I’m extremely lucky in the fact that I have been blessed with the most intelligent, caring, funny, wise, creative, supportive, hard-working, helpful, kind, giving, inspiring, amazing mother in the world. When it comes to giving advice, she is always the first person I turn to for the simultaneous sentiments of loving support and a swift kick in the butt. She is excellent at responding without judging, offering reassurance without coddling or patronizing, and re-focusing my crazy emotional outbursts with useful suggestions or, on rare occasions, over-the-top responses that remind me I am being unreasonable.
Because I know my mother is the guru of all advice-giving and general mothering qualities, I decided it would be selfish if I didn’t share some of her wisdom with the world. I started chatting with others about their mothers’ advice in difficult times or funny situations, and it became quite clear that I am not the only person who has the best mother in the world. In fact – there are many mothers/mother figures who are true rock stars.
To celebrate the women in our lives who have passed on wisdom, experience and funny sayings--whether we wanted to hear them or not--I did a survey to collect the best advice from mothers of all kinds. Below are the responses I received. Hopefully this list will serve as a reminder that we truly benefit from the words of our collective mothers, whether we believe it or not. Enjoy! And don’t hesitate to add your own mother’s best advice in the comments below.
Short, Sweet and Classic
“If you don't have anything nice to say then don't say anything.”
“Don’t be afraid to try something new.”
"Trust yourself."
“This too shall pass.”
“There's nothing wrong with crying. Just cry and let it out, and you'll feel better.”
“As you are, so is the world”
“Aim high – the sky is your limit!”
“Be honest.”
“Take it one step at a time.”
“Family is important.”
Long-term Life Choices
“As you grow up, get a job, find a partner, start a family, your priorities change. That's okay. But never forget about your friends. Friends seem less and less important as you find your place in life, surround yourself with coworkers, fall in love, have kids... but good friends are absolutely vital. When you expect it the least, you'll need them the most. Keep them around for your own health and happiness!”
“Other people are more worried and preoccupied with their own insecurities than they are with yours.”
“It is easier to get forgiveness than permission. I love this because it taught me to follow my heart and worry about the consequences later. Never wait for someone to tell you what to do or allow you to do something. Follow your heart and everything will be okay.”
“Love yourself for who you are and accept that you're going to grow and evolve into the best version of yourself. You don't have to always have the answer, and you can't always control everything. Trust that the world has plans for you and enjoy where you are.”
“Take care of yourself. In the big picture you have to make sure that you are happy and satisfied.”
“‘Do the right thing.’ The right thing, she always said, wasn’t always what others wanted me to do; nor was it always what I wanted to do. It wasn't always what was morally right; but it wasn't always morally wrong. I had to find balance in everything I did and figure out what the ‘right thing’ was."
Technical and Monetary Skills
“Three life skills for surviving this world: 1. How to sew a button 2. How to cook a basic meal 3. How to do your own laundry. With these three things, you are ready for anything.”
“Air is the enemy.” (in reference to cooking)
“The Power-Vortex Theory: Compliment first--boost the ego, ask second. It's the single best way to ask for anything, especially from men.”
“Do not spend money that you don't have--say no to credit cards.”
“Always have your own money even if you also have a joint bank account; never be in a position where you depend on someone else financially or are unable to leave if you have to.”
Non-Advice Wisdom
“By asking me every day what were the three good things that happened in school, she forced me to recognize that even when it's not so great out there something is going right.”
“My mother’s influence came in the way that she lived her life on a day-to-day basis. Any advice I received from her wasn't communicated in a formal way, but it was demonstrated. Through her, I was taught that I am beautiful and that I am powerful and that the greatest gift I can give others is to be my true self.”
Edited by Alison Stanton