In honor of Mother’s Day coming up this weekend, I asked a few of my favorite bloggers and designers to share the best lessons they’ve learned from their mothers. Their answers were so enlightening, and I definitely got choked up over one or two. But, of course, I have to start by sharing a little about my own mom.
Emily Ley may have coined the phrase, “I will hold myself to a standard of grace, not perfection,” but my mom embodies this saying every. single. day. She makes the best out of any situation; even as she was diagnosed with cancer last year, her faith and her positive attitude never wavered. She took it gracefully in stride, just like she does everything else, and she came out on the other side of it. I live in constant admiration of her courage and her strength.
I don’t know that it’s absolutely the best lesson my mom has taught me (there have been too many to count!), but the one that sticks out is one that her mom taught her. It basically goes something like, “Put your lips on.”
Part of the meaning behind this phrase is to always look your best. Always put forth that effort. As Tom Ford said, “Dressing up is a form of good manners.” But really, it’s so much more than that. My mom has told me that when she was growing up, my Nanny always went and got dressed and put on “her face” to greet my Pap when he got home from work. She was the first one that he saw, and they got to have a few minutes to themselves before he was greeted by their 3 children. She always put her husband first, and my mom has always done the same. Although we don’t have children yet, my mom has taught me to build a strong foundation with my husband and to always be on his team, no matter what.
My mom (and my Nanny too) has taught me so much about marriage. She is a constant example of strength, grace, faithfulness, and love in marriage and in life. And for that, I can’t thank her enough.
Here’s what 9 other bloggers and designers had to say…
Sarah from Sarah Sofia Productions
My mother taught me the art of entertaining. From hosting a good dinner party to designing a beautiful centerpiece, my passion for entertaining and event design has come from her! On May 8, 2011 my mama gave me Southern Living Party Cookbook for my first Mother’s Day, which was given to her by my grandmother on May 9, 1976, the Mother’s Day before I was born.
Going back to my earliest memories, my Mom has always told me to “try your best, and no one can ask for anything more.” Whenever I worry (to this day!) that I haven’t done well enough or that things won’t work out, she asks me “Did you do your best?” and when I say yes, she always replies “then, no one can ask for anything more.” It’s great advice – thank you, Mom
Liz from Liz Carroll Interiors
My mom taught me “It is what it is.” We moved around a lot growing up and my mom always had a good attitude about it. She never complained (that I heard) and was always outgoing in each new city, teaching us to make new friends along the way and keep us with our old ones. As a mom now, the idea of moving with three children every three to four years sounds like more work than I want to take on, but she always seemed to do it with a positive attitude. After her last big move out of the country, she wrote a book about her experience called, It Is What It Is. It’s full of funny stories about her experience and a good reminder to not takes things to seriously or worry about what you can’t change. I have a necklace with that saying that wear around my neck and it always helps me keep things in perspective. It is what it is.
I think the two best lessons I have learned from my mom are to 1. always be thankful for what you have and 2. always stay positive. She wasn’t one to constantly preach these ideas but rather, she was someone who led by being a constant example of gratitude and a very positive attitude. Because of her, I try to live my life by not only seeing the glass as half full, but more so looking at my glass as completely overflowing. Of course my life is far from perfect, but I have a ton to be grateful for and that is what I choose to focus on because of her.
My mom taught me the true meaning of the word “compassion.” Life can get busy and hectic, and it’s easy to become a bit self-absorbed and get wrapped up in our own daily to-dos. But taking a few minutes out of your day to make someone else feel special is what life is all about. My mom has always made time for others, and shows compassion for everyone she encounters. I hope to instill that same compassion in my own kids someday.
Lauren from Lauren Nicole Designs
My mom has taught me to always pay attention to the details. This could be in reference to a design project but more so in life. She has this amazing ability to point out the smallest of details in a situation that can have the largest impact. Whether it is analyzing all aspects of a large personal decision or going on an installation and remembering to bring my client’s favorite candle as a thank you gift, or a follow up phone call checking in on a delivery, I always try to stop and think like her. Thank you, Mom, for teaching me that it really is all about the details.
Jaime from A Well Dressed Life
Gosh, to narrow that down to just one quote… SHWOOH! Nearly impossible, am I right?!!! I’d say some of the life lessons that have rang the loudest, especially since I’ve become an adult, would be: 1. Always strive to be both financially and emotionally independent. Don’t ever completely rely on a partner to provide 100% of your means, nor 100% of your personal happiness. 2. Never go to bed with makeup on! And never tan your face :) Both of which I wish I would have done less/more of in my teens and 20s! 3. You’re not always going to be everyone’s cup of tea- and that’s perfectly OK. The sooner you accept that reality, the happier you’ll be with who you genuinely are. 4. Don’t stress so much about girl drama in high school. Most of your soul-sister friendships won’t be made until college. Boy, was she right about this one!
Philip from Philip Mitchell Design
I would say the best thing my mother ever taught me – “There is only one set of manners in this world for everyone. Period!” Words to live by.
One of the best lessons my Mom ever taught me is that nature is the best place to recharge. Growing up, my mom would lead my family on a two-week long hike on the Pacific Crest Trail every summer. We’d hike the dirt trails for miles on end, navigate by map and compass, swim in the mountain lakes, and eat food from our packs over campfires. After two weeks in the mountains, enjoying the peace and quiet, we’d come home feeling recharged and relaxed. To this day, the great outdoors is my happy place. When I’m feeling stressed or lost or just need a moment of quiet, I put on my shoes and head outside.
Thank you so much to these bloggers and designers for weighing in! It sounds like you have some pretty amazing moms!
What’s the best lesson your mom ever taught you?
Perfectly written! Thank you so much!
Jaime AWDL recently posted…Derby Garden Party
Sarah, this brought tears to my eyes reading about your mother’s life lesson she has taught you! I completely agree with living your life in Grace, so eloquently stated! This mother’s day I was busy entertaining for my mother and making it special for her. While it wasn’t a relaxing Mother’s Day, it meant the world to me to hear my mother say it was the best Mother’s Day ever simply because I hosted dinner! Many thanks for asking me to sharing my memories on your blog! XOXO, Sarah
Sarah Sofia Knepp recently posted…Mother’s Day Tablescape + Inspiration