Lessons from my Father

My Darling Girl

I know you were elated when I got called to the bar, you were so proud of me and wanted to tell all your friends how great I was.

I also know that you saw all the toil I went through as I worked tirelessly to go through that journey.

Today I want to share with you lessons my father taught me that has made me strong and gave me the opportunity to surmount so many challenges.

 

Lesson No. 1
Have a Career:

My father always stressed the importance of building your own niche. It doesn’t matter which career path you choose; what truly matters is that you carve out a space for yourself  where you excel and make your mark.

Of course, in my father’s eyes, some careers seemed more “worthy” than others—he continuously encouraged me toward the bar. But the real lesson was not about choosing one specific path; it was about striving to be exceptional at whatever you decide to pursue.

Find your passion, master your craft, and aim for excellence. If you choose to work in the creative industry, for example, don’t settle for being average. Treat it like the profession it is. Commit to becoming the best in that field—hone your skills, build your reputation, and let your work speak for itself.

Be intentional about the path you choose Work with purpose, strive for excellence, and create a name for yourself that no one can ignore. Do not let your career be just a job; it’s a reflection of your dedication, talent, and impact.

 

Lesson No. 2
Versatility:

My father always said that having one skill is like standing on one leg—it can make you feel unsteady when the storms  of life blow. The lesson here is to develop the ability to adapt and thrive in multiple areas. A versatile person is someone who can seamlessly transition from one role to another without losing their value.

If you’re a lawyer, for example, also learn how to teach, write, or even start a business. If you’re in the creative industry, explore the various branches—design, photography, writing, music, or acting. Having this range will give you security and flexibility, making you unstoppable.

Versatility does not mean being scattered; it means honing multiple talents that complement each other. It’s like being an athlete who can play not just one position but several on the field—reliable, indispensable, and always ready for what’s next.

So my darling girl, do not box yourself into one title. Explore your strengths, sharpen your skills, and be open to growth in every area where you can add value.

 

Lesson No. 3
Your Femininity Is Not Your Disadvantage:

One of the greatest lessons Daddy taught me was that   being a woman is not a limitation—it’s a strength. Your femininity is part of who you are, but it does not define or confine what you can achieve. Never let the world make you feel like being a girl puts you a step behind.

My father would always remind me, “Don’t think like a girl; think like a human being.” What he meant was simple—your mind, your abilities, and your potential have no gender. Don’t allow stereotypes or societal expectations to shrink your dreams or silence your ambitions. Approach challenges with confidence, not excuses. Don’t think small because someone says you should.

So my darling girl, walk into every room as a human being first—with ideas to share, gifts to offer, and goals to achieve. You don’t have to prove yourself because you’re a woman; you only have to be yourself. Your femininity is not a disadvantage; it’s part of the brilliance that makes you, you.

Be graceful, be bold, and never doubt that you can rise to the top—because you can, and you will.

 

Lesson No. 4
Be Graceful in All Your Dealings with People:

My father always emphasized that how you treat others speaks volumes about who you are. No matter how talented, successful, or intelligent you are, your ability to deal with people with grace and dignity will set you apart. Grace is not weakness—it’s strength under control.

In life, you will encounter all kinds of people: those who support you, those who challenge you, and even those who misunderstand or underestimate you. Respond to them all with kindness, poise, and respect. Grace allows you to navigate conflicts without bitterness, to forgive without holding grudges, and to lead without pride.

Being graceful doesn’t mean you let people take advantage of you. It means you hold your head high, respond with wisdom, and carry yourself with integrity, no matter the situation. As the saying goes, “You cannot control how others act, but you can control how you respond.”

So my darling girl, let grace be your signature. Whether in success or failure, in agreement or disagreement, let people remember not just what you achieved, but how you made them feel, and that feeling must be great. A graceful woman is powerful, admired, and respected—because she knows that true strength is found in character.

 

Lesson No. 5
Never Give Up on Yourself:

Life will not always go as planned. There will be days when you stumble, seasons when you fail, and moments when you question everything you’re capable of. But no matter how hard it gets, never give up on yourself.

My father often said, “Others may doubt you, the world may count you out, but the moment you give up on yourself, you lose the fight.” Challenges are part of life’s journey—they are not roadblocks, they are stepping stones. When you fall, get back up. When you lose, learn the lesson. And when things feel impossible, remember that strength grows in the moments you choose to keep going.

You are far stronger, wiser, and more resilient than you know, its about time you realized it. Trust in your God-given abilities and keep believing in the person you are becoming. If you don’t see the results today, don’t let frustration steal your focus. Success takes perseverance, and growth takes time.

So my darling girl, no matter how slow the progress or how loud the doubts, hold on to yourself. Keep showing up. Keep pushing forward. And one day, you’ll look back and realize every moment of struggle was shaping the greatness in you.

Be Empowered!