Every year as the calendar flips to a new chapter, we think about who we were, who we are, and who we would like to become. As I sat pontificating what I would try to focus on next year, I couldn’t help to think of who I am, and why I am the way that I am (thanks, Eminem). My thoughts kept on going back to my mother dearest and how she paved the way for me and helped teach me critical things for me to be the person I want. She taught these not just by telling me what to do and who to be, rather by being an example in every aspect of her life. Below are the top 12 things (I could have done twice as many) that I learned from my mom and didn’t want to be selfish and keep them to myself. And what better time to share than when we are all looking for ways to improve.
12 Things I Learned From My Mom.
- Strong Work Ethic. My mom is one of the hardest working people I’ve ever met. She often works 12 hour days; will be the first one in and the last one to leave. And she does it all with a smile. If she feels like she’s spent too much time that day not working hard enough, she’ll even clock out and work an extra 15 minutes off the clock to make up the time. She works until the job is done and does the very best job she can. Or she will redo something until it is perfect. “Anything that is worth doing, is worth doing right.”
- You Can Do Hard Things. Whenever I would complain about something or say that it’s too hard (as any good teenager would do), she would always respond to me with “you can do hard things.” And I can, even if it doesn’t always seem like it. She taught me that no matter what the situation is, I can do a great job because I can do hard things and figure out a way to complete the task. Never give up.
- How to Make Rolls. My mom is an excellent cook and baker and I grew up loving to help in the kitchen. My mom’s most famous words at any given Sunday dinner are, “Hot roll, anyone?” I love the way my house smells when I’m baking and I’m grateful she instilled that love in me (although my waist line isn’t always grateful).
- Serve and Love Everyone. I don’t think you can think of my mom and not think about how she serves and loves EVERYONE. She rivals Mother Theresa. But seriously. She will go out of her way to do anything for anyone and, again, do it with a smile. She never looks for an excuse of why she can’t but will always see what she can do and rearrange so that she can help. She is a better person than I will ever hope to become.
- Always Look for the Positive. I think this is probably a result from #4 but my mom always looks for the positive. In every situation. She always looks for the good in everyone, doesn’t talk a badly about people, and could be happy about something in the most treacherous of situations. She lost a 5 year old child to cancer and rather than staying bitter because she no longer has her baby, she has written a story about all of the miracles during that time. #saint.
- Address Things With Love, Not Anger. She has the patience of Job. Growing up, I don’t ever remember my mom yelling at me or even raising her voice. Even when I snuck out with my friends, a week before my 18th birthday, got caught by the cops and they called her at 3:00 am, she still didn’t yell at me. Not to say I didn’t get in trouble, but she addressed it with love, not anger.
- Have Fun, Laugh, Enjoy Life. My mom loves to be around people, is always up to go to a party, go to lunch/dinner, or do something with you at a moments notice. She is all about taking the time to enjoy life and find joy and laughter along the way.
- Be Grateful. She is one of the most gracious people I know. Whenever I make dinner for her after she’s had along day, she will always call me up to thank me after and tell me how delicious it was (even if it wasn’t my best work). She never takes anything for granted and always wants people to feel appreciated for even the smallest thing they do.
- Have Integrity. From the mouth of Sherri, there is nothing worth doing that will compromise your integrity. She makes sure that whatever she does is with an honest heart, and that no one will ever have to question who she is.
- Stay Active. From however far back I can remember, my mom has always had a big focus on staying active. The level of activity will change from time to time, but she always has a big push to get her exercise in. She was on the swim team her whole childhood and continues to walk/swim multiple times a week. She has crazy energy [and doesn’t drink caffeine] and looks 10 years younger than she is.
- Family is Everything. My mom was a single mom of 4 kids and we never had a ton of money growing up [although I never felt we went without either – thanks mom]. One thing I consistently remember her saying is “we are rich in everything that matters”. And now that I have my own family, I can truly understand how right she was.
- Always Have a Welcoming Home. I think even if you were trying to rob my mom’s house, she would still greet you with a “HI, HONEY!! I’M SO GLAD YOU ARE HOME!” as she does to anyone who enters her house. That is one thing my friends always remember about when they would come over – her warm greeting and a big hug, no matter if this was the 1st or 40th time she’d met you. We didn’t even have a working lock on our front door for about 5 years growing up because the door was always open for whoever needed a couch to sleep on or somewhere to feel loved.
What have you set for your New Year’s resolution? Do any of these hit close to home?
Tricia Short says
Great post!!! Shared on Facebook with hashtag!!! Thanks for the chance at the gift card Happy New Year!!!
Abby Roberts says
Thanks for your sweet comment and sharing!!
Katie says
Your mom is the best!!! I feel lucky to know her 🙂
Abby Roberts says
She really is! And she loves you lots and lots 🙂
Heatherly Satterthwaite says
Your mom is SO sweet! I met her at Wayne’s Christmas party this year and she is the sweetest! Great read! So happy to be able to know you, and her!
Abby Roberts says
Thanks Heatherly! Love you!
Sydni Cline says
You Mom is one of the people I look up to most! Every one of your 12 items are spot on, and then some!! Love her, miss her!!!