My mom is my best friend. Of course I blundered through the anticipated, “You’re ruining my life. You don’t understand me,” phase, but let’s be honest, if you don’t go through that stage, your relationship with your mom is not as resilient as you think it is. Everyone believes their mom is the best and the truth is, everyone is right. This is a little list of things my mama taught me.

1. It is OK to stand up for myself.

We are both people pleasers and sometimes it’s hard for me (and her) to say no. It took my mom most of her adult life to learn that saying no is OK, and that it is not the end of the world — like I imagine it to be.

She has taught me that I'm allowed to put myself first, and that's important. If I'm being treated unfairly, it is up to me (OK, and sometimes my mom) to stand up for myself.

2. I deserve good things.

My mom has never failed to be absolutely delighted about anything and everything I accomplish. Even if it’s just making a new friend, she makes me proud of my triumphs. She's pushed me to try new foods (even if she won't touch it), apply for jobs I think I have zero chance at getting, take that class that I think will be fascinating but won't help my degree completion or buy those adorable shoes we both know I don't need. For as long as I've spent telling myself I don't deserve something, my mom is always right next to me listing off the reasons that I do.

3. Sometimes, you just need a day off.

We’ve been known to take a day off of work and school to just watch movies all day. My mom has always taken mental health just as serious as physical health, and I can't thank her enough. School and work are important, but sometimes a day at home with the dogs and some Chipotle Mexican Grill is just what you need to get things back into perspective. We'll go back to school / work the next day, recharged and fulfilled from a day of eating cookie dough on the couch in our pajamas.

4. Naps can fix almost anything.

My mama is a firm believer in naps. Maybe if you're feelin' green, but especially if your day has been a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day. Naps are the all around cure. Whatever you need to do can wait, it will look better after you sleep on it. As an adult myself, I now work naps into my regular schedule, and I'd attest that they improve productivity by at least 28 percent.

5. Adults are really just professional children.

If it came down to it, my mom could run the world, as long as she could implement office pranks as mandatory. She also loves to hide in my closet and pop out at me after I take a shower. She'll dissolve into giggles and never let me live it down, but I'll get her back by sneaking up behind her when she is completely unsuspecting. My fondest memories are laughing with my mom until we cry, over anything from how silly round haircuts look on poodles to the toddler at Target who fell smack on his face.

6. Even if you think you are old enough to be independent, you're always going to need your mom.

There’s always going to be something you’ll get to in life that she’s already gone through. Whether it’s taxes, scary doctor’s appointments, directions (I have no sense of direction at all. My mom says it’s because I spent my childhood with my nose in a book, but she can’t always be right, right?) or a broken heart. Moms have been through it all, and they would do anything to save you from any unnecessary hardship or anguish. They feel our pain with us.

7. All you need is a pocketful of sunshine.

With her top played song on iTunes being “Pocketful of Sunshine” by Natasha Bedingfield, she is constantly singing this. If I’m feeling down, she’ll always ask me, “Hey, do you know what I have?” (answer: a pocketful of sunshine). I always fall for it, and she will break out into song, cheering me up instantly. It's her anthem, a perfect one at that.

8. She is always right.

I can argue with her for days on end, I can think I’m right for years and years, but in the end she is right. Whether or not I let her in on this revelation, she always gives the best advice and coaches me through being me in this scary world.

9. She loves me more than I'll ever know.

She’s forgone endless shopping trips, name brand cereals, new pairs of shoes, outings with her friends and even Starbucks gift cards to give me anything and everything I need. She puts me first and loves me most. She is selfless and never complains. I can only hope to be half the woman she is someday.

10. Life is so much better with your mom by your side.

My relationship with her is the most unique, rewarding and healthy relationship I have. She pushes me to be my best, keeps me updated on the family dogs and calls me to tell me she misses me 20 minutes after I leave. I’ve never walked this earth without her, and I never want to.

This one's for you, ma.