I like Mother’s Day… a lot. I’m a fan. And not just because Bryan and the girlies bring me breakfast in bed and take me to brunch and present me with sweet homemade cards and are just generally lovely and super accommodating all day. I like it because it gets me thinking about this great privilege I have of being a mom -- this gift of getting to shepherd a couple of amazing little beings as they make their way through the world.
It’s a complicated and daunting task this raising kids enterprise – the deciding when to jump in and be their advocate (I’m watching my younger sister do this in a major way for two of her sons right now and am hugely in awe of her skills) when to offer assistance/guidance/advice and when to step back and let them find their own way (even if it means letting them fail). But truly those girlies of mine have transformed me…They have made my life something I never thought it could be. They are awe-inspiring. It is more than worth the stress and worry and sleeplessness.
image via Tory BurchAnd, inevitably, all this ruminating on the shepherding provides a sort of renewed, deep appreciation for my own mom. (There’s really nothing like being a mom to make you see your own mother in a whole new light, yes?)
I loved reading some of the motherhood memories earlier this week on Tory Burch’s blog…especially the memories from designer Ruthie Sommers (below), and her comment about how her mother talks about “ideas not people or things”. Ruthie’s mom is a wise lady + how cool is it that she typed out that list and sent it to her daughter. I’m definitely putting that in the idea file for future use.
Among other things, my own mom taught me you can make beauty out of even the humblest of circumstances, to honor your home, to love deeply and wholly, to embrace optimism, to be adaptable, and…to wash my face every night before bed no matter what.
So in honor of Mother’s Day, do share…what’s the best thing your mom taught you?
16 comments:
when i was in the 3rd grade i was running for student council. some girls asked me who i was voting for and i said, "well, i'm voting for myself." they told me i was conceited. i asked my mom about it that night. i'll never forget what she said, "who do you think the president voted for? he voted for himself. Asher, if you don't vote for yourself nobody else will." i didn't win but i did vote for myself and i didn't worry about those girls. whenever my confidence is shaky, i think about my mom saying this to me. :)
Best Thing My Mom Taught Me (other than my faith):
Learn from other peoples' mistakes. You don't have time to make them all yourself.
This post is so beautiful it brought tears to my eyes, I also love the privilege of being a mom, it makes me a better person and it makes me look to the future with a lot more expectation.
The best thing my mother taught me was to embrace everything in my daughter, even the littlest and the no-so-lovely things because she will grow up one day and all I will have will be the memory of having loved her and accepted her fully.
My mother is the most non-judgmental person I've ever met. She's rarely negative about herself or others, and she never made me feel like I needed to be anyone other than exactly who I was.
I'm thirty two years old, and though she and I are very different, I still want to be like my mother when I grow up.
I read these advices carefully and I think I'll start using them. First thing was - spoiling my hubby.
thank you for this post! it is so optimistic!
My mom teaches me daily through her actions that kindness is key to a happy life.
Beautiful post. My mom continues to quote the following to me: "The key is to keep company only with those who uplift you, whose presence calls forth your best".
talk about ideas not people or things ~ i'm taking this to heart and sharing with my crumb.
my mom always made sure she looked her best even when she may have felt her worse while battling breast cancer {thankfully, she is a survivor}, for she believed if you took the time to be presentable to others and yourself, then your day would be much happier, you would walk straighter, and be more productive.
My mother taught me that it's better to play a game than to clean the house. I rarely can get someone to play a game with me now, but I think I've mastered the not-cleaning-the-house part.
lauri
i will ALWAYS play a game with you...just say the word!
Love this post! I'm not a mom yet, but hope to be even half as good as my own mom. She taught me to be independent and true to myself. To enjoy the sweet things in life. And that love really does heal all booboos.
This post is very inspiring. Per usual. :-)
One of the best things my mom taught me was to never think you're better than anyone else. Anyone...not even the drug addict living on the street. Also, she taught me how to make a killer pie crust.
Excellent tips! Have a simply lovely Mother's day!
pve
A lovely post - being a mother is the hardest, yet most rewarding thing! My mother died seven years ago and I miss her every day - so mother's day is bittersweet - filled with memories of mum, and crazy over-the-top "I love you" behaviour from my two boys. The best advice from my mum - you have to love yourself, before you can let anyone else love you...oh and always look at your back in the mirror before leaving the house :) Have a wonderful mother's day joslyn!
Hi,
I love both your blogs btw, I don't usually comment but I enjoy reading your blogs for inspiration and your girls are so stunningly naturally beautiful (not that you don't know it!) - I am especially envious of Millie's hair!!
My mum has taught me to be socially aware, to speak my mind on issues that are close my heart,question the status quo and take action to bring about change no matter how small a difference it may seem.
Happy Mother's Day!
- Kate
Thanks for creating a sweet place to which I come for inspiration and beauty. I enjoy following the adventures of your days.
My mother has taught me to love deeply.
She has modeled a faithful commitment to loving others and I'm so glad for that impact on my life.
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