I'm so thankful for the wonderful role model my momma is. As I grow up, I become increasingly aware of all the things she has taught me, and all the values she has instilled in me. So in honor of the holiday, I thought it might be fun to share some wisdom I've learned from my mother over the years.
1. Give everything you do 110 percent. Always try your best.
2. Moisturize. Slather your face, neck, and hands with moisturizer every day.
3. Think long and hard about changing your last name when you get married. But even more importantly, don't even think about getting married until you've figured out who you are first. You shouldn't be thinking about becoming Ms. Partner's Last Name until you've figured out who Ms. Current Last Name is.
4. Read voraciously. Turn off the television. And when you're flirting with the idea of reading or watching a movie, choose the book.
5. Study what you love. And ignore all the lists about which majors earn the most money or which majors are "useless" and "silly."
6. Get a job doing something you're passionate about. Work hard at it.
7. Go to a college that is far away from home; a college that is so far away its impossible to do laundry at home or drop by your parents' house for dinner.
8. Enjoy where you are in life. Don't rush growing up.
9. Doing yoga daily will keep you fit, flexible, and agile - even when you're 80! (This one can actually be traced to my grandmother, who is possibly the healthiest yoga loving, 80-year-old on the planet.)
10. Exercise. You'll feel better. And you'll avoid being the parent/grandmother who is too out of shape to walk all over a big city when you're out on an adventure.
11. Eat less meat and drink less milk.
12. Pay attention when your body is too tired or stressed. Find a way to de-stress, like meditation, yoga, or exercise, that works for you. And use it.
13. Always bake cakes and brownies for less than the recipe says. Even if it is your own recipe and you think you have the timing just right, check on it at least 5 minutes earlier. There is nothing worse than an overcooked, dried out chocolate cake!
14. Always pay attention to where your exits are. And be aware, they may be behind you!
15. Evaluate your life based on whether or not you're making the world a better place. Not by how much money you're making.
16. Travel often. Visit new places.
17. Stay out of the sun. It doesn't matter how good you think that tan looks, you will regret it when you're wrinkled, leathery, and have skin cancer.
18. Buy high-quality, classic clothing that will last for years. But don't buy too much. Go for a less is more approach to your closet.
19. Find a partner who has similar financial values and make sure you're on the same page about what things are worth spending money on.
20. Live your own life. Even if your mom or family disagrees with you, it's your life. Do what makes you happy. Live according to your own values. Be true to yourself.
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| Momma and I on the Spanish Steps in Rome! |
