Family

Life Lesson My Mom Taught Me

posted on May 12, 2020 | by Kelley Matney

Growing up we do not always agree with parents. The relationship between a mother and daughter can be particularly melodramatic swinging from slammed doors and rolled eyes to life-changing heart-to-heart talks. As we grow older and our relationships with our parents change and mature, we can truly begin to appreciate the lessons we have learned from them.

In honor of Mother’s Day here are five life lessons I have learned from my Mom.

Make Room for The Things You Love

My mother is an artist. I don’t know if that would be a primary descriptor, she would use for herself – but it should be. Now that is not what she does to make a living – she had a typical 9 to 5 for that. But, at her core, she is an artist. She paints, draws, practices calligraphy, and is an all-over creative person.

I will never forget when I was younger when she started taking art classes at the local community college. I was so impressed. She taught me that if you love something that there is always time for it.

Take Pride in your Work

My mom always worked hard at her job. When she was laid off while I was in high school I didn’t fully understand the complexities of the situation but how she handled it was a good model for when I myself was laid off several years ago. She did what she needed to do to take care of our family and for that I am grateful – but no matter what work she was doing she took pride in it and did it to the best of her abilities.

Be Grateful for What You Have

My mom tends to get the brunt of my complaining. It is a hazard of the job since she is the one, I usually go to with problems. But she has a knack of putting my problems into perspective. Usually, my problems aren’t as bad as I think they are in the moment or even if they are it’s important to realize it will probably be temporary.

Let Them Go

My mom has always been incredibly supportive of my wandering heart, never once imposing any fears or worries that she had on my excitement. For instance, when I told her my plan to join the Peace Corps and live in a South American country for two years it was celebrated all around. If I have children one day, I hope to be as supportive as their dreams as much as my mother (and father) was of mine.

It’s All Part of the Grand Adventure

We used to joke that this phrase would go on my mother’s headstone she would say it so often. It was usually employed when something didn’t quite go as planned and instead of freaking out or getting frustrated, she would just gleefully chime, “it’s all part of the grand adventure.” As a young girl, I would usually just roll my eyes and ignore her. But, now as an adult, it’s a motto I embrace. There are many twists and turns in life, trust me I’ve had quite a few so far, but if you look at the bigger picture you realize that most of those rough patches are temporary and lead you to amazing things.

 What life lessons have you learned from your mother over the years?