People say that my mom and I are a lot alike. That I admit. But to say a blanket statement like that doesn’t nearly due enough justice or give credit to where credit is due. I love hearing that my mom and I are a lot alike because I have looked up to my mom my entire life.
So today, on her birthday, I would like to tell you about my awesome mom and the 13 most important things she has taught me so far.
You can talk to anyone
While out in public, my mom always manages to find a way to strike up a conversation with complete strangers. She zeros in on something they share in common and has engaging conversations. We’re all in this world together, people. Let’s get to know each other!
Be a Perfectionist
Some say being a perfectionist is a bad thing and there are certainly some parts of it (in extremes) that can be negative. But my mom’s level of craft in everything she does has taught me to accept nothing less than perfection in everything I do.
Laugh
I can’t tell you how many inside jokes from 20+ years ago my mom and I still have. The ability to find humor in the little things is something I have aspired to do in how I live my life and how I approach my relationships with my kids.
Live your life through music
I wish you could all hear my mom play the piano. Or sing. Or watch her direct a choir. Music has always been a part of my mom’s life and there is something special in watching someone sit down at a piano and play because you want to make music.
Expose your career to your kids
I went to design school because of my mom. As a designer herself, I was exposed to a way of thinking about communicating visually. And it didn’t help having tons of art supplies in the house.
It’s ok to have fun in college
And I did.
Break the rules every once in awhile
My mom is a rule breaker. But she only breaks rules when she has a good reason to. I was taught to follow the rules when they make sense. But I was also taught to question the rules and break them when appropriate as long as it shows respect for authority.
Treat women with respect. Always.
Enough said.
It’s ok to like the Beatles AND Elvis.
Despite what Quentin Tarantino hypothesizes in Pulp Fiction (Unreleased scene in case anyone is wondering). My mom exposed me to most of the music I still listen to today.
Don’t Boo
One of my mom’s biggest pet peeves are those that boo opposing teams or referees at games. Just cheer louder for your team. Out of the approximately 150+ professional sporting events I have attended in my life I have never once booed anyone.
Sometimes moms know what’s cool before you do
When I was in 6th grade I desperately wanted this ugly-ass pair of black leather Reebok high tops. My mom tried (and failed) to convince me to buy a pair of Chuck Taylors instead. 2 weeks later, everyone at school had Chucks and I didn’t.
If you commit, you follow through
This is something I feel my mom and I are a lot alike to our detriment. We both tend to overcommit to things. But even if I find myself in that situation, my mom has taught me to follow through with my commitments.
Stand up for yourself
If I am wronged, I make sure I’m not wronged for long. This should not be confused with entitlement. If something wrong happens to you, do what you can to make sure it doesn’t happen to anyone else. This is the single most important thing my mom has taught me.
This, of course, is only part of what makes my mom awesome but these lessons are ones that define who I am today. Happy birthday Mom!
You may also like:
Gregory Ng
GOAL: Visit 100 National Parks as a family by 2020. Favorite Parks: Zion National Park, Mt Rainier National Park, Valley Forge National Historical Park
Follow Me: