peace&niche

Throughout my twenties and now thirties, my dad has offered my siblings and me some pretty meaningful advice. Growing up, he always encouraged us to see as much of the world as we could. In my mid-twenties, he would always say, “Travel everywhere before you get married and have kids.” I think it’s because when he was that age, he traveled whenever he found the time. Looking back now, I feel incredibly grateful that my parents, especially my dad, have such an open-minded perspective on life.

Then when I turned thirty, his said, “Take your time, don’t rush into marriage.” To me, that felt like a blessing. Not everyone grows up with parents who allow them the space to move at their own pace, who don’t pressure them to fit into traditional timelines or expectations.

Recently he said something so simple, yet so profound: “Don’t be afraid to go after what you want. At the end of the day, if it makes you happy, it’s worth it.” I’ve always wondered how my dad manages to live so freely, how he can just decide he wants something and go for it with such ease. I admire that so much. If he wants a karaoke machine because singing brings him joy, he buys it. Maybe it’s a Leo thing..to unapologetically prioritize happiness. For a long time, I used to see that as self-centered. But the more I reflect on it, the more I realize how much truth there is in it.

We should prioritize ourselves—our well-being, our joy, our fullness. Being genuinely happy and whole on our own is one of the hardest things to accomplish. I want to learn to be a little more shameless (in moderation), to put myself first more often, because life really is too short. If you live with conviction and do your best, without regrets, then why not enjoy it fully?

I genuinely believe that when you are whole and happy, that energy extends outward and you can spread happiness to others more easily. In the end, his wisdom reminds me that a life well-lived is one where we choose joy, trust our own timing, and pursue what matters with courage and authenticity.