Mark Twain
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For most of us growing up, our fathers were the ones to show us how to ride a bike, bait a hook, drive a car and change a tire on that car. Practical life skills. If we were lucky, he also shared a bit of wisdom that helped us deal with tough times and get ahead.
In honor of Father's Day and to offer "equal time" after my Mother's Wisdom newsletter, I asked people what wise advice they received from their dads.
My Dad was a quiet man who spoke mostly through his actions. But one piece of advice that served me well is the quote below. In fact, I liked it so much that I included it in my "Working with Wisdom" book that featured quotes from other wise men like Abraham Lincoln, Ralph Waldo Emerson and Warren Buffett. He liked the company.
When I asked my 21-year-old children about the wisdom they learned from their Dad, they replied:
"Daddy taught me yard work (as well as other difficult things in life) is better done early in the morning than later when you're tired and the sun is super hot. Might as well get it over with and have the rest of the day to play!"
Allyson (High School Valedictorian)
"You can't swim holding your nose and fishing doesn't mean catching."
Connor (Future Marine Biologist)
Read these sweet stories of father wisdom:
"One of my most useful Dad tips is what he called 'OPB.' This was short for other people's brains! When events in our life needed a profession other than the one we were called for,
we needed to have already a wonderful relationship with a great friend in that profession. He said that in one lifetime, as much as we might want to, we could never learn everything or be everything. Our family and friendships needed to be our priority!"
Lenore Bush
"Whenever we got in big trouble, instead of yelling, he would just very calmly ask, "So, are you happy now?" Not only did it really make us think about what we did and whether or not the results were worth the actions but I find myself using it as a litmus test as I get older. Luckily, every day my 'Yes!' gets louder!"
Linda Minnick
"I remember my Dad talking to me before I ventured out to sell my first Girl Scout Cookies (when we used to go door-to-door). He told me to look them in the eye, smile, introduce myself, let them know I was selling cookies to support my troop and 'ask them how many boxes they want to buy'! Never ask them IF they want to buy! Still great advice."
Kim Ellet
"My Dad was a big proponent of taking a sweater, jacket or a wrap with you no matter what the weather. A rain shower might pop up, the AC might be too frigid, the temperature might drop after sunset. His mantra: 'You can't put it on if you don't take it with you!' Over the years, this has expanded in my mind to be prepared for the unexpected. I've taken this to heart in so many ways, and you'll rarely see me without some type of extra apparel to slip on should I need it. He has literally warmed my heart thousands of times during my life. That's my Daddy!"
Mandy Roth
"My Dad taught me to say, 'What for?' He used it extensively. One time (back in the 80s) I went with him to look for a new car. The salesman was pointing out all the new features and conveniences like an AM-FM radio! WHAT FOR daddy exclaimed...I already have a living room."
Kathie Lumberg
Take a moment to share your father's wisdom on my Facebook Page or reply back to me. I love hearing from you!
