When I was born, I won the parent lottery. Any of you who read Perth Daily Photo know how incredibly awesome my Mum is already. But you might not be so well acquainted with my Dad. It's fathers Day today in Australia and I thought I might share just a couple of the lessons I've learned from my Dad.
If you're going to do something, do it to the very best of your ability - I sometimes (as a tease) say that my Dad doesn't know how to hobby. When he decides to learn how to do something he seeks out as much information as he can about it and he practices and practices until he's got it nailed (hence I have some fabulous original pieces of furniture a la Dad in my house). I think that this lesson has contributed to both me and my brother having pretty solid work ethics and that's pretty important.
People are inherently good - I may be guilty of the occasional proclamation of 'Man. People are jerks'. But that's usually just when someone has done something jerky. Dad's view is, generally, most people are decent, you should give them the benefit of the doubt. And I agree.
Take time to enjoy things - I really really enjoy hiking with Dad and one of the reasons for that is just having a chance to take some time out and just enjoy nature. Sure it's exercise and you could tackle it by trying to walk a certain pace or go a certain distance within a set time-frame or whatever, but really, why do it if you aren't going to enjoy all there is to take in?
Just be yourself - This one was always heavily reinforced by both Dad and Mum. I was lucky enough to grow up in an environment where my uh... decidedly quirky nature was both nurtured and encouraged. I don't know that I would have the awesome self esteem that I have now if it weren't for my parents constantly telling me that being myself is all I ever need to be.
I know that in most of the bush walking photos I post of Dad it looks like he's taking off ahead and leaving me behind, but actually what he's doing is making sure that the path is clear (of spiders and snakes and whatnot). He goes ahead to keep me safe. I'm a lucky girl. Happy Fathers Day Pappa!
This is a beautiful post to read Aimee! Your Dad certainly sounds like a wonderful man and these life lessons are so important - I love the one about people being inherently good - I believe too than when it comes down to it, people only really want the best. - Tasha
ReplyDeleteGood lessons, smart dad.
ReplyDeleteGreat advice from your Dad and awesome tribute to him. Well Done!
ReplyDeleteI'm sure your Dad is going to be thrilled to read this post, Aimee! I've always assumed he must be as wonderful as your Mum and it certainly sounds like he is! Enjoy the day!!
ReplyDeleteWhat lovely life lessons you've learned from your Parents.
ReplyDeleteHappy Father's day to your Dad.
A wonderful post for a wonderful Dad, Aimee!! And how thrilled indeed he will be to read it!! Thank you so much for sharing!! How blessed you are to have the great parents that you have!! A Happy Father's Day to him from me here in Oregon!!!
ReplyDeleteYou really did win the parent lottery, Aimee!
ReplyDeleteYou are a lucky girl indeed! With both parents as I do follow your mum and her incredible outlook on life. A most happy Father's Day to your Pappa and how wonderful that you can share it together!
ReplyDeleteYour Mum is a true friend. Now I know your Dad, and especially what a great daughter they have. I was surprised and delighted to see you at my blog. Thank you very much
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet tribute to your Dad :)
ReplyDeleteWonderful Father's Day post, Aimee!
ReplyDeleteFantastic post Aimee :) and yes agreed a very luck young lady to have the parents you have :) Lucky family x x
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet post. I can say we enjoyed the time with your parents lots.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great tribute to your dad!
ReplyDeleteA beautiful, sensitive, thoughtful tribute to your Dad. A pleasure to read.
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