With Mother's Day approaching, I have seen a slew of posts about what our mothers have taught us, what they mean to us, and how thankful we are to have them. A few months ago, I wrote this article for my own mom, planning to publish it this week alongside the tens of other "15 Things My Mom Taught Me Articles" spamming the internet. But, when I came back to read it this past Sunday, I realized that even in the last three months my mom has taught me so much more than I originally wrote down. So, I took another stab at it. Even though I doubt it will, I hope this does you some justice, Mom.
1. Everything looks a little brighter in the morning. A good night's sleep cures a lot more than you'd think.
2. When you call, I will always pick up the phone.
3. You are whole on your own.
4. Never let a man talk down to you because he is a man – whether he is your brother, boss or boyfriend.
5. It's impossible to be a good person 100% of the time. People make mistakes. You will make mistakes. Forgive.
6. Your siblings will eventually be your best friends. No matter how annoying they are at age 12, you will be thankful for them at age 20.
7. Always have a go-to outfit for the mornings you sleep through your alarms, the afternoons that present last-minute interviews, and the nights that give you spur of the moment first-dates.
8. If it doesn't feel right, don't do it. You know you better than anyone else knows you. Make choices. Have morals. Be proud of them. Stick to them.
9. When everything gets to be a little much, come home. You are never too old, proud, or far away to need your mom.
10. Walking the line is a lot more attractive than crossing it.
11. Never go to bed, get in a car, or board a plane without saying "I love you" to someone you care about, no matter how mad you are.
12. If he breaks your heart, that's okay. He may not be the love of your life, but he can still be your best friend.
13. Never settle for being "the next big thing." You are the first big thing.
14. Always write a thank you note – whether someone gave you a gift or takes you to dinner.
15. Your dad is a human, not a superhero. Love him anyway.
16. Life is too short to not order your food exactly how you want it. Asking for your fries "well done" at In-N-Out isn't as weird as you think.
17. It is better to be alone than be with someone that makes me feel alone. Build a relationship with yourself if you are not surrounded by anyone who deserves you.
18. Sunday mornings are meant for one of two things – sleeping or brunch. Take advantage of them.
19. One test, project, or assignment does not define who you are. Go to bed.
20. When you die, you can't take it all with you. Making memories is more important than making money.
21. But, when you do make money, invest in shoes, bags, and denim.
22. "Just five minutes" past curfew is still late, and you are still grounded.
23. Karma is real.
24. You never know what happens behind closed doors – you cannot judge a situation that you aren't in.
25. Spend the extra money on well-fitting clothes. You are better than the neon body-con dress.
26. Just because you don't want to hear it doesn't mean I'm not going to tell you.
27. How to face the hard stuff – the broken hearts, broken bones, broken spirits.
28. Enjoy the finer things in life – good meals, good memories, and good friends.
29. When you are faced with the option of being cruel or kind, be kind. Always.
30. There is no problem that we cannot handle as a team.
