8 Things I Learned From My Grandmother And Her Friends | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Relationships

8 Things I Learned From My Grandmother And Her Friends

Lessons from women who were some of the lady pioneers of their generations.

210
8 Things I Learned From My Grandmother And Her Friends
Unsplash

There are many things I have learned from spending time with my grandmother and her friends. They are amazing women. Women who are timeless. They were some of the pioneers of their generation, leaving religion behind because it began to not seem so accepting, avoiding the strict marriage → kids → stay-at-home mother pipeline. They are inspirations to younger generations, women and men alike.

These women are still working and are in leadership positions. My own grandmother is 73 years-old, owns her own business, and still works Tuesday-Saturday usually 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

I learned too many lessons from spending a lifetime with them and more particularly the first three weeks in December, but I have narrowed them down to the top eight, for now.

1. You might not use your college degree for your job/career, and that’s OK

Many of these women and I would even go as far as to say MOST of them, did not use their degree, or their intended degree, especially undergraduate. You might not use your degree for your first, second, or third job, but experience is everything and the experience you gained while you were in college means a lot too.fa

2. You will miss feeling scared and nervous about your future

When you don't feel this way anymore, you will wish you had that feeling and those moments back. When you are older and comfortable, you will miss the times when you weren't sure what you were going to do with your life or when your next paycheck would be.

3. There really is "the one"

There can also by many people in your life who are "the one," just realize that you will know when there is "the one." If this means you find one, two, or three of "the one," you will know; wait for that feeling.

4. Men will never think like women, and vice versa









Technically two of them said, on separate occasions, not even when they were together, proclaimed the exact same thing: "Men are stupid." I did not want to say it particularly this harshly, but I will state the obvious here that not ALL men.

When pressed into further detail, they described particularly what I stated above, that men do not think like women and that is hard to understand how they make their decision, but this can also go both ways.

5. “Things” are just “things”

From major red wine spills to accidentally using too much bleach and ruining your favorite (and maybe most expensive) set of sheets, things are simply just things. Don’t fret over them unless they are entirely irreplaceable, but again, regardless they are just things. They are inanimate objects and can (and most likely will) be replaced. It is a waste of time to worry about them.

6. Try to stay debt free

No credit score at all is better than a bad credit score. Try to pay for everything in cash so you don’t accumulate debt. And if you are in debt, pay it as soon as possible so that you don't end up paying a bunch extra (even up to double the amount in some cases).

My grandmother also suggests looking into Financial Peace University with Dave Ramsey, she says she learned so many important financial lessons from him and you could too.

7. Don’t remain unhappy, in any aspect of your life

From relationships to jobs, if you are not happy then leave. Don’t second guess it, don’t think of everything you could be losing, just leave. You will figure it out somewhere else or with someone else or with a new job so just leave. You will (probably) look back and laugh at the matter and be so glad you made that decision because of where you end up.

8. You will probably change your path more than once

moving india salvor menuez GIF

Whether it is deciding you want a major career change, relocation, new partner, etc. you will most likely not end up where you thought you would be at twenty-four. You might, but probably not. So anticipate that change will occur and that you are not predestined for anything. You might just change your mind about a lover, career, and/or place to live in a heartbeat and this is OK, and even fun and a good idea.

So all in all, there are too many golden pieces of advice I have acquired from some of these role models of mine. Take the time to listen to your own grandparent's advice and life experience, it is usually so important and is only acquired from people who have been around a lot longer than you.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

188985
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

14144
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

457286
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

26296
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments