Things I Have Learned From My Mom

Most of my blogs up to this point have been on subjects that are harder for me to share, but this one will be quite different. Different because I love my mom. Different because she is my best friend. Different because I am who I am today based greatly on much that I have learned from her.

Though anyone that knew my mom at my age will say that she was everything entirely opposite of who I am, she is now the one that I can relate to most. Her deep southern accent is the butt of a lot of jokes, but she would not be her without it. Her laugh, or chuckle rather, is not able to be imitated. It is irreplaceable and something that I know I will long to hear once she is no longer around. She is the woman that religiously drove me to and from all of my dance classes and was my biggest supporter. When my self esteem is low, she is the one that crushes the nonsense that comes from my mouth. She is the one that showed me what unconditional love is through example. My values and morals have been formed from the exposure to Christ that she provided to me at such an early age. No matter what I do, I know I will never ever lose her love.

Now that I have evoked tears from the eyes of my female readers, I can tell you a few of the things that I have learned from my mom. I hope they give you a good laugh, especially to those who know my incredible mom.

Lesson #1
Music from the 70s is irreplaceable, especially that of the rock genre.
(I have been listening to Lynard Skinnard, Rod Stewart, The Doors, The Doobie Brothers, and etc. since before I could talk. Not only have I listened to it, my mom made sure I listened to it the right way... LOUD. AND my first concert ever was Rod Stewart. Yes I was the youngest attendee and I knew every word to every song.)

Lesson #2
Embarrassment is only a state of mind.
This lesson entails a few examples to reinforce my point.
Ex: Dancing like a fool (aka: doing the robot, dougie, and etc.) in front of others is not embarrassing, it brings laughter to everyone who sees.
Ex: Staring someone down in the store because you think you know them is not embarrassing, it either reunites you with an old friend or makes you a new one.

Lesson #3
Being friendly never hurt anyone, and asking others for help (even complete strangers) saves a lot of time.
(This includes asking old women if they think your daughter looks "cute" in the jeans she has just tried on, asking where a product is even when you butcher the pronunciation, and telling jokes to people you don't know and then laughing so hard they can't help but laugh.)

Lesson #4
Chocolate, candy, and any other type of sweet is acceptable at any time of day, despite what nutritionists may tell you.
(Ice cream is full of calcium, chocolate is good for your heart, and sweets in general make people happier)

Lesson #5
Being a home body is nothing to be ashamed of.
(What is better than sleeping in your own bed, lounging in your most comfortable clothes, and munching on your favorite foods?)

Lesson #6
Talking to animals is totally normal, of course they understand you and love you more for it.

These are but a small sampling of the lessons I have learned from my mom, and yes they are on the funny side. She has also taught me many life lessons that have made me a better person, a good friend, and one day a great mom. I love her more than words can express. I hope that anyone that reads this is fortunate to have met her or will meet her one day.

For now, that's all I have to say. Enjoy, and may your relationships with your parents be blessed and as memorable as mine.