There is nothing more comforting than a mother’s love. A love that is unique and genuine. A love that is evident in the twinkle of a mother’s eye when she glances at her children. A love that can wrap you in a warm embrace without ever touching you. When I look at my mother, I see a living embodiment of everything I hope to become. In honor of Mother’s Day, here are 70 things my wonderful mother has taught me:

1. If you learn from your mistakes, then they become experiences.
2. Perfection is a form of procrastination.
3. Smile at the road rage drivers -it confuses them.
4. Make affirmations an integral part of your daily routine.
5. Garbage in, garbage out.
6. Visualize where you want to go in life.
7. Make goals, but don’t be afraid to change them along the way.
8. Don’t take life so seriously.
9. Schedule in spa days.
10. Be organized; it saves you stress and is the key to success.
11. Don’t live your life like a check list.
12. When you’re alone, you’re a target.
13. Fight through the pushback.
14. You can have fun without being intoxicated.
15. Laughter is the best medicine.
16. Judge a man by the way he treats his mother.
17. Your health is invaluable. Take care of your body, it’s the only place you have to live.
18. Don’t rush to adulthood.
19. Smiles don’t equate good character.
20. Sing loudly to songs, especially if you don’t know the words.
21. Be confident. You have to recognize your worth before others can.
22. Allow for spontaneity in your life; however, don’t disregard the value of routines.
23. Stay hydrated.
24. Always make your bed and brush your teeth.
25. When you get too overwhelmed, look at the sky for 2 minutes straight.
26. Appreciate nature and its natural restorative effect.
27. Stand up for what you believe in.
28. The tree branches bend because trees are just like people-they want to feel connected with one another.
29. Tea and scones are never a bad idea (neither is ice cream).
30. Have courage and be kind.
31. You’re never too old to go to Disney World.
32. Make time for 5 minutes of daily meditation.
33. Wake up earlier. It may be easier to sleep in, but you will have the whole day at your disposal.
34. Shopping is an immediate pick me up.
35. No one is perfect, including yourself, so refrain from placing unrealistic expectations on yourself and others.
36. Hold on to your friendships. It is harder to build new friendships than it is to maintain the ones you already have.
37. Hold the door open for people.
38. Smile in pictures; you’ll automatically look better.
39. Live a balanced life; moderation is key.
40. Travel, but make sure you stay with the group.
41. Own up to your mistakes.
42. When people show you who they are, believe them.
43. Keep a gratitude journal.
44. Work hard, but also smart.
45. Love is a verb.
46. Speak slowly it allows you to be more articulate and thoughtful with your choice of words.
47. Stress less. Life is too short to stress your days away.
48. Things always seem more manageable in the morning.
49. Education leads to opportunity.
50. When in doubt, fake it till you make it.
51. Sometimes spontaneous dance parties are necessary, especially on Sunday mornings.
52. Always bring a charged phone; you never know when there will be an emergency.
53. Plan your outfits the night before; it will save you time in the morning.
54. Take the time to write hand written thank you notes.
55. Just because your a woman doesn’t mean you have to cook, that’s what restaurants are for.
56. Don’t assume to know everything about anyone.
57. Chew with your mouth closed and practice good table manners at all times.
58. Don’t be afraid to be vulnerable.
59. Clean up after yourself.
60. During road trips, remember to look out the window.
61. Theatre is a gift to the eyes. There is nothing wrong with seeing the same play again, especially if it’s a musical.
62. Interpret art before reading the methodology and meaning behind an exhibit or painting.
63. When visiting a new place, stray from the typical tourist attractions to truly experience the region's culture.
64. Fresh flowers brighten up a room.
65. Take photos of the people your with; pictures of friends and family will mean more to you than pictures of landscaping.
66. Trust your instincts.
67. Walk tall and stand straight.
68. Think about the way your actions will effect those around you, before you go through with them.
69. Manage your time wisely.
70. Family comes first.