Mother Knows Best

There is an adage that says 'Mother knows best'. Many of us have proven this and know all too well of their mother's advice not only blossoming but bearing fruit.

Take my mother, for instance. Growing up, she was a whizz at just about everything - from knowing offhand which scents worked best for me, what fit my body without seeing a label, understanding the difference between chicken soup remedy and an ice cream moment, just by the sound of my voice, and even the best choices of boyfriends.

Now that I am older, I still seek clarity from her with anything I deem thought-provoking.

With that in mind, I asked a few readers: What has your mother ever taught you that you continue to live by? Or, is there any advice that your mother has given you that in the end turned out to be true? This is what they had to say:

My mother always preached about being independent. "Never you depend on anybody for anything," she said. She taught me to be a go-getter, and I've applied that to my life, especially when times get rough.

- T.A., female, 29

 

My mother always told me to be myself and to be careful of how easily I trust others. She has always been right about friends that turned out to be bad for me.

- S.R., female, 26

 

My mother used to tell me, "Don't follow friend and company." I never used to listen to her in high school, and one time, I actually reached the police station; guess I learnt my lesson the hard way. But in a not-so-literal sense, what my mom has taught me is to have a mind of my own, so that things like persuasion and peer pressure wouldn't be an issue for me. And now, years later, I move to the beat of my own drum.

- S.T., female, 27

 

My mother always told me to follow my heart, and that I can accomplish anything I put my mind to. I've always trusted and believed this. And it does help! I am now never scared to go after whatever it is that I want to do. I'm always confident that I'll be successful, whether it be a job interview, an audition or just random everyday living. It's what got me my job four years ago, despite all the talented candidates that auditioned. I gave it my all and was selected. Here I am now, happy with what I do, and working to better my craft each and every day.

- S.D., female, 24

 

My grandmother always said that no matter what I do throughout life, do it 100 per cent. So, no lazy work, no half and half, regardless of the task - so if it's cleaning a toilet, I should clean that toilet with a 100 per cent effort, in the same way I would treat a job that I love. That stood out the most throughout my life, specifically because balancing both a 9 a.m.-5 p.m. job and my own company, I've learnt to give both jobs 100 per cent at all times.

- D.T., female, 25

 

While I mostly go by the teachings of my uncles, one thing my grandmother always said to me was that I must always learn to do things on my own - meaning wash, cook and clean - or else women will beat me with their undergarments. That always stuck with me, especially since I've seen scenarios where women use men's inability in the household to their advantage. So I've ensured I can do all three. I'm no five-star chef, but I can cook.

- A.B., male, 30

 

My mother once called me a coot, and said, "Poor planning on your side doesn't mean an emergency on my side." This basically means not because she puts down some money for a raining day, and my storm hits due to my lack of preparation, means that she is obligated to help. That stayed with me and has helped me to be self-sufficient, so I can be better able to live a better life and be ready for my storm.

- R.C., male, 33

 

My mom always told me not to procrastinate, that it is better to do what you can now and have time to relax after, rather than relax now and lose out on the opportunity to get something done. And that has just stuck with me. It is something that I live by. I hate putting things off until the last minute.

- B.C., male, 35.

krysta.anderson@gleanerjm.com