My Grandma's Best Life Advice For You: Old-School Wisdom
- Avril Rodriguez
- 8 minutes ago
- 4 min read
Preface
The other night, I watched Nonna’s, a new movie on Netflix, and found myself deeply moved. The film beautifully captured how each Nonna shared not just her cooking, but little pieces of wisdom shaped by her life experiences. Watching them pass down traditions and stories reminded me so much of my own grandmother, Josefina—of the lessons she wove into the simplest moments.
Introduction
Every summer, my grandma would take me to her finca, where I learned to grow food and practice patience. Back home, I was convinced Miami International Airport was her home, since picking her up and dropping her off there became routine.
In Puerto Rico, we spent days looking after my grandpa, going to the movies, practicing Spanish, and learning about Puerto Rican history. Since her passing, I tend to reminisce on all my lasts—our last trip to the cinema, our last visit to the finca, our last time at Plaza, and our last family game of May I (which, if we're being real, I never fully participated in—my family and the Lord knows that game lasts three hours).
Now, these simple activities tug at my heartstrings. But beyond the nostalgia, I can’t help but carry forward the lessons my grandmother passed down—lessons that I believe everyone can take away from.
Josefina, or Fini, as we called her, was an accomplished journalist and a passionate advocate for improving children’s education in Puerto Rico. Here are the lessons she left me, ones I hope you’ll find meaningful in your own life.
Smile Often
According to the Association for Psychological Science, the Duchenne smile is considered the purest expression of joy. Emotional signals travel to the brain, activating the left anterior temporal region. From there, they rise to the face, where two muscles, poised and ready, spring into motion.
But my grandma didn’t need scientific proof—she had already mastered this wisdom. A smile was her antidote to temporary hardships, her way of turning bad days around.
I didn’t always appreciate that lesson, but now, I try to carry it with me every day. A simple smile can brighten someone’s day, offer hope, and shift the energy in a room. It doesn’t take much, yet it can change an encounter, make people feel more comfortable, and even help reset your own mood.
Value Your Family
My grandma was BIG on patria—on honoring family, heritage, and the bonds that shape who we are. Josefina, or Fini, prioritized family in every way—whether it was calling her loved ones regularly or visiting as often as she could, she made sure everyone felt seen, cherished, and valued.
Since her passing, I’ve taken that lesson to heart. Loss has a way of shifting your perspective—you don’t truly grasp the weight of connection until it’s gone. Now, I make it a priority to check in with my family, to remind them that they are loved, appreciated, and irreplaceable.
For me, that means spending more time with my parents, calling my aunts and uncles more often, and learning to be more expressive about how much I love my family. It wasn’t always easy for me, but I’m working on it. Love isn’t perfect, but it’s real. And the more you nurture it, the more it transforms you.
Persevere Through Challenges
Next up: resilience. Learning to say “I can” instead of “I can’t.” Reframing “Where do I go from here?” into “How can I improve my situation?”
Over the years, my family and I have faced setbacks—moments of despair, hopelessness, and uncertainty. But no matter how hard things got, we always found a way to get back up. Fini believed in perseverance. Her patience and unwavering faith in God carried her through life’s toughest moments, right until the end.
That lesson stuck with me. I’ve learned to put my trust in God, to let Jesus take the wheel, and to lean into faith when things feel uncertain. If you’re future-focused like me, staying present and patient through long, difficult challenges isn't always easy. But having something to anchor you—whether it’s faith, family, or a deep inner belief—can open doors you never saw coming.
I’ve seen it firsthand—through rejections from clubs and jobs, through struggles with friendships and family. But a little patience and a lot of perseverance have helped me push through. If there was ever someone who stood firm, who carried strength in every step she took—it was Fini. And through her, I’ve learned to do the same.
Follow Through on What You Believe In, Be Strong, Be Independent
"Keep it pushin’"—okay, my grandma wouldn’t say that, but still, that’s how I like to think of it. Fini had an innate belief in progress, in standing her ground, and in seeing things through—not just for herself, but for others.
She devoted herself to improving children’s education in Puerto Rico, determined to fix a broken system. She pursued what she was passionate about and made an honest, essential, and meaningful career.
My grandma always believed in me, my brother, my mom, and every member of her family. She taught us to keep pushing forward—because the only way out is through, and we live every day, not just once. She instilled in my mom and me the importance of independence, holding down our beliefs, and standing firm in our values.
Fini taught me the strength of maintaining a solid identity, of fighting for what you believe in, even in the face of hardship.
Help Others When You Can
Lastly, my grandma taught me the importance of helping others—especially those who couldn’t help themselves. Her selfless acts have shaped my own values and deepened my empathy.
She believed that everyone has a role in making the world a better place. Most of us may never have the power to change laws or end global poverty, but we can still make a difference. It’s the little things.
Buying someone in need a meal. Treating people with kindness regardless of their circumstances. Breaking down stigmas and choosing empathy over judgment. Fighting for what’s right, not just what’s easy.
That was the way Fini lived—and it’s something I hope to carry forward.
Signing off,
Avril