My mother is an exceptional woman. There are so many character traits I can list that support this statement and one of the ones I love the most is her pleasant demeanor. My mother is happy. She’s the kind of happy that makes you want to be in her presence. She’s optimistic and she is always believing in the good of people. She’s the kind of woman you want to put in your back pocket and pull out when your day feels down or your spirits are shaken. She’s that kind of happy. You don’t find many people like her. And it makes her exceptional.
Growing up with her as my mother there were always examples of how to live life on purpose. As I reflect – daily – on my blessings and living life in the way she taught, I am reminded of some key lessons she still talks about today in her work as a professional speaker – a Humorist no less — teaching people how to reduce stress, see things “funny”, and change their perspective about things so life doesn’t seem so…heavy. Life really is what you choose it to be. You have control, and happiness is always a road on your map to feeling fulfilled. The choice, I believe is always there and always yours to make.
My mother’s lessons, her daily quips and teachings that really stuck with me are truly lessons from which everyone can get something. Here are a few that I particularly love.
If you want to be happy, hang around with happy people. She always says this! And she is never wrong in saying it. Isn’t it true? You hang with a Debbie-downer and you feel…blah. You hang with a full-of-life friend and you feel like you can conquer the world! That is definitely one of the reasons I like to hang around my Mom. Happy definitely breeds happy.
Find the funny side of things; laughter does heal. Everyone is entitled to a bad day, a day filled with tears or concern. And I am sure my mom has had her share (I just don’t know of many of them). And to this day, even the largest of life’s problems, the heaviest stuff I lug into a conversation with her, gets met with humor. Not only does it help, it heals.
Live your life. If you are worried about what others think or what others are doing, you can’t focus as much on you, your life, and how you are meant to live it. Along with living your life in this way – with the focus on your life – comes true knowledge of self and therefore, I believe, true happiness. What else is there?
Make your bed every morning! This wasn’t one of those “chores” my siblings and I had to do or we didn’t get an allowance. No way. My mom was in the business of teaching us life lessons early, not necessarily paying us for things we needed to do anyway in order to be ready for life. The lesson: feel good and start as soon as you wake up. It was never an option for us — not making the bed. She still believes that starting the day in an organized way makes you feel good, puts a spring in your step and prepares you for the day. It makes your space look serene and gives you an easy and quick sense of accomplishment. Important stuff. And so simple to do.
Smile. She is big on this simple action. She speaks of the physiological benefits to groups all over the country. A simple smile – sends signals to your brain almost forcing you to be … well – happy. A smile you give can change a person’s entire day and because of it, change yours for the better as well. Like making your bed, a smile is a great way to start your day. My mother always suggests when you wake in the morning, look in the mirror and smile. You instantly feel good, happy – because someone is always smiling back. Try it!
It takes a lifetime to truly know yourself. I like this one. I remember asking her the question when I was an early teen — when will I know myself? ”A lifetime,” she answered, “it takes a lifetime, and there are lessons all along the way”. It might have been confusing then but looking back now there is so much comfort in that answer. And she is right. There is a lesson in every day. You just have to pay attention and be ready to live life everyday.
Lessons are still being taught; there is always more to question, to discover. And I am still learning, (thanks Mom). No doubt so is she.