Lifestyle

Lessons Learned From My Mother

Happy Mother’s Day. Maybe I’m biased, but I have one of the most kind and selfless mothers. One day is not enough to celebrate the person she is and the things she does. I learned so much from her growing up; I thought it would be sweet to highlight some of the most notable lessons. Mom, thank you for all you have taught me and are continuing to teach me. I’m beyond thankful for your endless love and support.

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Forgiveness doesn’t always mean letting someone back in. — My mom made sure we knew it was important to forgive those who hurt us, because carrying it around is way too heavy. But my mom also made sure to let us know, while forgiveness is healthy, it does not mean we have to allow someone who caused lots of pain back into our lives. Not only is it unhealthy, but it isn’t always wise.

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Don’t censor yourself. — Express how you are truly feeling no matter what people think of that. If you are uncomfortable, don’t be afraid to call that out. Sometimes, something is just bullshit. Some situations require swear words, like when your child throws syrup all over the kitchen… thats an appropriate time to say “WHAT THE ACTUAL F**K???!!!” (And yes, that did truly happen.)

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Be genuine. — My mom taught me that my voice mattered; my opinion was valuable. She expected my siblings and I to be polite, but she expected us to be honest. In the midst of arguments, my siblings and I could not give unauthentic apologies. She would require us to say “I’m sorry” as many times as it took for us to mean it!

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You’re always welcome home. — In just a few days, I’m moving away to a new city, in a new state, to pursue new adventures. Through this process, and every other adventure in life, my mother has always made me aware that I will always have a place in her home.

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Mom, thank you for all you have taught me and are continuing to teach me. I’m beyond thankful for your endless love and support. To you, I wish the happiest of Mother’s Day!