I’ve been blessed to be raised by people who’ve shown me nothing but true love. Ever since I was a little girl, my relationship with my dad was something that meant the world to me. I cannot deny the fact that my mother will always be my person to rely on, but it is my father who helped me conquer my fear and open my wings.
It is my father who taught me everything I knew about life. It is him who gave me the knowledge that the only person that stays in my way is me. It was his love that encouraged me to fly and it was his strength that empowered me to develop into the self-dependent, strong and confident woman I am today.
Dear dad, thank you for everything that you’ve done for me. This one goes to you!
Because of you…
1. I LEARNED WHAT RESPECT AND REAL LOVE MEANS
Being raised by my parents helped me learn what real love means. I saw firsthand how a man should treat a woman. I learned that respect is the most important part of human relationships.
Because I was lucky to have a father who was the best example for me. He always said, “Treat others the way you want to be treated”. And, that is something that stayed with me forever.
2. I STARTED TO BELIEVE IN MYSELF
I’ve never been the cocky, over-confident type of a person. No matter how sure I was of myself, there was always this tiny bit of doubt in my heart that made me feel insecure.
But, despite all of my fears and insecurities, my father was the only person who always believed in me. He taught me that instead of focusing on the things I am not capable of, I should always focus on the things I can achieve.
3. I LEARNED THAT THE STRONGEST PEOPLE OUT THERE ARE ACTUALLY SOFT INSIDE
I’ve been blessed to witness that strength and bravery has nothing to do with being heartless. My father taught me that real strength comes from allowing yourself to have many layers. From expressing your genuine emotions. He showed me that there’s much more to strength than just a sharp mouth and powerful appearance. It is what’s on the inside that counts.
4. I GAINED THE COURAGE TO STAND UP FOR MYSELF AND SPEAK UP
More importantly, I’ve been more than lucky to have someone who unconditionally supported me and was there for me every step of the way. Because what my father means to me cannot be described with words. He is more than just a parent. He is a true friend. A guidance. The person who helped me find the courage to stand up for myself and speak up whenever something is bothering me.
5. I LEARNED HOW IMPORTANT IT IS TO FORGIVE
With every passing day, as I grew older and older I realized how essential forgiveness is. I realized that every living being on this earth makes mistakes, and that is why we shouldn’t hold grudges.
In fact, I learned that mental strength doesn’t come from judging someone and refusing to let go. Mental strength is about rising above those trivial issues and accepting the fact that we’re all made of flesh, blood, and imperfections.
6. I LEARNED THAT CHANGES SHOULDN’T INTIMIDATE ME
He taught me that things will not always go my way. That people will never remain exactly the same. That life will not always be the way I envisioned it. And that changes will often surprise me. But, he also prepared me for the horror of the unpredictable by helping me realize that nothing really lasts forever.
7. I LEARNED THAT I SHOULD NEVER EVER SETTLE FOR LESS
He made me realize that I am everything that I’ve got. Watching him working hard for the things he loved and handling the challenges life gave him, made me realize that I should never ever settle for less than I deserve. It made me aware that I should know my worth, value myself and chase my dreams, no matter how silly they are.
8. MOST IMPORTANTLY, I GAINED A FRIEND FOR LIFE
But, the most important thing of all, having a father like him meant having a best friend for life. Someone who understands me puts up with me, encourages me, laughs with me, cries with me and most importantly stays beside me. Forever.
