This end of the week question is inspired by Mother’s Day…
What one lesson or piece of advice has your Mother/Grandmother given you that has had the most impact on your life?
Tough for me to answer (there’s been so many). Apart from “I want you to all have salad” said every night at dinner (it’s a wonder I don’t have that tattooed somewhere), probably the biggest piece of advice she gave me was “when one door shuts another one opens”. My Mum is the eternal optimist and always sees the good in everyone and everything. What’s the best piece of advice you were given?
To all Mums out there, including my awesome Mum, you have the hardest job on the planet – Happy Mother’s Day!
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Aside from the practical ones like how to wash clothes, how to tell when the meat is cooked etc.. I think the best advice mum has given me is to stay strong. It’s a pretty multi-dimensional thing; helps you when you’re down, when you’re fighting, when you’re trying to focus your sights on something etc. My grandma also always says things like “Ah well, that’s life.” I think that’s old-school politeness for “get over it!”
Ha, ha, yep, definitely old school! Stay strong, I like it.
Ha ha, this cracks me up because of what popped into my head…First a little background: My mom was a stay at home mom of four children, while my dad went out and made the money. He’s a civil engineer, so he “builds big things.” When I was about 10, his jobs started taking him all over the world, where he would be gone, weeks or months at a time. In a sense, my mom raised us as a single mom. (Not saying anything bad about my dad, as I have always been such a Daddy’s girl, and I think he walks on water!!)
Anyhow, I never realized how much “power” my mom had until she gave me this piece of advice (about 2 years into my marriage.) She said, “Sometimes you need to let him [your husband] think that it’s his idea, even though you really came up with it. Sometimes you just need to guide them to the “right” decision.”
I was shocked because it seemed a little manipulative. However, I’ve learned that a man [my husband] only want to be “guided” when he truly doesn’t know the answer and wants guidance. If he’s 100% sure about his decision, then there will be no “guiding.” Sometimes, it’s very helpful to lead them in the “right” direction. ; )
The two things that my Mom said to me often which has formed my life in many ways are “Everything always works out” and “Roll with the punches”. My Mom was very wise and shared much wisdom with me, however these two things have allowed me to live a very happy and balanced life.
Great idea for a post today, Sami. I think the best advice my mom ever gave me was “Remember who you are.” When I was a kid, I got a kick out of this and would giggle every time she said it and would tease back, “Gee, Mom. Who am I?” But don’t you know, that’s a great piece of advice!
Hey Kirwin,
Too funny! You know the crazy thing, I was given very similar advice recently but from…my brother! Apparently great minds think alike. Next time Chris leaves his freaking undies on the floor, I will use my “power” to “guide” him to make the “right” decision. Or I’ll just say, “pick your freaking undies up or you’re toast!”.
Hi Mark,
Oh I like “everything always works out”. It’s along the same lines as “when one door shuts another one opens”. So true too. I’m still learning to roll with the punches. I sometimes forget to not get bent out of shape when things don’t go my way. I blame it on my starsign – Leo.
Thanks Chania Girl. That piece of advice would be great to keep you grounded for sure. Remembering who you are is also helpful for times when you need a bit of courage or a reminder that you’re perfect the way you are. We sometimes forget how powerful and amazing each one of us is.
What a great way to get us ready for Mother’s Day, Sami.
Growing up, my mother annoyed the fluff out of me by making me name 3 good things about a person if I said I didn’t like them, gossiped about them, etc.
Now I see the value of this, and plan to annoy me little girl with it.
Hi Sami,
This has been fun to read! And packed with lots of great thoughts.
From my mom: “You can do whatever you want to.” – it’s helped very much to believe that everything is within my reach, and that I’m only limited by myself…
Hi Ann Elise,
That’s a great habit to get you into as a child (and for you to pass on). I’m going to remember that one – thanks very much!
Hey Lance,
I know, there are some very wise Mothers out there! Not long before my Grandmother died she gave me the same advice your Mum gave you (see Sami’s Day of Her Life – Part 3). It’s stuck with me ever since.
This was a great post!!! Thank you. My mother always told me, “this too shall pass”, or “dont sweat the small stuff” because in three months time it will mean nothing. Of course she was always right. I love spending time with older people as they have some important lessons they learnt just through living.
Thanks Lilly, wise advice from your Mum. We often stress over things that at the time seem important and big but really in the big scheme of things are not really important at all and pretty insignificant. Thanks for your input!
“Wait until your father’s in a good mood before you ask him.”
@Prefers Her Fantasy Life
Or there’s also the “go ask your father” (regardless of if he’s in a good mood or not).
Hhhm this is a tough one for me too as there’s been so many, and counting
but for now it would have to be “there’s always hope and to never give up”
Hey Salwa,
I hear you on the “and counting” thing.
“There’s always hope and never give up”. I like it – very positive.
Hey Sam, you forgot the …”put some music on, it will be fun” whenever you were asked to do housework!!!
Hey Mum,
Ahh, I don’t remember that (must have blocked the whole housework thing from my brain).