Nicole Johnson remembers the advice her father repeated all the time, and how it’s helped shape her.
My father is a magnificent man and an extraordinary dad. His parenting and wisdom has helped mold me into the woman I am today. When I reflect back upon my childhood, I revel in the memories of my father’s love, humor, sound judgment, intellect, and his legendary dad-isms.
What is a dad-ism? A dad-ism is a memorable catch-phrase or piece of advice your father is famous for saying. Growing up, my father had several classic dad-isms; however, his most renowned was “shake it off.” He was constantly telling me and my brother to “shake it off” for various reasons.
If I fell off my bike and was not critically wounded, I would hear my dad say: “shake it off, Nic; you’re alright.” When I would swing (and miss) at a bad pitch, I would hear my father’s voice from the stands: “shake it off, Nic; your pitch is coming.” As a young struggling math student who couldn’t understand algebraic equations, my dad would reassure me: “shake it off, Nic; you’re smart, you’ll get it.”
In the moment, “shake it off” had many meanings. The denotation meant, “let it go”, but the connotation meant so much more. My father’s persistent dad-ism taught me that I was strong, I was capable, and I was resilient. It also comforted me because it was a reminder that I was still learning and still growing. To this day, when I’m frustrated that I’m not succeeding with a skill or a task, I remember falling off my bike and hearing my father shout out: “shake it off, Nic.” As an adult, I am literally able to “shake off” my frustrations and forge ahead. I owe a large portion of my confidence and success to my dad’s tutelage. His wisdom taught me to never give up or give in to self-doubt. Thank you, Dad.
This Father’s Day, Dove Men + Care is celebrating Dads and their dad-isms. What are your father’s most memorable words of wisdom? Submit your favorite dad-ism to the Dove Men + Care Facebook Father’s Day sweepstakes page and enter a chance to win the Dove Men + Care Ultimate Father’s Day Gift Package! Click here to enter.
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Photo—Young girl learning to ride bicycle from Shutterstock
My dad used to always tell me, especially when I was in elementary school, “hate is a very strong word”. I find myself saying that to my nieces now. On a lighter note, any time I was injured (never anything serious) he will tell me “Well, it’s a long way from your heart.” That one never fails to make me smile.
Words of wisdom from my abusive & rapist father: “Do that again, boy and see what you get.” I’m happy for those who had good fathers, but I didn’t. I try to be a great dad now, but my father isn’t a part of that. For some, “Father’s Day” is a nightmare of triggers & horrid memories. If you had good parents, you are fortunate.