Somewhere along the way, I realized the people who taught me the most weren’t professors, CEOs, or authors of profound self-help books. They were the ones who made sure I sat still at the dinner table, chewed with my mouth closed, and placed my shoes neatly by the door instead of kicking them off like a lunatic.
My parents instilled a level of discipline, respect, and humor into me that, whether I liked it or not, became my default operating system. They taught me not just the mechanics of manners but also the subtleties—like the power of sarcasm and a well-timed pun. I carry those lessons daily, sprinkling them into conversations, blogs, and the occasional unwarranted dad joke.
But if there's one thing I admire more than learning, it’s teaching. And that, my friends, is an art form. Teaching is one of the hardest jobs in the world. To all my former teachers—who probably wondered if anything they said actually stuck—congratulations, you did it. It may have taken a while, but the lessons you drilled into my thick skull are alive and well. Writing these newsletters every week? That’s me learning consistency. Exploring new writing styles? That’s me growing. Engaging with an audience? That’s me realizing there’s always something new to learn, even if that lesson is just: "Don't send an email when you're angry." (More on that later.)
Lessons from the Ones Who Raised Me
My dad taught me how to fish. Not just in the “here’s a rod, go catch dinner” way, but in the patient, methodical way of understanding tides, wind, and the quiet discipline of waiting. He taught me that some days, you’ll catch nothing but a sunburn, and that’s okay. The important thing is to keep showing up, line in the water, ready for whatever bites.
My first fish
My mom, on the other hand, taught me how to be bold. Not in speeches or lectures, but in action. Specifically, through the wild, unapologetic color choices in my wardrobe. She made it clear that self-expression wasn’t just for the artistic; it was for everyone, even if that expression sometimes meant wearing a Hawaiian shirt to an event that definitely did not call for a Hawaiian shirt.
And while my parents shaped me, they also gave me a crucial life lesson: Not everyone will care about the things you care about, and that’s okay. Some people won’t appreciate your perfectly grilled steak, your well-placed pun, or the fact that you returned their car not just with a full tank but also with the interior vacuumed. Do it anyway. Because kindness, respect, and effort aren’t about getting credit—they’re about being the kind of person you’d want to have around.
A Few Lessons to Teach Your Kids—Not Just Your Son
Raising good humans isn’t about rules for boys or rules for girls—it’s about rules for life. If I could pass on anything to the next generation, it’d be this list:
My dad still teaching me how to fish
Rules to Teach Your Kids
Never shake a man’s hand sitting down.
Don’t enter a pool by the stairs.
The man at the BBQ grill is the closest thing to a king.
In a negotiation, never make the first offer.
Request the late check-out.
When entrusted with a secret, keep it.
Hold your heroes to a higher standard.
Return a borrowed car with a full tank of gas.
Play with passion or don’t play at all.
When shaking hands, grip firmly and look them in the eye.
Don’t let a wishbone grow where a backbone should be.
If you need music on the beach, you’re missing the point.
Carry two handkerchiefs—one for you, one for someone who might need it.
You marry the girl, you marry her family.
Be like a duck—calm on the surface, paddling like hell underneath.
Experience the serenity of traveling alone.
Never be afraid to ask out the best-looking person in the room.
Never turn down a breath mint.
A sport coat is worth a thousand words.
Try writing your own eulogy. Never stop revising.
Thank a veteran. Then make it up to them.
Eat lunch with the new kid.
After writing an angry email, read it carefully—then delete it.
Ask your mom to play. She won’t let you win.
Manners maketh the man.
Give credit. Take the blame.
Stand up to bullies. Protect those who are bullied.
Write down your dreams.
Take time to snuggle your pets. They love you unconditionally.
Be confident and humble at the same time.
If ever in doubt, remember who raised you and refuse to be ordinary.
Lead by example, not explanation.
Dress how you want to be addressed.
Be blessed by being a blessing.
And above all else—learn something new every day. Because the day you stop learning is the day you stop growing.
Circa 2005 Fashion on point thanks to my mom
