Lessons from my father

Like my mother, my father has had an extraordinary impact on my life and has taught me more valuable lessons than I can possibly count. Many of which I have blatantly ignore (Wear sensible shoes, save money, jangan boros), some were my first life skills (how to read a book), and others remain my most vivid early memories of fond moments spent with him (learning to play golf until I cried my eyes out because I was really horrible at it, playing kaki tiga with my little siblings). 

He has lived a remarkable life (with amazing children ehem) and is a downright genius, but it is the most basic of his lessons which have left the most lasting impression on me. And because I think fatherly wisdom should be shared amongst everyone, here are my few favourite lessons from my own babah:

1. Above all, pursue intellectual enrichment. By filling your mind with knowledge, you have a thirst for life and a constant craving to learn new things.


2. You can not substitute money and material things for tenderness. Do not get caught up with meaningless consumerism that don't make us truly happy. Many people go through life just looking for material goods that will never fill the hole that loneliness creates. 

3. Explore. Wander often, and when you do, really see each new places with an open mind. Learn about other cultures and different perspectives on living. I was extremely fortunate to spend the last 4 years travelling to the most exotic countries, and each trip taught me more about humanity than an entire semester in class. 

4. Be kind, generous and charitable towards others. I struggle to think of many people more charitable than my own father. And while 'charity' in today's society mean a self rewarding act i.e. to feel good about yourself, it is far more rewarding to do good deeds simply to help others.

5. Act as you wish to be treated. The energy and behaviour you put out will be returned to you many times over.

6. Family comes first. Never distance yourself from the ones you love.

What did your father teach you?

I love you so much babah ♡
love,