My mother has been the most influential figure and guardian in my life. Since I was born, I had always looked up for her and turned to her when I was in need. She has never failed me. She has helped me become the woman I am today. Without her, I don't know where I'd be in life. Everything she has taught me has helped guide me on the right path to adulthood. So if you do not have a mother, or at least one who helped you through life, I hope my mother's advice will assist you in some way. These are the things every son and daughter should be told. We all need to hear it -- I know I did.
1. Don't ever let anyone hurt you
No matter how much you love or care for someone, do not let them hurt you. You can give and love the world with everything you have -- but don't expect anyone to give back. When all your kindness is taken advantage of, it's for you to decide whether or not that makes or breaks you.
2. Work hard and make money
My mother did not grow up with many things. She had her sisters and her mother -- that was about it. Growing up poor, she learned to appreciate the little things in life, however, she refused to accept the lifestyle. She began working at age 13 and since then, she has always worked so hard at each opportunity she could. Now she remains a successful, hardworking woman who did everything herself without any help. I could have never gotten my first job, purchased my first car, or opened my first saving account without her help.
3. Always give
There is nothing I admire more than her outlook on materialistic things. She gives tips and cash to the homeless like it's nothing and always taught me to do so. I remember sitting in the backseat of the car as a child and she'd roll down my window and hand me a couple dollar bills to give the man on the street. She is always so generous.
People can always rely on her. Whenever someone in the family needs money or clothes, she gives it. Whenever I needed something, she was always there for me and still is. She always made me feel safe, secure and confident that she would take care of me. She raised me with the obligation to always take care of others.
4. Do what you're told and you'll never get in trouble
I wasn't a troubling child, however, I didn't always obey my parents. I loved sneaking into my parents' food stash and I always lied about doing my homework. I would purposefully miss the school bus in the morning and call my mom saying the bus driver came too early. I found myself in various situations like losing the dog or "accidentally" throwing a rock at a truck after being dared to do so.
It took a long time for me to realize it -- but my mother was right. Everything I did that was wrong was not worth the consequences. When I started to grow up and take responsibility for my actions, I realized this advice helps me throughout everyday of my life when it comes to college and work. I've learned to respect those in charge of me and to appreciate guidance whenever available in order to be successful.
5. Respect and love yourself
My mother and I are both considered very kind people, which means we have both experienced people who can walk all over us. She taught me to never let anyone degrade me or feel lower than them. I have seen the hard path she had traveled through in life as a child, and she is the strongest woman I know. She wakes up every morning with pride of who she is and where she has been. She never feels ashamed of herself, nor does she shame other people. Others respect her because she respects herself.
6. Be thankful for your life
No matter what obstacles you face in your life, be appreciative of all you have. Someone will always have it worse and someone will always have it better. Don't compare yourself to other people, because God always loves us equally. Whenever I'd cry over something pointless, she'd remind that others pray every night for the life I have.
7. Never say "goodbye"
This is probably the most annoying thing she has ever taught me because she still yells at me for it today. "You never know the last time you're going to see someone," she'd say, "never say 'goodbye' and always say 'see-ya.'" She will yell at our whole family for saying it. It's very small thing my mother has always asked for. It's just a simple reminder that we all love each other and care for one another.
8. Have sympathy and forgive because not all people are good -- but you are
My mother has always been so strong. She is so loving and giving, even to those who have wronged her. She taught me that not everyone will always love, care or give back. She taught me it was OK for people to take because giving made her feel fulfilled and happy without anything in return. She told me to forgive even when I didn't want to so I could live in peace with myself. "People who hurt others are weak," she'd claim. She taught me to be sympathetic -- even when other people are not.
9. Your past does not define you
We all have to conquer obstacles God sets out for us in life. We all have a calling, purpose and path to overcome. Whatever has pained you from your past, no matter how much you have suffered, let it go. Do not be bitter. What people say about you, what people have done to you, and not even your mistakes reflect on who you are. It's all about how you reflect on them. Turn away from your shadows and walk forever in the light of God.
10. God has a plan for you
My mother hadn't always talked about God when I was young. It wasn't until I was about 16 when I began to ask about religion and how it affected me and my life. At that time, I decided to receive my first communion as well as be confirmed -- and she sat there with me through all the classes and Masses. I remember when I wanted to switch Sunday school classrooms because one of the classmates was giving me a hard time.
She told me, "God has your story written out. Don't try to change your fate because the Lord has it all planned for you. What's meant to happen will happen because he makes no mistakes. There's a reason for everything -- it's in his will." This was probably the most influential thing my mother has ever said to me. It was the first time I have ever witnessed my mother show her faith in God.
She truly has inspired me to become a great woman like her. There is nothing more I'd ever want more than to be as generous, loving, giving, hopeful goofy, and as happy as she is. You truly are my idol, Ma. I couldn't have asked for anyone better to raise me. Thank you for giving me life and caring for me. Thank you for showing me how to love, forgive and respect. I hope one day to be just as amazing as a mother.
