1. Others first, always.
If there is one thing that I have learned from my self-less mother through not only words but also actions, it is the importance of putting others before you. There is not a doubt in my mind that my mom would put a strangers' needs in front of her own, in any given circumstance. I see her put my siblings' and my fathers wants and needs in front of her own every day. She asks for little and does so very much, and that is not even the most impressive part. Not only does my mom care more for the needs of others over herself without hesitating, she ENJOYS doing so and takes advantage of every opportunity to make others happy because that is what makes her the happiest.
2. You are stronger than you think you are.
Life will knock you down sometimes, you will face obstacles that seem unsurpassable, but my mom is here to say that you can and you will overcome whatever life throws at you. She is the strongest woman I know, and exactly who I plan to someday be. Absolutely nothing knocks her down without a fight, and she is always there to tell me to get right back up. Throughout my 20 years of life, she has taught me to handle the worst of circumstances with class and poise, learning from each and every moment that I proved myself wrong.
3. Family really is everything.
Let’s face it, sometimes they annoy you, sometimes they upset you, sometimes they really just know right where to hit you where it hurts. At the end of each and every day, though, you know that they will be the people that are forever looking out for you, forever going to be there, and will never ever forsake you. My mom teaches me that life is fragile and that every night you should remind those people you love, just how very much you love them. No matter the distance, or the time zone, or even the busiest of all schedules, there is always time for a phone call or even a goodnight text.
4. Always be the bigger person, no matter how small they try to make you feel.
It is so easy in life to succumb to the level of those trying to hurt you or bring you down. What people who like to bring you down hate to see is you standing tall, with your head up, regardless of how difficult it may be. My mom always told me that people will try to bring out the worst in you, to spark a reaction, or simply inflict pain for no reason whatsoever, but what she taught me is how to handle it. What I have learned from her is that no matter how badly people will treat you, it is entirely up to you, how you treat them back. “Kill them with kindness,” she says, even when it’s the most difficult.
5. Respect yourself so that others will do the same.
Self-respect is among the most important things my mother has taught me in my life. It’s pretty simple. The way you treat yourself, your body, what you make known to the public, make it reputable. You will never gain respect from others if you don’t first respect yourself. My mom has taught me that there are certain things that you can never get back, to value those things, and to never lose sight of the respect that you deserve.
6. Never settle.
Whether it is in your studies, in your relationships, in your goals, or athletics, you are capable of so much. My mom will be the first one to remind me that I could have done better, not that I did not do well, but I may not have performed to the best of my abilities. By teaching me to never settle, my mom has shaped me into the woman that I am today. She encourages me to work my very hardest towards the goals that I am capable of achieving. She did not settle in her lifetime so far either. She continues to work her hardest in her job, making everyone around her a better person, just as she works her hardest to be the very best mom and wife she can be. She teaches me through word and action all the reasons not to settle and reminds me that I deserve the very best.