Growing up, there were certain phrases that tumbled from my parents’ lips that made me shake my head or even roll my eyes. They seemed so out-dated, so irrelevant, so… parental.

I thought I knew it all, I was young and invincible, and their advice just didn’t seem applicable to my modern, fast-paced life.

But here’s the kicker: As I’ve grown older, wiser and more experienced in the game of life, those same phrases I once scoffed at have become my go-to nuggets of wisdom.

The irony is not lost on me. Those old chestnuts of advice that once seemed so archaic now punctuate my daily conversations and guide my decisions, whether it’s dealing with a tricky situation at work or navigating the complex world of relationships.

Funny how life comes full circle, isn’t it?

Here’s a look into the 8 things my parents always said – those things I once dismissed with an eye roll – that I now find myself quoting on a weekly basis. Trust me, you might just find yourself nodding along.

1) “Money doesn’t grow on trees”

Once upon a time, this phrase was the soundtrack to my teenage eye-rolls. Every time I asked for a new gadget, an expensive pair of shoes, or even just some extra pocket money, my parents would pull out this classic line.

I remember thinking how archaic they were, how they just didn’t get it. But now, as an adult juggling bills, rent and other financial responsibilities, this phrase has become a mantra that echoes in my head every time I’m tempted by an unnecessary splurge.

It’s not about being stingy or frugal, but about understanding the value of money and the effort it takes to earn it.

It’s a simple yet profound concept that not only helps me manage my finances but also influences the way I approach my work: with diligence, respect and a keen understanding of the value I bring.

And while it took me a while to grasp this practical wisdom, I now find myself repeating this phrase to friends, colleagues and even to myself in those moments of financial temptation.

2) “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket”

As a teenager, I was so sure of myself, so confident in my decisions that I rarely thought about having a backup plan. But life has a funny way of showing you the wisdom in your parents’ words.

Take that time I decided to quit my day job and start my own business – it was a big risk and I was all in. I had put all my eggs in this shiny new basket, and unfortunately, the venture failed. It was a hard lesson to learn.

Now, every time I make a decision, whether it’s related to work, relationships or even just planning a trip, I remind myself not to put all my eggs in one basket. It’s not about being pessimistic or lacking confidence in my choices. It’s about being pragmatic and prepared for the unexpected.

Over the years, this phrase has helped me navigate through life’s ups and downs with a little more grace and a lot less panic. 

3) “Actions speak louder than words”

This was another common refrain in my household. Back then, I didn’t quite grasp the depth of this statement. It seemed so cliché, so obvious, that I didn’t realize its profound implications.

It took a quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson to really make me understand its significance. He once said, “What you do speaks so loudly that I cannot hear what you say.” This quote struck a chord with me and made me appreciate my parents’ advice.

Now, in every aspect of my life, I try to live by this rule. Whether it’s in my professional interactions or personal relationships, I recognize the importance of demonstrating my intentions through actions rather than just empty words.

It’s an approach that has guided me in building trust and credibility both at work and in personal life. This phrase has become more than just a saying; it’s a value system that I now swear by.

4) “Early to bed, early to rise”

Growing up, I was the typical night owl.

I’d stay up late chatting with friends or binge-watching TV shows, and then struggle to get up in the morning. My parents would always chide me with this phrase, trying to instill in me the importance of a good night’s sleep and an early start to the day.

Back then, this advice seemed restrictive and outdated. But what I didn’t realize until later is that this phrase is backed by science. Researchers have found that individuals who follow a consistent sleep schedule tend to be more productive and have higher overall well-being.

Now, I’m not saying I’ve completely transformed into a morning person. But understanding the significance of this advice, I’ve tried to adopt a more balanced sleep schedule.

It’s made a huge difference in my energy levels and productivity.

5) “Patience is a virtue”

As a kid, I was always in a rush. I wanted everything to happen instantly. Whether it was waiting for the summer holidays or wanting to grow up faster, the concept of patience was alien to me.

My parents, in their infinite wisdom, would always remind me that “patience is a virtue”. It seemed like such an old-fashioned idea, something that belonged in a bygone era, not in my fast-paced, instant-gratification world.

But as I’ve grown older, I’ve come to realize the wisdom in their words. Whether it’s waiting for the right job offer, the right relationship, or even just waiting in line at the grocery store, patience truly is a virtue.

It’s about understanding that good things take time and that there’s value in waiting and working towards your goals.

Today, as I navigate through life’s challenges and uncertainties, this phrase often serves as a comforting reminder to stay patient and persistent.

6) “Honesty is the best policy”

This phrase was like a broken record in my house while growing up. It seemed so straightforward, almost too simple to be of any real significance.

However, as I ventured into the world, started building relationships, and embarked on my career, the depth of these words began to unravel.

I’ve been in situations where a small lie could have made things easier or saved me from immediate discomfort. But in the long run, honesty always proved to be the best policy – maintaining my integrity, building trust with others, and even helping me sleep better at night.

This phrase has become a guiding principle for me now. It reminds me that honesty isn’t just about telling the truth to others, but also about being true to myself.

7) “You can’t judge a book by its cover”

When I was younger, this phrase felt like one of those vague, generic pieces of advice that adults loved to dole out, and I would dismiss it without much thought.

But as I began meeting new people and experiencing different facets of life, I realized the importance of this seemingly simple piece of parental wisdom.

I’ve been surprised by the kindness of strangers who didn’t look the part, and disappointed by people who seemed perfect on the surface. As it turns out, appearances can indeed be deceptive, and there’s often much more to people than what meets the eye.

Today, this phrase reminds me to keep an open mind, to resist making snap judgments based on superficial appearances, and to give people a chance to show their true colors.

8) “This too shall pass”

As a teenager, I would often get overwhelmed by problems that now seem insignificant. Whether it was a bad grade, a fight with a friend, or just a bad day, my parents would always comfort me with this phrase: “This too shall pass”.

Back then, it felt like they were minimizing my problems. But as I’ve navigated through life’s ups and downs, I’ve come to appreciate the wisdom and comfort in these four simple words.

They remind me to keep perspective during tough times, knowing that difficulties are temporary. But they also remind me to cherish the good times, recognizing their fleeting nature.

In moments of struggle or celebration, I find myself whispering these four words – a tribute to my parents’ timeless wisdom.

Wrapping up

As we journey through life, we often find ourselves echoing the wisdom that was passed down to us by our parents. These phrases, once dismissed as irrelevant, end up forming the backbone of our belief systems and guide us in our day-to-day lives.

Reflecting on these phrases can be a powerful exercise in self-awareness and growth. It helps us appreciate the timeless wisdom our parents tried to instill in us and recognize its value in our adult lives.

The next time you catch yourself quoting one of these phrases, take a moment to appreciate the journey of growth and understanding that led you here. You might just find a newfound respect for your parents’ wisdom.

Here’s to embracing the wisdom of our parents, one eye roll at a time.