This past week, along with celebrating Easter, my family also celebrated my parents’ 32nd wedding anniversary. If you don't know my parents, let me begin by saying, they are some of the kindest and hardest working people. Along with raising and homeschooling eight kids, they have also built a successful, and well loved, business in our area. When I think about where I am today, I realize how much I owe to them and their constant example of love and dedication. They have encouraged me every step of the way and really shaped me into who I am because of what they have taught me over the years. So, in honor of them, I wanted to share 32 lessons I have learned from their example. In no specific order, here we go:
- Always treat others with kindness.
- The greatest love is your love for God.
- There are two sides to EVERY story.
- The best way to feel better about yourself is to do something for someone else.
- Always be willing to offer a helping hand.
- Unsweetened Iced tea is the best drink (that one I learned from mom).
- Your dreams will take hard work and a lot of time, but they are possible.
- Write your goals and dreams down.
- Marriage takes work but it’s worth it.
- Trust in the Lord. He will provide.
- Soccer is the greatest game (you guessed it, that one I learned from dad).
- It’s better to be kind than to be right.
- Always be humble.
- Success is defined by the way you treat people, not by the amount of money you make.
- Always put your family first.
- Be open to God’s plan – it’s better than yours.
- The right thing to do isn’t always the easiest, but you still do it.
- Surround yourself with people who make you better.
- Do the things that scare you.
- Love is a feeling, but it’s also a choice.
- Never stop searching for inspiration.
- Don’t be afraid of failure – it’s inevitable.
- Don’t be afraid of success.
- Forgive always.
- Outer beauty disappears, it’s what’s inside that matters.
- Love your spouse – this is especially important to show when you have kids.
- If you don’t take care of yourself, you won’t be able to take care of others.
- Being outside is good for the soul.
- Never stop learning.
- Think twice before you speak.
- Be who you are.
- Home is where the people you love are.
There is so much that I wanted to say about my parents in this post but the truth is, nothing I say will do them justice. They are two of the kindest, most encouraging people I know. I hope this post will give you a little glimpse into that and the impact they have had on me over the years.
Thank you mom and dad for everything. I love you both!
XOXO,
Anna