Today is Mother's Day and maybe you, like me, are thinking back to all of the wonderful life lessons your mother taught you over the years. Below I've shared some of the most valuable lessons my mom has taught me.
1. Laugh at Yourself
While it might be easier to laugh at other people, one of the greatest lessons my mom taught me was how to laugh at myself. Laughing at myself makes even the most uncomfortable situations bearable and strengthens my humility. If I was ever feeling sad or embarrassed, she would remember a story where her situation was similar to mine, and remind me that everything would be okay.
2. Love Unconditionally
I find this to be the greatest lesson she ever taught me. There are times when I find it incredibly difficult to find the positive attributes of some people. She reminds me that everyone is different and everyone is going through something I couldn’t possibly understand. She taught me that no one deserves to be judged for something they can’t control.
3. Be Courageous
By teaching me to be courageous, my mom taught me how to step outside of my comfort zone and do something different. She reminds me to get out of my everyday routine and spice up life. Be spontaneous and do something totally different because those are the memories that will stick with you throughout your life.
4. Persevere
Due to the difficult situations my mom has dealt with in her life, she stresses that in order to carry on and continue living life to its fullest we need to persevere. There are times when we might not want to and there are situations that might make it seem like life isn’t worth continuing, but she is there to remind not just me, but all of us that perseverance can set you free and help you push yourself through to the greatest time of our lives.
5. Be Nurturing
This lesson is especially pertinent to those who find it difficult to care about more than just themselves. It is easy for us to think that nurturing and caring about other creatures isn’t difficult, but until you actually have the responsibility of taking care of someone else, you really are quite ignorant. My mom taught me this by allowing me to get a dog. He’s my responsibility and I care for him as if he were my child. When he gets sick, I worry, and I probably fuss over him too much, but I want what’s best for him and I won’t let anything stand in the way of that, similar to how my mom always wants the best for me and she wouldn’t let anyone stand in my way.
6. Learn From Your Mistakes
This is one of those life lessons that people should remember during their lives. Mistakes happen and we shouldn’t let them hinder us from pursuing what we desire. My mom taught me this by telling me that no one will pay attention to mistakes as long as you figure out how to fix them for the better. She tells me that mistakes are a good thing because we can grow from them and learn how to do better next time.
7. Don’t Wait
Recently I went on a study abroad trip to Ireland and the decision about whether or not I could go rested on my mom. I asked her what she thought and, without even considering the financial aspect of it, she told me to go for it. How often in life would I have the opportunity to travel abroad with my friends and experience the world? Probably not that often. She encouraged me to not wait for “the perfect time” and to go and have the adventure of a lifetime.
8. Strive for Greatness
School is important to me and I’m sure it is for many other young people in the world. My mom has always been the support system I needed, learning right along with me during school and helping me when I need it. She taught me that striving for greatness would help me in school and therefore help me in the real world where I’ll need to push past expectations and take the world by storm.
9. Do You
Do your own thing! She taught me not to be a follower; she always urged me to make my own decisions and form my own opinions about the world. It is sometimes challenging to ignore society’s expectations as well as peer expectations and just focus on you. She emphasizes that what society expects isn’t important. How I feel about what I’m doing is the only thing that matters. She taught me to do what makes me happy.
10. Ignore the Drama
This is a valuable lesson that has stuck with me through high school and now into college. Drama is something that is all around us all the time. Ignoring it might be challenging, but she taught me that opening up your mind and not worrying about the petty aspects in life will make you less stressed and more free.
11. Embrace Knowledge
My mom taught me that the world is a place filled with knowledge that isn’t just found in books. Through life experiences we can meet people, ask questions and appreciate what is all around us. She taught me to pay attention to nature and to be a humble learner in this world full of greatness and knowledge.
In short, be thankful for your mom and everything she's taught you. Remember her words of wisdom when you go out and experience life's greatness, I know I do.
