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Lessons My Siblings Have Taught Me

They are the three most inspiring people I know.

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Lessons My Siblings Have Taught Me
Maeve Byrne

I am the youngest of four kids in my family. I’ve learned over the years that no matter what, your family is one of the few things that will always be there for you in life. My siblings taught me that. They taught me that when everyone else fails to care, when everyone else would rather stay quiet than stick up for you, when everyone else thinks of themselves first; your family will be there for you, every single time. And being the youngest, I’ve learned so much more from all three of my siblings. We would be here all day if I told you everything they’ve taught me, but let me just start with these few things.

Never give up.

I’ve quit a lot of things in my life (mostly sports). Whenever something got too hard, I just simply gave up and figured that I wasn’t good enough to do it. But my siblings taught me that giving up is not an option. My brother wanted to go to Notre Dame University since he was little. It was his dream. And when he didn’t get in for undergrad, he went away to school somewhere else. But he didn’t give up. He worked really hard in undergrad. He joined clubs and had three internships. When it came time to apply to grad school to get his masters in accounting, he applied to Notre Dame again. And you know what? He got in. And when people told him it was too expensive, he went anyways. Because you don’t give up on your dreams.

Your situation is what you make of it.

I’m going to admit, I’m the type of person to sulk about the little things. If things don’t go the way I planned on them going, I tend to let it ruin my day, my week, sometimes even my month. But my siblings have taught me that no matter what your situation is, good or bad, you have the choice to make it what you want it to be. You have the choice to make things great, even when they’re not great. You make the best out of every situation.

Life is too short to not be happy.

My older siblings have taught me that happiness is the most important thing in life. We have lost too many people in our lives, young and old, to waste the time we do have being miserable. If something in your life is making you unhappy, change it. Talk it out. Break up with the person who is holding you down. Quit the job that makes you miserable. End friendships that take more away from your life than they add. Move to a new city. Take risks. Love life. Be Happy.

Don’t hold a grudge.

When you get in a lot of fights with your siblings (and trust me, I have), you realize that grudges just make you bitter. My siblings have taught me, that no matter what, even if things are said that shouldn’t be, even if punches are thrown, even if you feel like they don’t deserve an apology; say sorry, move on, and forgive. You never know what life will throw at you to make you regret holding a grudge.

Love conquers all.

This has to be the most important lesson my siblings have taught me. Each one of my siblings are the most accepting people I know. We do not see religion, color, sexual orientation. We see a person, just like us. They have taught me that hate is not worth having. They have taught me that no one person is more important than another. They have taught me to respect, and to love. They have taught me that love conquers all.

To my siblings, who have taught me everything I know: You are inspiring. You are amazing. You are smart. You are kind. You are wonderful. And I love you.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
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1. You don't have to feel guilty about flirting with customers for tips (or just for shits and giggles).

2. You can be obnoxiously flirtatious with anyone you want. You are free to be that girl that flirts with everybody and makes 'em all smile (it's especially fun when the guy is as cute as Collin Jost). No shame.

3. Making random men nervous with your superior beauty and intense eye contact just for the hell of it is really amusing and empowering.

4. No one gives two poops if ya legs are hairy (your man shouldn't either but *Kermit the Frog meme* That's none of my business)

5. The toilet seat will remain down.

6. There's more money to spend on yourself.

7. There's always this secret butterfly in your tummy that marvels at the possibility that when you go out this weekend you're gonna meet someone super handsome/wonderful/prince-like and have this moment of dazzling dalliance.

8. Nothing is that serious...you can take it all with a grain of salt...you don't owe anybody anything.

9. You can dance with anyone and everyone...or no one (Hello frat boi w/ glasses, I see you).

10. You don't have to fluff anyone's ego but your own.

11. Free drinks and dinners from single guys (It's not taking advantage if they're offering; a girl's gotta eat).

12. You have more time to learn how to love and improve yourself rather than constantly pouring your energy into another person.

13. You don't have to sacrifice your cheesy Jen Aniston rom-coms and Gilmore Girls for his Fast and Furious/other dumb action movie featuring blonde that is only in the movie to supply a relationship to the male lead and to make him look more masculine/empowered in juxtaposition (In other words, you don't have to deal with a guy being a crabby Patty while you watch your cute movies).

14. You can daydream about what your future husband may be doing right now (and not get stressed/guilty out because you're not picturing your current boyfriend that's crazy about you as your future husband).

15. There is more time to be spent with your girlfriends.

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