My father was a shorter Italian man with short curly hair and blue eyes that were the color of a crystal clear ocean. He was a straight and to-the-point person who had the lungs of an Italian, loud and passionate man who loved his family and loved life. My father taught yoga at night for years when I was younger and did electrical work for his business during the day. He also became a Minister for The Movement of Spiritual Inner Awareness for many years and would volunteer often. My dad had a big heart and loved spending time with people. He would say he would bring "light" into everything he did. Get it, electrician, light, LOL.
When he passed years later, I was cleaning out his filing cabinet (Affiliate Link) and found this letter addressed to me. I don't know when he wrote it, but it stated,
"Dear Sabrina, I came to this country with nothing and we don't have much. But, there is one thing that I can give you and that is the gift of fresh air. See, I will stop smoking for you. Love, Dad"
Apparently, before I was born and in Italy, my father smoked cigarettes. It was very common in Italy at that time. It was a short letter, but every Father's Day since he passed, I have thought about that short, sweet letter from my daddy.
10 Wonderful Ways a Father Helped His Daughter
To honor Father's Day and to honor him, I wanted to share the top 10 ways he introduced me to organizing, how it benefits your entire life, and how to be self-reliant and work for yourself through being a business owner. Let's begin.
You can make anything happen in your life, plan some of it, and then take a risk with the rest.
Knowing where your stuff is is so important. "Everything wants to have a home."
Take 20 minutes to 1 hour each day to take care of yourself (Affiliate Link). Exercise your mind and body.
Don't give others power over you. Only you can control you. You can only give someone else your power.
Refine your processes and make sure they are safe (Affiliate Link) for everyone physically and emotionally. Be aware of what you are doing and how you may affect others.
Only keep those items that you treasure and take care of them. If you forget you have something, it is time to let it go.
Have fun and be yourself, always and in all ways. Be honest with others and yourself about who you are.
Self-discipline is so important. You need to respect yourself, and self-discipline will help you respect yourself. If you want to change something about yourself, figure out the way that would make that change a reality. You are a powerful creator.
Be creative in anything you do. You may think you are creative, but you are. You can be creative in all areas of your life.
Food must taste good and satisfying. Accept quality over quantity. Make your meals enjoyable so that when you leave the table, you feel satisfied and not so stuffed.
I hope you have a wonderful Father's Day with your dad. I also hope your father has a great one, whether he is here on Earth or somewhere else.
Please note these are affiliate links through Amazon (Affiliate Link), and at no additional cost to you, I will earn affiliate fees if you decide to make a purchase.
Here are some other posts about fathers and daughters.
15 Things All Dads of Daughters Should Know
GREAT GIFTS FOR DADS TO GET ORGANIZED
THE ULTIMATE CLUTTER-FREE FATHER’S DAY GIFT GUIDE FOR DAD
Janet Schiesl says
What a wonderful tribute to your Dad. You Dad taught you many life lessons that you can keep with you always.
Nancy Haworth says
These are great memories and life tips from your father. Thank you for sharing these with your readers. I hope you had a good father's day remembering him.
Linda Samuels says
What a beautiful tribute to your father! I love what you said about how he brought light to everything he did through his work and passion. And what a treasure to have not only the lovely letter from your devoted father but also to have all of the wisdom that he passed on to you. He sounds like he was an incredible person and an amazing dad.
You reminded me of a post I wrote many years ago after my dad passed away about some of the lessons I learned from him (http://theothersideoforganized.com/blog/2013/9/3/9-success-rules.html). I miss him so much, yet all that he taught me remains. I hold that close.
Janet Barclay says
Here's a crazy coincidence... in the book "They Left Us Everything," which I mentioned in a recent blog post where you left a comment, the author also discovered a letter, one that her mother had written to her years earlier. Maybe it happens a lot, but it's never happened to me or anyone else I know.
It sounds like your dad was a great guy!
Sabrina Quairoli says
Thanks, Janet. I found that this happens often with children who have to clear out their parents home. I don't know why but it is nice to receive a letter from someone who has passed. Thanks for stopping by and commenting.
Rose M Griffith says
Lovely thoughts on your dad...love the letter that he wrote to you. It is wonderful to be able to count the blessings our parents gave to us.
Susan cooper says
What beautiful words of wisdom from your father. And how lucky you were to come across that letter after he passed and be able to read it each year. That is incredibly special.
William Rusho says
I like the "plan it and take a risk". Many parents are so concerned about their kids being hurt, they condition them into being so careful; they never take risks. They do it so much, so that NOTHING ever will happen to them, having my life with nothing happening does not sound like fun. Glad your dad taught you to plan and take risks
Marquita Herald says
Lovely and inspiring Sabrina! I especially like the point about not giving others power over you. Most people really underestimate the power they have to create their own life experience.
Ken Dowell says
Some nice memories Sabrina. I would hope to be as positive as influence on my childrens' lives as your father was on yours.
Seana Turner says
This is such a beautiful post, Sabrina. How lucky to have a Father who loved you so much and taught you these wonderful lessons. I see a little Professional Organizer in that list:) I love the point about planning some and then taking a risk.
Meredith @ The Palette Muse says
What a wonderfully sweet letter, and a great list of things to think about. Your dad sounds like a wonderful man, and I can see that he had a great effect on your life. He'd be proud of you today.
Beth Niebuhr says
What a lovely post for Fathers Day! Your dad sounds like a wonderful person. What a lovely gift he gave you and that you didn't even know about until you found his letter. Thanks for sharing.
Lenie says
Having read your posts for quite some time now, I definitely recognize the values your father taught you in you. Sounds like you had a wonderful loving Italian home - love, laughter and food - what could be better.
Autumn Leopold says
This is precious! Thanks so much for sharing!
Phoenicia says
Your father certainly installed good values in you. You should feel blessed.
I especially like numbers 1, 2, 4 and 8 on your list.
Donna Janke says
Your father sounds like an amazing and interesting man. He left you with some good lessons.
Patricia Weber says
Words of wisdom and definitely from an Italian: fun and food - you better believe it. Thanks for sharing what you learned from your father Sabrina.
Jacqueline Gum says
This is such a wonderful post....you had the best Sabrina! Those are wonderful lessons...life lessons...and I admire you for learning them and passing them on:)