Where do I begin... There is no blog post that could sum up the infinite lessons I have learned from my parents, but I will try to do so in 12 points.
1. Stand on your own two feet- Work hard and always set goals to get to the place where you want to be. Whatever that goal is or whom it involves, it's important to get there on your own and not to rely on someone else to make you happy or give you stability. My dad engraved into my soul how vital it is to be able to stand on your own two feet, and not someone else's.
2. Be Honest- Growing up as a young teenager, I lied to my parents a lot. I took them for granted out of a lack of maturity and respect. Now older and wiser, I have such a strong bond with both of my parents due to the importance that I place on honesty and truth and the greatest level of respect that I have earned for them over the years.
3. It's okay to be vulnerable- You are going to be hurt and let down in life, but you grow from it. You can't learn anything or mature from obstacles if you refuse to ever let your guard down or show true emotion. My mom showed me the value in sensitivity & empathy.
4. Don't act in the heat of the moment- Try your best to veer away from saying things you don't mean out of anger, or making decisions when in an imbalanced state of mind.
5. Work your ASS off- I can't find a day out of the past 20 years of my life where my parents haven't asked me about grades, school, programs, or anything related to an academic or career path. Although it is smothering to say the least, it allowed me to see the value in working hard to achieve my goals. Thanks Dad.
6. Respect your elders- Always respect the people who made you who you are, or are older and wiser far beyond your years. Instead of instituting stereotypes, respect your elders to learn from their wisdom and their life experiences.
7. Money isn't a joke- Money doesn't grow on trees (well...). Growing up, holding different jobs and buying my own car, groceries, clothing, etc has truly taught me the value in money. I have such a greater appreciation for my mom knowing she goes out of her way to spend money to make my sister and I comfortable and happy. I owe my dad my ultimate gratitude in knowing he pays two rents, two tuitions, car insurances etc. to keep our lives afloat.
8. Be Patient- I guess when your heart is big enough and strong enough to work with Autistic children every single day, you learn a thing or two about patience. Nothing is going to come easy, and the things that don't are always the most rewarding. Thank you Mom.
9. See the bigger picture- the most frustrating yet extremely truthful thing both of my parents have said to me countless times, "One day you are going to look back on this and realize how small it was"... Whether that applies to relationships, school or general life difficulties, I know the weight of the truth behind this statement.
10. Be Safe- Know your surroundings, always be aware and cautious. Don't do anything stupid and surround yourself with people who you trust, always.
11. Form your own opinions- It's okay to not share opinions or beliefs with your parents. I have such a strong relationship with my parents in the fact that they have always treated me as an adult and allowed me to make my own decisions. Instead of using this a form of manipulation, I used this as an opportunity to become a mature, strong and confident woman in the way I behave and the things I choose to believe in.
12. Never forget who you are- It's important to never forget the person you are inside and the place you came from. I will always remember the childhood home, schooling system, family, friends and memories that shaped me into the person I am today. My parents always remind me to be authentic, to always be myself and not try to be someone else.
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