Top 5 things I learned from my dad

In honor of Father's Day, here are the top 5 things I learned from my amazing dad. He and my mom continue to be the best examples I could ever ask for, and I still learn so much from them every time we're together.

1. God first, others second, self third. Moral of the story... selfishness gets you nowhere; selflessness gets you anywhere you want to go.

2. You can do anything you want in life as long as you work half the day. You choose which half; the first 12 hours or the second. Moral of the story... Work hard, play hard. You have to work hard in life and be disciplined. But when you are, reward yourself by making the time to do things you enjoy.

3. Don't complain about the problem if you're not willing to be part of the solution. Moral of the story... Sitting around complaining about a problem without working towards solving said problem is a monumental waste of your time. Take action toward change, or you have no right to complain.

4. Ask God to help you accept the things you cannot change, give you courage to change the things you can, and grant you the wisdom to know the difference. Moral of the story... This serenity prayer speaks for itself. It's something my dad taught me at a young age and something I've held on to ever since.

5. Eat life up with a big ol' spoon. Moral of the story... You don't know what this life is going to dish out. All you can do is make the best of every moment you're given.

Dad's play a fundamental and irreplaceable role in our lives. Some of us are blessed to still have our dad's around. Others celebrate their fathers that are now in heaven. And still others never knew their real father, but had a special person step in and fill that role during their lives. No matter your situation - real dad or adopted dad, grandfather or uncle, older brother or friend - tell your "dad" thank you today.