The Wisdom of My Father

I Treasure Dad’s Advice on Life

He was a man of few words with an inspiring personal code.

By Ann Mehl

About five years ago, my father passed away. I still think about him almost every day, but especially this time of the year when his anniversary rolls around. He was well known and liked in the community where he lived with my mother in New Jersey. Fiercely proud of both his German and Irish ancestry, he always walked in the Annual West Orange St. Patrick’s Day Parade wearing a green tie and a German hunting hat.

With my sister and brothers, I will sometimes reminisce about the small idiosyncrasies that made him our dad. The bulging pants pockets, filled with keys. The wallet held together with 3 elastic bands (this despite the drawer full of new ones we had given him over the years as gifts). The baseball hat perched atop his head (never on his head), reflective of his time in the military. His distrust of anything resembling a main road (his old trucks weren’t bred for the highways).

He was, like many of his generation, a man of few words. But when he did speak, it was usually to impart some wisdom or practical piece of advice. As I’ve gotten older, I have come to appreciate many of his great aphorisms, which remain lodged in my mind like an old song.

Read the first bit of wisdom from my father.

Ann Mehl is a New York-based certified life and career coach. She can be reached at www.annmehl.com.

Keep The Faith

Instead of saying “goodbye”, this was how my father would finish any conversation. He would literally say, “Keep the faith.” He was a religious man who attended church every day, but I believe in his case, it may have had wider meaning. Nowadays, I take it to mean keep the faith…in you. If you’re striving to build a business, keep on trying. If you think you can help out your neighbor, keep on knocking. If you’re attempting to get back on your feet financially and do the right thing by your family, keep showing up for work. If you dream that you can accomplish your goal, don’t stop moving forward. It is in this spirit of “keeping the faith” that we keep on believing in something, even when we live in the shadow of doubt.

You Gotta Laugh

For most of his adult life, my father worked two jobs to support the family. Both jobs were physical in nature and it was often backbreaking work. He was exposed to the elements in winter and summer. In order to keep it light, he would often tell me that he made certain that he and his workers laughed at least once per day. Imagine if that were a mandatory line within every company’s mission statement: “We take laugh breaks seriously.” It would likely reduce stress in the workplace and increase overall morale. Although the concept was simple, I think my dad was onto something here. Take time out for joy. Laughter not only makes us feel better in the moment, but there are well-documented health benefits as well.

Slow Down

Once I got my driver’s license, my dad would often scold me for pulling out of the driveway too fast. He didn’t believe in rushing anything. If I launched into dinner too fast, he’d have me put my fork down to say a prayer over the meal first. If the flame was too high on the stove, he’d advise turning the knob back to decrease the gas. He believed in taking his time, and tried to encourage this in his children. My father liked to think about a situation before leaping ahead. For the harried times in which we now live, this seems especially prescient. When my clients complain of burnout, I often tell them to try “mono-tasking” for a change. Do less. Breathe. Slow it right down and be present to what you are actually doing in the moment. Chances are, you’ll get more done.

Love One Another

With five children, I think one of my Dad’s greatest desires was that we stick together over time, that we’d watch out for one another. I know this because whenever he and I spoke, he’d always ask: “When’s the last time you spoke to your brother? When’s the last time you saw your sister?” He wanted to be sure that we would never lose touch. This is a natural instinct for any parent, but time and distance make this a real challenge for some. I feel blessed that I am close with all my siblings, but sometimes I need to remember the importance of reaching out too – even when I don’t feel like it, or I’m too bothered by own concerns. Your job won’t take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and family will. What you share in common is greater than your differences. So stay in touch.