Life Lessons

For my 33rd birthday, my wonderfully wise mother decided to write down 33 life lessons she wished she knew when she was 33. I was extremely moved and touched by both the significance and simplicity of these “instructions on life” and felt the need to share.

Enjoy.

1) Sense of humor is one of the best traits a person can have.
2) The ability to put yourself in someone else’s shoes is huge.
3) Great children can come from not so great families
4) Very few people are “bad”- they (we) just make bad decisions
5) Prayer works
6) GOD is real. Developing a relationship with him is everything.
7) It truly is 10% of what happens to me and 90% how I react to it
8) Everyone is born with a hole in them and they must fill it up with something.
9) You never really get “there”. Enjoy the moment you’re in.
10) Seek advice from those who have experience and are successful at “it”.
11) No matter where you are in your relationships (spouse, children, parents)- seek any tools you can to help make it better.
12) One great prayer for yourself, your children and your spouse: “Dear God, help me (them) make good decisions.”
13) Turning 40 is not so bad.
14) The bible is just an old book with old stories-hard to read until you have a relationship with God- then it becomes ALIVE!
15) One of the hardest things to do- but sometimes best thing to do is to say nothing.
16) Favorite way to answer a question I don’t want to answer: “Why do you ask?”
17) Strive to have the heart of a servant.
18) There are lessons in every situation and usually we are being “tested” in that area to help you “grow” in that area. Don’t miss that!
19) No matter what your relationships with your parents, you will miss them terribly when they are gone.
20) Smile- be pleasant to be around- with family, friends, co-workers and strangers.
21) You never know what someone is going through and why they are the way they are- try to be kind.
22) Salmon stew is better than you think!
23) Live within your means- makes life better.
24) Love and honor in this order- God-Spouse-Children.
25) Being willing and able to pray with your spouse, family every day (mornings are great!) will make for a closer, more intimate relationship than you could ever imagine.
26) Expect great things!
27) Always, always be thankful for what you have.
28) People will forget what you did or what you said, but they will never forget how you made them feel.
29) Keep family first.
30) If you think it is wrong, it probably is.
31) Learn to listen- REALLY listen.
32) Grandchildren are wonderful!
33) Never miss an opportunity tell your child how much you love them with all of your heart.


Thanks Mom! I love you!

I Love My Mom... Seriously

Mother's Day is this weekend, so even as cliche' as it is, I thought that I would spout off some random thoughts (and Fun Facts!) about my mother...

-I think my mom is one of the most fair and honest people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing.

-She was a world traveler before she was 5! My mother was born in Manila, Philippines and lived in Fairbanks, Alaska for two years

-Her middle name is actually "Lou"- as in Sandra Lou -and I think that is both unfortunately cute and hilariously funny at the same time.

-I may not share her views on certain things, but I respect her devout faith and strong convictions.

-She has always encouraged and allowed me to find my own way and to be my own person.

-My mother was sort of the "ugly duckling who turned into a swan"- Growing up, she was not the most physically attractive child. She was twiggy skinny, had flaming red hair and a blanket of freckles covered most of her scrawny frame. But in her late teens and early twenties, she came into her own... and wow... did she make up for lost time!

-My mother is really good at Pool- you know, Billiards. At age 25 she won an all male pool tournament, knocking out 26 men; all experienced players and many twice her age.

-She and her husband have a really strong and loving relationship. But they have had their battles. I admire her commitment, persistence and strength to see it through to where it is now. He is a lucky man.

-My mom has a beautiful voice and should share it with people more often.

-I'm not exactly sure what my mom's "job" is but I know she's really good at it.

-I would say 99.99999% of people who know my mother really really like her.

-My mom always ends a phone conversation with me by saying "okloveyoubye" like it's one big word. It kind of gets on my nerves but at this stage in the game, if she didn't say it, the course of the universe would change drastically.

-She could survive on a diet of chocolate ice cream, roast beef subs (from Publix) and pistachios.

-She is an incredible "Nana" and her grandchildren adore her.

-She has always displayed a perfect balance of being involved without being intrusive. She shares her opinions but has always allowed me to form my own.

-She is irrevocably goofy and has a great sense of humor.

-I feel like a million bucks when I make my mom laugh.

-She ALWAYS compliments me on everything from how great my house looks to how pretty I am. Not a good standard to set for my husband, but at least I know I can get it from my mom!

-My mom had a very close relationship with her father. I know she misses him everyday.

-My mom is very simple- She isn't drawn to overly extravagant things and doesn't seek to impress others with material nonsense. She impresses others with a deep substance that shines just as bright.

-I am a good mother because of her.....

Happy Mother's Day Mom! See you in a couple of weeks!!