Sarahritchie17 Today’s post is in honor of Mother’s Day, for all the moms out there, but especially to mine. There are so many lessons we learn from our moms whether they realize they taught us these things or not. I wanted to take some time this Mother’s Day to reflect on just a few of the many things my mom has taught me over the past quarter century.
1. My creativity
My mom is one of the most creative people I know, and I admire her work so much. I’d like to think that I may have inherited an ounce or two of her creativity, but we somehow have different brands of creativity. Our work always comes out very different. She knows colors like they each have their own personalities, and she always colors outside the lines. When I was little and wanted to use every single craft supply from glitter to buttons, she taught me that oftentimes, less is more—a lesson that extends far beyond arts and crafts.
2. Joy
As much as my mom is creative, she’s also happy. One of the most joyful people you’d ever meet, my mom always finds the bright side of things and sees the glass as half full. She’s taught me that laughter is as necessary to your health as vitamins are. When I was little, she taught me how to make lemonade with fresh lemons and a juicer, and in adulthood, she reminds me what to do when life gives you lemons.
3. The importance of family
Family is the top priority no matter what. She would do anything for her family and give anything for us all to be together if even for a day. Living so far from home is tough for me sometimes, and on days like this, I wish I could fly home and hug my mom.
4. A relationship with God
My mom taught me to turn to God, not only on Sundays or holidays or in lightness or darkness, but in the everyday. She taught me how to talk to God and how to see Him acting in my life.
5. How to love and be loved
There is nothing like a mother’s love. I never understand people who say they are unloveable or unworthy of love; they must never have known their mother’s love. My mom taught me how to give love to others, receive love from others, and to love yourself.
6. How to be strong
My mom is short but feisty. She has a warrior spirit. One time when a massive man in a big truck didn’t yield to us in a traffic circle and almost hit our minivan, she followed him into the restaurant he was picking up food from and ripped him a new one. She had no fear in standing up to a man easily 2 feet taller than her and twice her weight in muscle to defend the safety of her family.
7. How to serve others
My mom only does things at 150%. If she’s going to commit to something, she’s going to go overboard in the best way. When she cooks for the neighbors, she makes a feast, when she makes cloth masks, she makes hundreds.
8. Beauty comes from within
I can count on my fingers the number of times I’ve seen my mom wear make-up. She lives by the fact that confidence and a smile are the only accessories a girl needs.
9. When you don’t know what to do, make a list
A very pragmatic woman, she always tells me to make lists of pros and cons to solve problems. When you take feeling and emotion out of decisions, it not only helps you get to the right answer, but over time and in practice, it makes you a decisive leader.
10. How to be a good friend
My mom has always treated her friends like family. She’s loyal and so deeply caring. She’s taught me how to make and hold onto the greatest friendships and work through hard times with communication and trust.
I have these ten lessons and many more to thank my mom for. She’s taught me gratitude, and I am grateful I was born hers.
Thanks for all you do, mom. Here’s a virtual hug. I love you most.
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Cheers!
Sarah
