In a world that’s fuelled by material desire, we often forget that the things we hold nearest to our hearts are priceless. If we were to sit down and make a list, I’m sure that the first fifteen (or fifty – depending on how strong-headed and difficult you were as a teenager) would be words of wisdom, handed down to us by our mothers.
So, this Mother’s Day, we thought, why not take the time out (which we all have a little extra now) and acknowledge aloud – on the World Wide Web, no less – these seemingly simple but super important life lessons, without which we wouldn’t have turned out the kind of amazing we all are right now.
Here’s the Aza edition of #MyMomTaughtMeThis , written from within the confines of our homes, and more importantly, that of our hearts.
My mom always believed that nothing comes before one’s family. She always taught us to be selfless and take care of those around us - young and old. Also, while she was a housewife, she believed it was very important for everyone - be it a girl or a boy - to stand on their own feet and be independent. I am truly grateful to her for imbibing these values in me, which have helped me grow as an individual.
- Sonali
Among the other things, I have learnt the virtues of patience and forgiveness from my mother. I have also learnt to not be bogged down and keep going in life with a resilient spirit, observing my mother through all these years.
- Nidhi
So, my mom is an avid reader and a writer and somewhere she inculcated those habits in me as well. And the best advice she has given me is, “you are a writer and a reader, you have read great stories but you can’t write a great story for me or anyone else until you can write a good one for yourself. You are the greatest story you will ever write.”
- Saloni
My mother is an extremely good cook. Most of my life lessons have been served to me straight from the kitchen. It may seem simple, but my mom always ensures that the guests don't leave our home hitherto eating. She makes it her life’s mission to feed people till our roti casserole is completely empty. She believes that people should leave your house feeling full and satiated because that’s an act of kindness they’ll always remember. This is something that’ll always stay with me.
- Utkarsha
My mom has always taught me to have trust in yourself and always learn to grow in life. The battle of life is not going to be easy but learn to fight for yourself. Thanks, mom!
- Kinjal
You taught me strength, acceptance & patience. Showed me what it truly means to be strong & independent and How not to ever give up! Can’t thank you enough for doing everything possible within your reach to make me the person who I am today.
- Arthi
“Be kind in how you treat yourself and others,” is something I have adapted from my mother. I have tried to imbibe this attitude in everything I do in life. And surely it has helped me manage situations with a certain ease and confidence. It has helped me to stay in touch with myself in every instance, it helped me to discovered my true calling as a stylist and the courage to pursue it simultaneously while finishing law school and finally to make a full-time switch. She inspires me to live life gracefully and most of all with kindness.
- Chandni
My mother always told me, " If you need anything in this world, you have to work hard and earn it. No one is going to give it to you for free. Hard work and sincerity will take you a long way, as long as you leave your anger behind."
- Rommel
My mom always said, "Do not bow down to anyone ever in life, be it any situation or circumstances. Your self-respect should be one of the most treasured things".
- Pearl
My mom always tells me, “If you can’t say anything nice, then don’t say anything at all.”
- Inshara
My mother taught me to be nice to everybody. And she said something before I left home. She said, ‘I want you to always remember that the person you are in this world is a reflection of the job I did as a mother.'
- Aarti
The most important lesson of my life that I have learned from my mother is to be honest no matter how 'hard' it may seem at that point in time. In the long run, honesty always outweighs any short-term benefit. I have found this to be very true in every area of my life. Such a simple but true statement - nobody believes it, until they experience it for themselves. Love you, Maa.
- Namrata
I’ve learned to have patience, faith and keep a smiling face as difficult situations don't last forever.
- Natasha
Very difficult to jot down just one life lesson learnt from my mother. However, the one I've held closely is to live and enjoy the present as that is all one has.
- Mangirish
If there's a thing I have learned from my mother it's not to be afraid of the responsibility that comes with caring for other people.
- Sejal
Mother is always the first teacher in every child's life. According to my mother, to help people in trouble is equal to worshipping God. She taught me always be polite, honest & sincere. The most important thing she taught me is to serve the nation well, as Nation is also our mother. I love my mother very much.
- Udaykumar
Be hardworking, honest and respectful.
- Shobha
My mother has taught me the importance of being patient.
- Deepak
My mom ❤️ has always said being kind may not be the road to success but it will lead to a beautiful life ahead 🙂
- Sudha
My mom always says, "If you have to be remembered for something, make sure you're remembered for being emphathetic. There is no greater virtue than being able to recognise someone's suffering. And with your actions - no matter how big or small - if you are able to make life better for someone, then, I will guarantee that it will be a life well spent."
- Ashwini
Have a message for your mom? Leave it in the comments below!