Happy Mother’s Day to all the women out there! We are all, in some way, a mother to someone. Maybe you have children of your own or stepchildren. Do you have nieces or nephews you spend time with? Maybe you watch the children of friends or neighborhood kids hang out at your house. Perhaps you are a sister, a grandmother, or a foster mom. We women all act in the capacity of a mother to someone at sometime in our lives.
This is a big responsibility. My mom used to say, “Do as I say, not as I do.” The reality is we learn from others’ actions more than we do their words. We set examples for the people in our lives through our actions. We demonstrate who we are and who we are not through the things we do. It is these actions that will influence those in our care – sometimes in a positive way and sometimes not.
My parents both smoked. I couldn’t stand the smell of cigarettes, how it made my clothes smell, and I hated cleaning out the stinky ashtrays. You guessed it. I don’t smoke and I refused to date anyone that did. (Disclaimer: my husband started smoking cigars long after we were married. By then, I adored him so much it was too late to kick him out! ? )
On the other hand, my parents were avid readers and learners. Both of my brothers and I are also enthusiastic readers and learners to this day. You would roll your eyes at some of the things we read for enjoyment. Books on parasitology, technical resource documents, and more non-standard books) grace our shelves.
Because our parents instilled a love of learning in us, I ended up getting a doctorate (Thank you hubby for all the support!) As a result, my husband, went back to school at 40 and has developed hobbies that cause him to constantly research and learn new things. We all affect others in our lives – young, old, and everywhere in between.
Just for today, let’s be aware of who is around us, what our actions are, and how they may be influencing others.
And, everyday let’s show the mothers in our lives love, kindness, compassion,
and respect. Do something nice for her today and every day!
Happy Mother’s Day!
– Paula –
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