Lessons from Mom: Timeless Wisdom
Lessons from Mom: Timeless Wisdom
by Raina Davis
Growing up, it felt like my mother had a saying or a piece of advice for every occasion. As a child, these often went in one ear and out the other, but as I've grown older, I've come to appreciate the profound wisdom in her words. In celebration of Mother’s Day, I’ve compiled some of the best advice my mother has given me over the years, showcasing how these nuggets of wisdom have shaped my life. Accompanying this post, you'll find each piece of advice beautifully illustrated in a graphic or slideshow, because sometimes, visual art speaks as loudly as words.
1. "Listen more than you speak." My mother always emphasized the importance of listening—to others, to the world around me, and to myself. In a society that often prioritizes being heard, she taught me the power of silence and the wealth of information that comes from simply listening. This advice has helped me in every aspect of my life, from building stronger relationships to succeeding professionally.
2. "Make your bed every morning." It might sound trivial, but this simple habit, my mother insisted, sets the tone for the day. It’s about taking charge and starting the day with a small accomplishment. Thanks to this habit, no matter how chaotic my day gets, I begin with order and end it returning to a space that feels calm and managed—a constant reminder that no matter what, there's a clean slate waiting for me.
3. "Spend wisely—your money and your time." Money was tight in our household, but my mother always managed to stretch every dollar and every minute to its fullest potential. She taught me that being mindful of how I spend my money and time could lead to greater satisfaction and security. This lesson has been crucial in helping me establish a balanced and fulfilling life.
4. "Never go to sleep angry." Whether it was with friends, family, or partners, my mother believed in resolving conflicts before they had a chance to fester. This advice has encouraged me to address issues directly and promptly, fostering healthier, more honest relationships.
5. "Always have a ‘just in case’ plan." My mother was the queen of preparedness. From emergency savings to backup plans, she believed in being prepared for any situation. This mindset has saved me more times than I can count, especially during unexpected life events.
6. "Find joy in the little things." In her eyes, joy wasn’t tied to large accomplishments or expensive possessions—it was in daily moments and simple pleasures. Learning to appreciate the small, everyday joys has taught me contentment and gratitude, which are key to a happy life.
7. "Be kind—it costs nothing but means everything." Kindness was the currency my mother valued most. She taught me that compassion and empathy could bridge divides and heal wounds. This lesson has profoundly influenced how I interact with the world.
This Mother’s Day, as I reflect on the invaluable lessons shared by my mother, I'm inspired to pass on not just her wisdom but also some thoughtful gift recommendations. Whether it's a personalized journal to jot down their own pearls of wisdom, a subscription to a mindfulness app for some well-deserved relaxation, or a handcrafted photo album filled with cherished family moments, these gifts are a perfect way to show appreciation for the endless love and guidance our mothers provide.
The Mama Recommendations:
What is a holiday without a card? But not your ordinary card.
Paper Love is revolutionizing the greeting card industry with its innovative Keepsake and Hugepop Flower Bouquet collections. These collections cleverly combine the emotional appeal of a heartfelt message with the longevity of a keepsake. The Keepsake collection functions as both a pop-up card and a durable gift, while the Hugepop Flower Bouquet turns a simple card into a timeless floral display. This approach tackles the usual drawback of pop-up cards, which often lose their allure after being opened. A delight for anyone to open!
Kat Lieu's newest cookbook, Modern Asian Kitchen, offers the ultimate foodie experience with more than 80 inventive recipes. These include vibrant vegetable dishes, street-food favorites, dim sum, quick noodle dishes, customizable bibimbap bowls, and Southeast Asian specialties! Our favorite to make for mom? The Sexy Sizzling Sisig—the name speaks for itself. Kat is also a mom to her 11-year-old son!
Nose Best Candles brings a splash of Brooklyn flair to your space! This POC, women-led, and LGBTQ+ owned business crafts cheeky, hand-poured candles that are as fun as they are fragrant. Each candle, with its witty, sex-positive names, promises to remix your senses and set the perfect vibe. The best part? It's like a party in a jar! Every candle comes with its own curated Spotify playlist and a cocktail recipe, perfect for jazzing up your next get-together or solo chill session. Made with care in Brooklyn from 100% soy wax and cotton core wicks, these candles are not only Phthalate-free but also free from mutagens and carcinogens. Light up a Nose Best Candle and let the good times roll!
Coexist, a productivity app designed to streamline household management, was founded by two women and a mom. This innovative app is an excellent gift for any mom who shoulders the bulk of household responsibilities, from daily chores to organizing tasks. It helps distribute 'assignments' to other family members, like spouses, effectively reducing the mental load. Coexist offers a thoughtful and practical way to support moms in managing home workloads more efficiently.
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This Perpetual Birthday Calendar showcases the stunning, iconic Dutch paintings by Anton Pieck, making it a timeless gift for any mom. Encouraging her to record loved ones' birthdays and special anniversaries, this calendar lacks specific years, allowing it to be used as a cherished memento and memory aid year after year. Beautifully designed, it serves not only as a practical organizer but also as a family heirloom that can be passed down through generations.
When you get a package and the branding immediately stands out, you know the product is even better! Happy Camp3r is there for the reminder that we’re all rockstars and taking care of ourself should always be a priority.
”You are important.
You are worthy.
You are beautiful.
You are smart.
You are strong.
You are enough.
You are brave.
You are kind.
You are so loved.”
- The Happy Camp3r
The Happy Camp3r takes mental health seriously, but in a way that makes us all feel right at home with ourselves. Blending snazzy style with a hefty message, they're more than just your average threads; they're a movement. Stirring up conversations and spotlighting mental health, they're not just at the front lines of societal change—they're redesigning the uniform. And honestly? Their comfort level is off the charts, delivering coziness that's as substantial as their commitment to quality, which, by the way, is a solid 10/10.
CGK Linens celebrated for its super soft texture and eco-friendly credentials. This brand offers a vast array of options with over 35+ colors and patterns, ensuring affordability and a wide range of aesthetic and comfort choices. As the foundation of good sleep, CGK Linens' sheets are particularly significant for mothers, who often balance numerous daily responsibilities. Quality sleep is crucial for mothers as it helps them recharge, reduces stress, and enhances overall well-being, enabling them to meet the demands of family and work with vigor. With CGK Linens, mothers can experience the luxury of restful sleep night after night.
Here’s to celebrating the incredible women in our lives with gifts that truly resonate with the spirit of their nurturing hearts. Happy Mother’s Day!