I know not everyone can say this but my mom is my best friend and a true blessing it is. Throughout my nineteen years of life, she is the person who has given me laughs, hugs, kisses, some tears and everything in between. Every Christmas and birthday, I would unwrap each and every present she had given me with complete joy, but I now know that the best gift she had given were not tangible. Her words of advice are the presents that will stick with me for the rest of my life and actions I want to live by. Ever since I was a little girl, I've turned to her words and lessons in times of joy and sadness. Don’t get me wrong some of her “gifts” are not always what I wanted to hear because honesty and trust is what she lives by but it’s because of her that those words are part of my strong foundation. Now, I want to share some of the most life important lessons with the world.

1. Do everything with all of your heart.

This was her way of making sure that every step I made in life was one that I made with all of my passion, energy and intelligence. She always encouraged me to ensure that each project I began was something that I not only finished, but also did everything I could to make it my best, no matter if it was my best or not because when you give something with your entire heart you know it’s your all. She understands that I am a passionate person, so she always pushes me to give all of my heart, mind and soul to anything I am involved in.

2. All you can give is your absolute best.

Speaking of making things my best, she always reminded me that I cannot exceed my own potential. Even though she always wanted me to shoot for the moon, she taught me to understand that I cannot be great at everything. I have my skills and my talents, but I am human and I also have flaws. I have strengths and weaknesses and my mom taught me to accept myself for who I am: me. She showed me that I have no reason to be disappointed if I give my best, even if I thought that my best would be better than it was. My best is my best and it is all I can do. All that matters is the amount of effort i put toward something.

3. You cannot please everyone.

I am the type of person that so desperately wants everyone in this world to be happy. I bend over backwards and attempt the impossible in order to put smiles on the faces of those I care about. This is exhausting, especially when each person is different and something that makes one person smile will make another person frown. It also backfires when you want everyone to be happy who you care about and that necesarlly doesn’t come back to you from them or other. My mom taught me that as much as I would like to, I can't please everyone. It's not my fault and I shouldn't blame myself and as long as I give what I would want to receive that’s all I can do.

4. Keep a smile on your face, no matter what.

I claim to be an optimist, but even an optimist has her dark moments. Everyone says that I am always smiling, which is something that I will always attribute to my mom. She is the person that taught me to keep my head up even during my worst moments. She was always the one to remind me that I am an optimist and that I am the source of my own happiness.

5. Take each day at a time.

I am a person that tries to plan out every moment, every word I say and every word that everyone else says. I look way into the future and usually, it is a source of anxiety. My mom is the one that taught me to slow down and take every moment as it comes rather than working myself up over a hypothetical situation that will only occur if four other hypothetical situations actually occur. She taught me to slow down and to not overanalyze because what is meant to be is meant to be. It may not what I want but it is maybe what is best given the situation or the moment.

6. Treat yourself like you want to be treated.

This is a typical bit of mom advice, but my mom took this a step further. She taught me that the world can be a cruel place filled with mean people, or people that just don't like me. And that's okay! She taught me to regard these people with all of the kindness in my heart. If a stranger makes a nasty comment, stay polite and kind because I'll never know what that person is going through. If someone I know is being harsh, remain kind, because I am strong enough to do so instead of being mean. She showed me that kindness and love are symbols of strength and maturity. Instead of responding using my emotions of anger and pain, she taught me to treat everyone with love, manners and kindness.

7. Love yourself like I love you.

She always follows this statement with "even though no one will ever love you more than I do." She knows that at times I get flustered and insecure and panicked. She knows that there are times when I am frustrated with myself, or even angry with myself and even sometimes her. She sees the way the world can push me to the edge, yet she always manages to talk me down. She's the person that has convinced me to try and love myself like she does. She is the one person in this world that can make me feel unconditionally adored, no matter the situation. She is my reminder that I am important and that I am loved. Sometimes, that assurance is all I need.

My mom is my role model. She is my best friend and my source of inspiration. She is not perfect but in my world a perfect reminder of what I strive to be. She is the holder of my sanity, as well. Words will never be able to capture how much her presence and guidance mean to me. I hope that everyone reading this can take my mom's words of advice and utilize them. They're quite literally the words that make up what I try and live by.