Lola’s Girl: Life Lessons I Have Learned from my Grandmother
In our lives, there is always an angel who will be with us as we navigate our way to the right path. Some take the form of pets, friends, or partners, but as a lola‘s girl, mine comes in the form of an actual angel; my grandmother.
My Nanay Josefina, or Pining to her beloved, has been my constant ever since. She is my teacher, my motivator, my best pal, and my NayTay.
Living with her all my life, I learned valuable lessons from my lola that I think every apos out there should know as well.
Ultimate Tipid Hacks from my Lola
Running out of things and it is petsa de peligro already? Well, my lola’s got you!
No coffee? Make one using the container where you usually put your coffee. No shampoo and you just realized when you have already turned the shower on? Put some water in the bottle. Need to exercise but you are on a tight budget? Gurlie, walk! With these tipid hacks, you can guarantee that you will definitely hit two birds with one stone.
Practicality
With lola Pining, practicality is the best policy.
Ever need an authentic retro outfit for an event? Here she comes digging my mom’s Prom outfit from the 90s. Another apo is on their way? Do not worry, because baby clothes and stuff are on her. Looking for my old toys to donate? She will whip them out of a box from nowhere. My lola is indeed the best hoarder that I know.
Be your Own Cheerleader
Since day one, Nanay Pining has been the cheerleader at the top of my pyramid. She encouraged me to become the woman that I am right now. She urged me to follow my dreams; and here I am, writing for an online magazine.
Growing up as a lola‘s girl, I realized that because of her undying support, I also learned how to become my own personal cheerleader. She always shows me that if ever there comes a time when she would not be there anymore, the love and support that she has planted in me will bloom to become my determination and inspiration.
Love Freely
My lola has always reminded me that life is quick. One moment you are there, happily spending time with your loved ones, and the next, it could all be taken away from you.
So, as she says, there will come a time when you will not know where to put all that love. Thus, give them all away. Love freely.
Learn when to Quit
One thing that is more important than the previous lesson would be this. My lola probably taught me how to give and give, but she never forgot to teach me when to quit.
This has helped me greatly because I am always putting too much pressure on myself. She taught me how to choose my battles wisely. As someone who has experienced abuse and her personal share of hardships, she would want her grandchildren to remember how she fought to survive. She might be the biggest cheerleader that I know of, but she is also the biggest advocate of self-preservation.
Because of these lessons that I have learned as a lola’s girl, I am now forced to believe that God is indeed a woman; and my proof is my grandmother!
