What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

My dad gave me the best advice… He’d say in his Jamaican accent and another way that interprets into these words, “Be independent and self-reliant. Learn how to do things on your own, grow your own food, make your own clothes, and follow your own heart.” What he’s really saying is “Life is simple, and you are the only one who can truly understand it”.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

Words of wisdom from my dad:

1. Do your own research before making decisions, and don’t rely only on others’ opinions.
2. Read everything, and if you don’t understand something, read it again until you do. My father always found ways to provide me with reading materials even though we were very poor and not able to purchase books, although I did not see a single book store in the town I grew up as a child in Jamaica. So my dad would bring home magazines he found laying around in the hotels where he performed as The Crab Man. I love it all even if it was only a newspaper and I read it all!!
3. He’d say to me try to avoid or show your anger, particularly towards your rivals. My father rarely became angry, but when he did, it was for a good reason. He stayed calm even in moments of anger. I could tell story of times when he’s lost it especially if someone should hurt me or my brother and that wasn’t often that he would lose his temper.
4. He especially mentioned “avoid people who have hurt you and don’t give them the opportunity to do so again”.
5. My best advice was to take care of myself both mentally and physically, this was mainly from watching him meditate. He was a meditator and I learn how to do so correctly by studying life through his eyes. I followed his path…
6. What he actually was saying was to pay close attention to your surroundings. You never know who is friend or a foe…that bad person. Keep your eyes looking around but never show that you are really looking. Stay focused. Even though he appeared unaware, he told me that he knew everything happening around him
7. I learned this the hard way…Never look into the eyes of strangers. I didn’t quite understand this one until I learned a valuable lesson… I’ve encountered frightening situations a few times when looking into the eyes of mentally ill person. Scary moments! To this day, I still try not to look in the eyes of many strangers on the streets or in public.
8. Meditation can help you find peace and alleviate pain. This I know is true. I have since become a certified meditation teacher all because of my dad.
9. Grow your own foods, learn how to make your own personal items, eg; clothes, toothpaste, etc…reuse and recreate (my mom taught me a lot of the same). Pay close attention how things were made …learn ways to make them and you won’t be in need of much else.
10. Follow your own path, be self-sufficient, and listen deeply to your own heart. Deep in my heart only I know what it is he says here…as he says this in his silent ways …that I came to later understood!
    • This father of mine is really my stepdad!
      • Today, as a yoga teacher, wellness educator for youth, and mindfulness meditation teacher, I walk this path—a tribute to my stepdad, Lloydy. His silent influence has become the compass guiding my heart. Grateful for all I’ve learned, I say, “Thank you, thank you dear dad!” 🙏🏽