10 Things My Mother Taught Me About Life And How To Live It

My mother is amazing – at barely 5’ tall she is the glue that binds our family. With all of us (children, grand children and great grand children) spread out over the country Mom is the truly the hub and happy to be so. When you want to know who’s doing what – ask Mom, she knows. This summer she will be 85, but you’d never know it to look at her. Unfortunately we live nearly 3000 miles apart on different coasts and we don’t see each other nearly as often as we’d like. Every day I am reminded of my mother, her wisdom, her sense of family and all the things she taught me.

Here are 10 lessons I learned about life and how to live it from my mother’s example:

“You catch more flies with honey than vinegar” – I don’t know how many times I’ve heard my mother say this. And of course she’s right; the best way to get what you want is to be kind, nice and complementary. Being a mean girl just doesn’t get the same results as praise and kindness.
To have a friend you have to be a friend – these are words I passed down to my children. It’s pretty simple logic – to get the benefits of friendship you have to give to someone else – be their friend in the true sense of the word. And my Mom is a prime example – she has a circle of friends who’ve known each other for 70 some years. She is a good friend to many! And has a multitude of friends.
Mystery stories are one of life’s great pleasures. Plus you really learn how to solve real life situations when you think like a mystery writer! I always remember my mother and grandmother passing books back and forth between each other. Usually mystery stories – anything from spy novels to English cozies. I never thought I’d be reading them too– but I’m in the loop – receiving a monthly box of paperback mysteries passed between my sisters and Mom.
Be curious – go places do things – read – travel – experience: My mother still goes to the theater, parties, museums, art galleries – is involved in the Alumni Association of her school , gives parties, goes to her bridge club, knows how to use a computer and email and up until recently worked part time. She keeps up to date with the world! It keeps her young and she could not be any other way.
Go to live theater any time you get the chance! From the time we were very young I can remember going to the theater – whether it was Shakespeare or a Broadway musical we were there. Growing up fairly close to New York, we’d take the train up and sometimes spend the night going to Broadway musicals and other productions. My sister Ann and I still know the words to most every musical on Broadway!
Entertain graciously and serve great food: Growing up I never knew there was junk food or bad food until I went to someone else’s house. My mother is a fabulous cook. She took cooking classes – read cookbooks like novels (we all collect them) and Mom can still whip up a gourmet meal with whatever is in her fridge. My mother and grandmother really taught me how to entertain with style & great food – I have never had a second thought about serving multicourse dinners or giving a party for 100. It never occurred to me that not everyone can do this!
Get involved: Mom has always been involved in her community volunteering her time to causes and charitable organizations. She has staunch beliefs in her causes and takes a stand for them.
Have a good sense of humor: Mom is one smart cookie with a sharp wit and sense of humor. I picture her laughing with tears streaming down her face.
Generosity: Sending over a dinner to a friend in need, helping a friend or donating her time are all hallmarks of my mother’s life. I picture her saying, “It was the least I could do.” She is both consistent and dependable.
Invite anyone who has no place to go or no family over for Thanksgiving: I can’t remember having Thanksgiving without extra people – Mom always makes sure everyone has a place to be with family and friends. No one should be left out.