This blog post is a request from a couple of people who asked me to write about the life lessons my mum taught me following a few wonderful conversations on life with a work colleague and friend. There’s a lot of overlap between some of the lessons, and will link each one as I go through them. In no random order, here they are!
1) Have Faith
Since I was a child, I have been raised in the Catholic faith, which has been tried and tested over the years. From what I have learned by keeping to my faith, is that prayers are answered, miracles happen, and your faith is stronger than before! Everything will always be ok (and God is watching over us).
2) Be kind. Always
I cannot state the importance of kindness! Show it to everyone you meet! It is free, and makes the world a much better place! One act of kindness or a kind word can stay with someone for a long time, and you’ll be remembered for it. You can single handedly make a massive and positive difference to someone’s day or self-esteem, from simply being kind ❤
3) Do NOT be ignorant
I remember the stern and fierce way my mum said to me and my family “do not be ignorant! Know all sides to a story, understand other people’s perspectives”. We were all children at that time, and that message has stuck with all of us ever since.
4) Say your prayers
Prayers are answered every day, and manifest in the most amazing and unique ways! I’ve had so many prayers answered throughout my life, and I still continue to see prayers answered every day!
5) Always look for the best in someone/something
No matter how bad a person/situation is, there is always a silver lining. Relating back to the first point on being kind always; a gentle smile or act of kindness can really bring out the goodness in others. You do not know what someone else is going through, so being kind and looking for the best in others can make a world of difference, as well as maintaining a positive outlook.
6) Push yourself out your comfort zone and try something new
Life exists outside of the household! I was always taught as a child to try something new, for everyday is an opportunity to learn and grow as a person. Try this, for example, consider what you did last year, and what you’re doing now; how much as a person have you grown? What have you learnt about yourself?
7) Have faith in yourself
When faced with a situation where others put you down, tell you that you cannot do something, and prove them wrong! Nay-Sayers, critics and those who are quick to tear you down are often riddled with their own insecurities and feel the need to shoot others down. Having faith in yourself can lead to acts of courage and you can really surprise yourself with what you can accomplish!
8) Have a positive outlook/mind
A positive mind is very powerful! Positivity attracts, and can make everything much easier than by being negative. Keep positive thoughts flowing and your wellbeing will improve as will your outlook on life.
9) Be prudent with your actions
Think about the long-term impact your actions have on others, on yourself and those around you. From a young age, I was taught to be prudent with how I treat others, and everyday learning life skills, such as managing money, cooking, etc. Consequential thinking (as it can also be called) has helped me to think more about the wider impact my actions have on myself and on others.
10) Laugh at everything!
We all need a laugh, don’t we? It’s the best medicine, and it can make a situation seem much less worrying/upsetting when we look back and laugh at it with others. Learning not to take everything so seriously and to laugh about things that happen can make life so much better. Even at times where things are serious, get through it, and laugh about it; it will all be over at some point!
Words of wisdom from my mum: “if you can cope with stress, you can cope with life. If you can cope with stress and keep a sense of humour, you’ll fly through life”
11) Love yourself!
This is one of the top few of the most important life lessons that my mother taught me! LOVE YOURSELF! You cannot love others if you don’t love yourself! Self-love is important, as it demonstrates that you also respect yourself, and will not allow anyone to put you down!
12) Stay humble!
No-one likes an arrogant so and so! I was always taught to be humble. Humility is about being humble; it’s about knowing who you are and staying grounded. You can be praised and complimented, but it does not swell your ego, and you do not become big-headed. Likewise, someone can be rude and insult you, but you do not let it affect you because know who you are and are grounded.
P.S. Love you mum! You’re incredible!
