenge to be polite, especially when someone is being impolite to you.
No matter how rude someone else may be, don’t take it personally or respond in kind. You never know what is going on in their lives. A little common courtesy may be the highlight of their day, even if they don’t show it.
5. Remember the Golden Rule
Always treat other people with the same respect you’d like to receive from them. Even if someone is being less than respectful to you, it’s important not to internalize it. Don’t greet hostility with hostility.
The Golden Rule is more than just a sign of respect. It’s an act of kindness towards others, even though they may not show you the same kindness in return. The fact that you acted selflessly is enough.
6. Never Give Up
Sometimes things don’t go your way, no matter how much you wanted or worked to achieve it. Coming up short of your expectations is painful, and sometimes, it’s hard to want to try again.
When you’re feeling your lowest after a failure, you have to choose: do you give up or try again? Instead of giving up, take it as a lesson learned and continue.
7. Accept Others As They Are
In your regular interactions with other people, you will encounter some who are different from you, whether age, ethnicity, gender identity, orientation, religion, or politics.
You don’t have to agree with everything they say or do, but you must respect their rights and understand that it’s not your place to change them. Accept that they are who they are.
8. Show Grace When Possible
When someone has wronged you or made a mistake, it’s easy to be angry with them. You may even feel hatred and want retribution or vengeance. These are perfectly normal feelings, but you don’t have to act on them.
If possible, try to show grace to others, especially over minor infractions. If someone has grievously harmed you, it may be difficult or impossible to do, and that’s okay. But don’t let anger and hatred take over your life.
9. Laugh Often
Some say laughter is the best medicine, and they may be on to something. Think of the last time you laughed at something that struck you as funny, like a comedic video on social media or your favorite television sitcom.
Didn’t you feel good in that moment of laughter and immediately after? That’s the joy laughter brings. Whether you’re stressed or just blah, find a reason to let go and laugh.
10. Keep Your Finances in Order
Parents who teach their children about money and credit before they enter adulthood are doing them a huge favor. The lessons taught about finance can set them up for a brighter future.
It’s okay to spend money as long as you’re saving some. Avoid credit card debt as much as possible. If you have a credit card, pay it monthly to avoid interest charges. Don’t spend more than you can afford.
11. Work Hard
No one will give you something out of the blue because you need or want it. Sure, It would be nice if that happened, but that’s not how life works. If you want something, you must put in the effort and work for it.
Do you want to continue your education beyond high school? Do you want to buy a house or a new car? Would you like to get promoted in your job? Those are things you have to work hard to achieve.
12. Practice Good Hygiene
Okay, this one should be a no-brainer, but it’s a valuable lesson that applies to everyone. Practicing good hygiene, such as bathing, brushing your teeth, grooming, and wearing clean clothes, sends a message.
It tells the world you respect yourself and those around you. You’ll feel much better about yourself when you’re clean and well-groomed. And it helps you stay healthier, too.
13. It’s Okay to Say No
Some people are inclined to please everyone around them, even at their own expense. They fear saying “no” because they don’t want to make others unhappy.
If someone makes a request that feels uncomfortable or is something you just don’t want to do, the word “no” is a complete sentence and doesn’t require an explanation or justification. Just say no and keep it moving.
14. Know Your Self-Worth
You are a valuable person, and that has nothing to do with how much you earn or how many possessions you own. The fact that you’re alive means you have value.
Others may try to erode your sense of self-worth by telling you that you’re unworthy or don’t have value, but don’t let them. Always remember you are worthy of love and respect.
15. Be True To Yourself
Sometimes, you may choose to do something to help you fit in with the crowd or stand on your own by doing what’s right for you. It’s not easy to go against the crowd.
Everyone has his or her own set of values. Keeping true to your principles is much more important than giving in to someone whose values differ not only from yours but are opposed to yours.
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