What I’ve Learned From Being Raised By A Strong Mother

strong mothers
@makenamedia

I used to wonder why my family wasn’t like everybody else’s.

It didn’t consist of the usual components; and to me that meant both a mother and father. My mother has been my rock, my go-to, and the glue that’s held me together for the last 24 years.

And as I get older, I recognize the subliminal messages she has continuously taught me along the way.

My mother taught me that patience and faith are two of the most valuable things to obtain in life. And that no matter what, everything will be OK in the end. That tomorrow will always be a new day to start over again. She taught me that patience is the key to getting everything you want from life. And patience is strength. My mother taught me to always go the extra mile for others. She would give her right arm to make sure somebody else was happy, even if that meant she didn’t get anything in return. As I grew older I did the same for others, and that is how I realized not everyone is going to have a heart like mine- and, that’s OK. Doing nice things for others, just for the sake of knowing you’re a good person is all the gratification I’ll ever need.

She taught me that the little things in life will always bring me the most happiness. And every day I am alive, I’m always able to find something to smile about, as long as I open my eyes to it. My mother taught me how it’s possible to be both strong and soft at the same exact time. And that being soft is one of my best assets that I should never apologize for. That being sensitive is a virtue I should appreciate about myself because ultimately it is a gift that keeps giving. She taught me that being selfless is a both a blessing and a curse because it’s easier to get hurt that way. She taught me that beauty is not always physical. And it has more to do with who you are on the inside. She taught me how important it is to get to know someone before ever judging them. And to put myself in their shoes and look at things from another perspective before I chose to do so.

My mother taught me the true meaning of being independent. And how I will never need anybody else to make me happy. She taught me that there is nothing that I’m incapable of accomplishing, as long as I set my mind to it. And no matter what the outcome is, as long as I consistently try my very best, I’ll always be a winner. She taught me there is no real way to buy happiness or love. Material objects will not make me a happy person. That memories and special moments triumph possessions. And I should always be extremely grateful for those moments I am given. She taught me that mistakes are what makes me human. And that it’s perfectly OK to make them, as long as I choose learn from the lessons they provide.

She taught me that the mistakes I make do not define who I am as a person and they will help me grow.

My mother taught me how rare unconditional love is. And when you unconditionally love somebody that means that you continue to love them through the dark times. It means that you promise to never give up on them, no matter how hard it may get.

That the love a mother has for her child is the purest and most magical form of unconditional love there is, and how I should never take that love for granted for a single second. Thought Catalog Logo Mark


About the author

Andrea Davis

Writer, photographer, adventurer.

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