Things my mother taught me… words that I have been hesitant to write about. My mother was an amazing woman and mother. She did a wonderful job (alongside my dad) until I went off to college, then our relationship started to change. We slowly shifted from a mother-daughter relationship to a mother-daughter friendship. Of course, she was always my mother first, but the addition of friendship was fantastic.
Unfortunately, right after I got engaged, she unexpectedly passed away… hence the hesitation to write an article about her. Though I’m finally beginning to feel that there has been enough healing to write about my mother… my best friend, I still struggle with my loss. At the same time, I want to celebrate her. So here’s to you Mom… Things My Mother Taught Me!
Life is too short to stay angry, mad, sad, or unhappy
Of course, it’s okay to feel these emotions, it’s just not worth getting stuck on them. She always said life is too short to waste it and not enjoy it! So, make amends, cry and let it out, write it down, then let it all go!
Life is too much fun to waste it on alcohol or drugs
My mother was never a drinker nor did she ever do drugs. She always enjoyed her life and said she didn’t want to miss it or not remember it because she was intoxicated. So, skip the alcohol and drugs and go have some fun. Of course, that is not to say she didn’t enjoy a nice cold margarita every now and then.
Take care of your obligations
Pay your debts on time and take care of your responsibilities. She said that if you couldn’t be responsible for yourself, you would never be able to take care of yourself, let alone anyone else, and would always struggle in life.
Modesty
You should always be modest, which doesn’t mean you can’t be fashionable. It just means you’re advertising your style, not your body.
Saving yourself for marriage
Why buy the cow, when you can get the milk for free? A statement I heard literally from the time I learned about the birds and the bees well into adulthood. Though not the most elegant statement, my mother felt very strongly about it. She said that living together and having intimate relationships with your partner was meant for after the I do’s, not before. She also said every time you are intimate with someone you give a small piece of yourself to them that you will never get back. A lot of this didn’t make sense to me at the time, but now that I am a married woman with children, I FINALLY GET IT! Thank you mom!
Marriage and children are life’s most precious gifts
My parents would have been married 55 years if she had made it to their anniversary the year she passed away. She always said that marriage and children are the toughest jobs you can ever have in life, but the benefits far outweigh the hard work. She said to always make sure your husband is your best friend. Always love him… though you don’t always have to like him. And teach your children to have loving relationships with family and friends.
Take care of your family… always say I love you!
Don’t forget to show your husband and children that you love them. Take care of them, nurture them, and don’t forget to snuggle, cuddle, and kiss them. Make sure to say I love you frequently and when parting… you never know when it will be your last time to say it.
Take pride in homemaking… it is a life skill
Have a clean and tidy home and keep it and your family organized. It will allow you to enjoy life more and be less stressed. I definitely have not perfected this one!
Don’t lie
This was very black and white in our house growing up. Lying just causes more problems than the truth ever will cause. So don’t do it. That’s not to say telling the truth is always easy or there won’t be consequences for your actions… she just thought it was easier than trying to make up a lie, make it believable, and then keep the lie (or lies, because one lie is never enough) up.
Be kind… even to those that are not kind to you
It doesn’t matter how others act; it only matters how you act. Life is rarely fair and you have no idea what storm God has asked someone else to walk through… so be kind.
Follow your dreams
Dreams are part of making life tons of fun. The desire to accomplish something or do something you enjoy is a wonderful thing and it builds character.
Always say your prayers and give thanks to God for all of your blessings!
I don’t think an explanation is required here 😉
Alright ladies and gentlemen, thank you for stopping by! I hope you enjoyed my challenging, but rewarding post today. Please feel free to leave a comment and let me know things your mother taught you. Happy Tuesday!
Cheers,
Lisa
What a beautiful way to remember your mom.
One of the big things my mother has taught me is to not be afraid to speak up. She is pretty tough and both my sister and I can be pushovers. She’s taught us to be brave and go out of our comfort zone when it’s the right thing to do.
Hi Kelsey! Thank you very much. Its amazing how much we learn from our mothers as we are growing up. Thanks for sharing and stopping by!
Cheers,
Lisa
I am so beyond proud of you. I know how hard this must’ve been and you are living by that first bit of advice you spoke of. I know your mom would be so unbelievably proud of the woman and mother you are, what you stand for and how you behave. I love the honesty and straightforward style your family practices…don’t give away the milk lol!
Things my mom taught me…
1. Always look for the good in others. It is easy to see the flaw or throw judgement towards their decisions but when you look for the good it is usually there and worth looking for.
Hey lady! Thank you very much. We’re definitely straightforward and honest;). Your mom is such a sweetie! Thanks for stopping by.
Cheers,
Lisa
Lisa my dear younger sister,
After reading this my eyes wound not stop tearing up but as I read on it was so healing in many ways..Our mom was wise beyond her years and taken way to soon..But I think about what I got with mom and you didn’t it has always hurt my heart for you…..:( Passing before your wedding and all that goes with that big day..The birth of your two babies…..and so much more…!!!….I’m very proud of you and you impress me everyday…..MOM would be proud…!!!….love you alway your sister and biggest fan Robin…:)
Thanks sis! I definitely think I missed out getting to share some very special events with her, but I am also thankful for the ones I did get. Love you!
Cheers,
Lisa
Lisa this is beautiful and true about the loving, beautiful mother and grandmother we had. My heart hurts for you being so young when she left us. You had all of the big things in life’s journey going on and she wasn’t around for you. I hope you always knew we were there for you. My children had a tough time getting married and having children without her. She was my rock in life and there isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t think about her.
Hey sissy!
I am definitely thankful I had you and Robin on all of my big moments after her passing…I couldn’t have done it without you both! I feel for the grandkids that don’t have her here anymore…and my kiddos that won’t get to know her…so sad! Love you!
Cheers,
Lisa
Lisa…..
Just like Robin, I was and am teary eyed reading your tribute to an amazing woman. I don’t think I could ever put into words all of the things I learned from your Mom on how to be a Mom. I was so very lost as what to do with the most simple tasks of taking care of a new baby. But more importantly the biggest treasure I learned from her was to always take time to sincerely ask someone how they were doing and to genuinely listen. Her constant willingness to just visit with me during a very lonely part of my life was a God send. She always made me feel welcome and included. Something I truly try to do for others every day. Her grace and unlimited forgiveness knew no bounds. I will admit that this is an area that I struggle, but in those difficult moments I do think of your Mom and know I should try harder.
People come and go on your journey through life and most don’t leave a mark. Please know that your Mom left a mark in my life that I will always cherish.
Big Hugs,
Dustie
Hi Dustie,
Thank you for stopping by! She was amazing and I’m so happy so many people have such great memories of her… She was definitely one of kind.
Cheers,
Lisa
Lots of practical and biblical wisdom here and a great reminder to cherish our moms while we can! Thanks for sharing such a personal story. I’m your neighbor at Growing in Grace Thursdays. Blessings!
Hi Donna,
Thank you so much for stopping by… I really like your blog. I appreciate you sharing your wealth of knowledge… I find it very helpful. I was definitely lucky to be blessed with my mother!
Cheers,
Lisa
I know that is right. Your mother taught you well. I am sure she is very proud of you.
Hi Betty,
Thank you so much and thank you for stopping by!
Cheers,
Lisa
What a beautiful tribute to your very first teacher! Mum’s have a lot of influence — and your mum sure used hers well! So sorry for your loss.
Hi Michele,
She was definitely an amazing teacher! Thank you so much… And thank you for stopping by!
Cheers,
Lisa
I love the first piece of advice, “Life is too short to stay angry, mad, sad, or unhappy.” I couldn’t agree more, your mother was a smart woman. I can imagine that your heart aches for her often, how beautiful that you carry pieces of her wisdom with you each and every day.
Hi Sarah,
I definitely appreciate her wisdom now that I have my own kiddos. Thank you for stopping by!
Cheers,
Lisa
What a tribute to your Mom and such good lessons to pass on not only here but with your family. Thanks for sharing. You are blessed to have had her as a Mom.
Hi Debbie,
I completely agree! Thank you for stopping by.
Cheers,
Lisa
I really love this post. They are precious advice from parents inherited to children. You are very lucky to learn to be a wise person from a wise parent. Thank you for sharing at Family Fun Friday
Beautiful! Just beautiful!