10 Things I learned From My Mother
It is interesting how much 5 years can change. I remember my teenage years clearly, and how I genuinely believed my mother was not only out of style, but completely crazy as well. Maybe she was a little crazy, but definitely in all the best ways.
As a teenager, I had more disagreements with my mother than I did agreements. I remember one time in particular when the other kids at camp were wearing short sleeves over their long sleeves as part of a trend. Teenage me wanted to fit in, but my mother objected. “It isn’t elegant,” she said. But what did I care about elegance? In my mind, she had completely missed the point.
Looking back however, she taught me a couple lessons that day.
The first one was about style, but the second one was probably more important: the lesson that sometimes it is okay to stand out from the crowd. As an adult, this has shaped the ability to create my own unique style, and also to be comfortable standing out rather than being untrue to myself.
My mother did not teach me lessons with words. She taught them to me, day after day, with her actions. She made mistakes, and she demonstrated humility by apologizing when she felt she was wrong. She didn’t care much about money, but would instead give it away to someone she felt needed it more, and then we would do something “free” like climb a mountain or enjoy nature. And then at 43 years old, when our family moved to another country, she tried very hard to learn a second language for the first time. Talk about a fete!
Now that my teenage years are over, I have a new respect for some of my mother's unconventional ways.
Now that my teenage years are over, I have a new respect for some of my mother’s unconventional ways. Below are 10 things that I learned from her, and maybe a few will resonate with you too.
1).Always acknowledge your mistakes, and never be too proud to apologize.
2). Show compassion and kindness, because these beautify everything around them.
3). Don’t wear short sleeves over long sleeves: They are a major fashion faux pas!
4). Learn a second language because it will deepen your relationships and expand your horizon.
5). Value relationships and experiences because they are more enduring than material items.
6). Be grateful for everything; it takes the eye off of what you don’t have, and focuses on what you do have.
7). Work hard even for a little, and you will appreciate what you earn.
8). Don’t be afraid to stand out from the crowd. Chances are, it will mean you have better style. (wink wink)
9). If you make your bed every morning, your day will be more centered, organized, and fulfilled.
10). The best way to feel grounded is the reminder that God is love and order even when the world is full of hate and chaos.
