THINGS MY PARENTS TAUGHT ME
*whether or not they are aware of it
Always have one good pair of sunglasses
My mom used to buy sunglasses specifically based on how they looked on top of her head, rather than on her face. At the time it was a fashion choice, one she now regrets. Who knew cataracts were genetic, and could be triggered by the sun. Either way, now we both have cataracts. Thanks Obama.
Thankfully I learned my lesson at a younger age.
Lookin' fly in my wrap-arounds. I never really had an awkward phase. I guess I got lucky.
Turn the Other Cheek
Always be kind. If someone hits you, don’t hit them back. And if your twin brother stabs you in the foot with a drill, don’t push him off the roof into a rose bush. Thank’s for that hot tip, dad.
This life lesson took a little longer to implement, considering I broke three major bones while growing up. Exhibit A) Fell out of a tree house in the second grade. Just in time for my first communion too!
Always Wear Sunscreen
As you can see, my mom had a bit of an affinity for tanning when she was a teen. If you ask her now, she will use her experiences slathering herself in cooking oil and wrapping records in tin foil as a cautionary tale. I haven't been great about this, but the ever present potential for skin cancer is enough to scare me straight.
Good ol' grandpa taught me young how to maximize pool time fun on a sunny day. It's a harmless looking picture, until you find out that I was allergic to sunscreen as a kid, (along with everything else nature has to offer) so I definitely should have been wearing a hat.
Surround Yourself
with Good People
One thing my parents have always done well is picking their friends. The best friends are the ones you can laugh the hardest with, and be the weirdest around. Friends that help you at your worst, and appreciate you at your best. My mom is on the far left. (note: she is tanning)
This has probably been the easiest lesson to learn. At even the youngest of ages, I've been enjoying the company of those I relate to most. (The overly excitable kid with dinosaurs is still my oldest friend and roommate)
Play Well with Others
My dad, his three siblings, and their mother were on Family feud back in the day. They lost to a family of beautiful blonds, and never really got over it. They attribute it to Richard Dawson. He was known, for better or for worse, as the host who kissed ladies on the show.
As a family of six, the Wojahn clan quickly learned how to play with others. Guns and all.
I just want to note my sister, who clearly did not learn this lesson, as she shot-puts me into oblivion.
Kiss the Ones You Love
My parents are great at expressing their love for one another. I never had to question my their affection for me while growing up. And for that, I'm very grateful.
This is something I do well, and I always have. Spread the love people. It's not rocket science, and you never know who you could help in the process.
Be Yourself
Maybe the most important lesson of all, and the one I try the hardest to appreciate. My parents have worked so hard to show me how to accept myself for who I am, and it's something I still need to work on.
No matter how weird or goofy you feel, it's important to love yourself. Stick to your guns, no matter what anyone says.
