It’s no secret that moms are great, but I think mine is especially amazing. There are few women I know who could raise three children on their own while working full time as well as my mom did. I’ve always appreciated her but as I get older I become even more thankful for all that she has done for me. In honor of her birthday (tomorrow) and the wonderful woman that she is, I thought I’d share some life lessons my mom taught me over the years.
now on to the lessons my mom taught me
If You’re Not Early, You’re Late
One of the most important life lessons my mom taught me was that being late is tacky. This lesson has stuck with me every day of my life. If you make a commitment at a certain time, you better be there at (or before) that time. Now, if I’m even a minute late, I feel bad. The world doesn’t revolve around you and it definitely doesn’t run on your time.
It’s Better To Have Too Much Than Not Enough
If you are ever hosting people, you never want to run out of food. Always prepare to serve more people than you are expecting. Imagine running out of food before everyone arrives to the party?! This also goes for if you are a guest. Offer to bring something, then plan for more people than you’re told. Plus, leftovers are the best!
Stand Up For What You Believe In
I’ve heard before “if you stand for nothing, you fall for everything” and I couldn’t agree more. Everyone has morals instilled in them from the time they are young. If you see someone being mistreated, stand up for them. You know what your morals are, live by them. If you want something to change, make it happen.
Be Your Own Person
There is only one of you in the world. Why would you want to spend your life imitating someone else? This goes along with a later lesson my mom taught me about being a leader and not a follower. Don’t let someone else dictate your actions. You can look up to people without copying them. God has given you unique gifts to share with the world and He made you because the world needed you!
Anything Boys Can Do, Girls Can Do Better
Being raised by a single mother, in a house full of girls, I learned about the power of being a girl. Never let anyone tell you that you can’t do something because you are a girl! Seeing my mom be superwoman for so many years, taught me I can do anything I set my mind to. Having her as my role model taught me to have a lot of confidence in my abilities and a whole lot of #girlpower!
Stick Up For Your Family
Your family are the only people in your life you can always count on. Never let someone talk down on your family, even if it is a “joke.” Likewise, know that you can always lean on your family for strength and encouragement. They aren’t going anywhere (even if you move across the country…twice 🙂 sorry mom).
Be A Leader, Not A Follower
I was taught from a young age to be my own person and lead by example. She would always ask me “if your friend jumped off a bridge, would you jump too?” Odds are the answer is no. So if your friends are doing something you know you shouldn’t be doing, don’t do it!
This lesson goes hand in hand with being independent. From doing my own laundry to making my own doctor appointments, I am grateful for the independence I learned from my mom. Seeing her work so hard everyday, taught me that I am fully capable of making my own way in life. No one else is going do the work for you. If you want something done, you need to make it happen yourself.
Be Kind
No one likes a mean person. It doesn’t matter how tired or busy you are, you always have time to be kind. This doesn’t always mean you have to do something for someone, though that is nice. Basically just don’t be downright mean. Smile at strangers walking down the street. Compliment someone’s outfit if you like it. Offer a hand to someone who needs help. My mom has exemplified kindness throughout my life and I am thankful for that. You never know what someone else has been through, don’t add to their pain.
Always Use Your Manners
MANNERS ARE EVERYTHING!!! I don’t care what anyone else says, if you lack manners you won’t get far. Always say please and thank you. Always write thank you cards for Christmas and your birthday (or you don’t get to keep the gift). Don’t push by people, instead say excuse me.Apologize when you make a mistake and forgive when you have been wronged. Also, never hold a grudge, it only affects you. Thanks mom, for teaching me manners early on!
You Can’t Please Everyone
There are going to be times in your life when the choices you make will upset someone. The truth is, there isn’t a way for you to please everyone. Someone will always have something to say about the way you are living your life. Listen politely to what others have to say (because you have manners), but make choices based off of what is best for you. If the people you upset truly love you, they will come around eventually.
You Are Beautiful The Way You Are
There is not a single person in this world worth changing for. You should never change who you are to fit in with a certain friend group or be liked by a boy. God made you the way He did because He thinks it’s perfect! Never try to alter your physical appearance to fit in to what society says is beautiful. Find confidence in you beauty and learn to love yourself.
Even though I’ve spent years rolling my eyes or thinking I knew more, I am beyond grateful for everything my mom has taught me. Thank you mom, for everything you have done for me, taught me, and will continue to teach me. I hope that one day I can be at least half the woman and mother you have been to me. I love you <3
